Hey guys, I'm gonna be needing a battery box that'll make me pass inspection. I have a red-top optima battery and the battery is in the trunk on the right side. Any suggestions where I can get a cheap one soon?
Summit, etc ... Also, marine supply shops usually have them. Boats use these fairly often, too. Since you have an Optima, I doubt that it even needs to be vented, but please double-check that.
I think even with the optima they require it since I have moved it to the trunk. The ones on the summit website are as cheap as $10. Will they work? Even Kragen has them for like $10.
You can put a "firewall" piece of aluminum or steel (0.032" or thicker I think) behind the rear seat and be legal without using a battery box. Much easier this way and if you ever get a fuel cell you will need it anyways.
If you had a fuel cell, wouldn't the battery still need to be in an enclosure and vented, even w/ the firewall? The cheap battery enclosures will work and get you passed inspection.
So what about what erick said? If I have that separation between the trunk and cabin do I need a battery box at all?
IIRC, you need to have the terminals covered so there's no sparking going on back by the gas tank in case of an accident.
If you have the seperation it doesn't need to be in a box. http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=56828&highlight=battery+box Here's the way mine is and it is legal. Go to post #4.
Here is the NHRA rule.... All batteries must be securely mounted; must be of sufficient capacity to start vehicle at any time.Batteries may not be relocated into the driver or passenger compartments. Rear firewall of .024-inch steel or .032-inch aluminum (including package tray) required when battery is relocated to trunk. In lieu of rear firewall, battery may be located in a sealed .024-inch steel, .032-inch aluminum, or NHRA accepted poly box. If sealed box is used instead of rear firewall, box may not be used to secure battery and must be vented outside of body. Relocated battery(s) must be fastened to frame or frame structure with a minimum of two 3/8 inch diameter bolts. OEM located batteries without complete OEM hold-down hardware must be secured to OEM battery box/tray using the same 3/8 inch diameter bolt hold down method described in previous sentence. (J Hooks prohibited or must have open end welded shut). Metal hold down battery straps mandatory. Strapping tape prohibited. A maximum of 2 automobile batteries or 150 pounds combined maximum weight (unless otherwise specified in Class Requirements), is permitted. Maximums may vary according to Class Requirements. I'm sure this makes everything as clear as mud.
So if you look at this picture, would I be able to just bolt a flat metal sheet here that's 0.024 in thick and I'd be good to go? Can I get that at home depot?
Yeah, that's how I've always had mine. Home Depot may have it but probably not a big enough piece. Industrial Metal Supply in San Diego will have it or call around locally. A box is fine too, I just like being able to get to the battery easy for charging, disconnecting, etc. Good luck man.
Might think about going with the .032 aluminum. I think it'll weigh less. Don't forget you need to enclose the package tray also.
