Possible to Add Trunk-Mounted Battery Box in Completed Car?

[Jim Doak]

I currently have an Optima battery mounted on the floor of my trunk and it takes-up quite a bit of storage space. I'd like to add a dropped battery box in the trunk to free-up some valuable storage space. I was planning on having to remove the body following the current driving season to install the dropped battery box.

Is it possible to install a dropped battery box in a completed car?

Thanks.

[scottiec]

I currently have an Optima battery mounted on the floor of my trunk and it takes-up quite a bit of storage space. I'd like to add a dropped battery box in the trunk to free-up some valuable storage space. I was planning on having to remove the body following the current driving season to install the dropped battery box.

Is it possible to install a dropped battery box in a completed car?

Thanks.

It should be. You will gave to cut the aluminum. I have the battery box from FFmetal.com. Go to their site and talk to Bill Dane. He will get you all set up.

[Mark Reynolds]

Yes, but why not get the trunk space you want plus a host of additional benefits while you are at it:
http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=518

[RickP]

I currently have an Optima battery mounted on the floor of my trunk and it takes-up quite a bit of storage space. I'd like to add a dropped battery box in the trunk to free-up some valuable storage space. I was planning on having to remove the body following the current driving season to install the dropped battery box.

Is it possible to install a dropped battery box in a completed car?

Thanks.


Yes, but why not get the trunk space you want plus a host of additional benefits while you are at it:
http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=518

Jim - If you have a type 51 battery Mark's front mount battery box is a perfect choice. It mounts between the X member and 4inch round tube. Very easy to install. You would have to run new cables but it sure beats modifying the trunk aluminum just in order to capture some trunk space.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=57695&d=1471796343

[Jim Doak]

Scottiec, my concern is if it's possible to reach and cut the aluminum, as well as install the battery box in a completed car.

Mark, your Web site is blocked here at work but I presume that link you provided is to your engine compartment battery mount.

I'd go that route in a heartbeat, if I could. (I've already looked into it.) However, I don't have the necessary space between the fan and the front of the engine. As you can see from the photo I attached from 2012, there's too much equipment in the way (power steering reservoir, oil cooler thermostat, oil filter, etc.).

Rick, you can also see my dilemma with a front-mounted battery.

[RickP]

Scottiec, my concern is if it's possible to reach and cut the aluminum, as well as install the battery box in a completed car.

Mark, your Web site is blocked here at work but I presume that link you provided is to your front-mounted battery mount.

I'd go that route in a heartbeat, if I could. (I've already looked into it.) However, I don't have the necessary space between the fan and the front of the engine. As you can see from the photo I attached from 2012, there's too much equipment in the way (power steering reservoir, oil cooler thermostat, oil filter, etc.).

Rick, you can also see my dilemma with a front-mounted battery.

Mercy, you do have a lot going on up there!

[phileas_fogg]

That's a crowded engine compartment for sure (and a good looking one at that).

Just spit balling here, but would you consider placing the battery on top of the passenger foot box? You might have to get a battery with posts on the front rather than on top, and mount it so the axis of the posts run fore/aft.


John

[Avalanche325]

I did a drop trunk mod on a completed car. I am sure you can do the battery box.

[Erik W. Treves]

I did XS S Series / S545 for my 347 stroker and mounted it right in front of the footbox... you could also install it right on top of the foot box without issue... spins the engine over without issue

[JRL16]

I have the dropped battery box in my Mk4 and it was installed after the diff, gas tank and brake lines were in. Body wasn't on it yet. You need those components in to locate it especially if you have the 2015 IRS. Very tight fit on that. Had to grind back some of the corners of the box. Got it from FFMetals. Worked out great. Remember to put some kind of circuit breaker or fuse close to the battery.

[rich grsc]

On top of foot box.

68754

[slpro1207]

I decided I also wanted a drop battery box. My mistake was deciding that after I had the trunk floor in and sealed. With fuel tank removed I was able to work under the floor and install the box. It is not easy and there was a lot of "what was I thinking" going on in my head. Good luck.

[CraigS]

The FFRMetal box
http://www.ffmetal.com/batbox001.html
drops right in between two 3/4x3/4 tubes so all you have to worry about is the left to right location. Easiest was to cut the aluminum is w/ one of these.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-JobMax-4-Amp-Multi-Tool-with-Tool-Free-Head-R28602/206824272
It is shown installed under the trunk aluminum but would be fine on top.

[Blue MK3]

My battery is mounted in front of the engine and that's what I'd recommend. Short cables with little line loss, keeps the weight low, stays cooler, and helps the F/R weight ratio.

[Jim Doak]

My battery is mounted in front of the engine and that's what I'd recommend. Short cables with little line loss, keeps the weight low, stays cooler, and helps the F/R weight ratio.

I can't. See post #5.

I ordered an FFMetal battery box yesterday.

[Blue MK3]

I can't. See post #5.

I ordered an FFMetal battery box yesterday.

Yeah, I see now how hard it would be for a front mount. Sorry I missed that.