View Full Version : Gen 3 frame changes makes mounting the battery tray require fabrication??
jemorgan3
04-04-2026, 09:14 AM
I was following Papa's example in an upgraded battery tray and realized my frame is different from anyone else's ive seen in build threads! FFR seems to have redesigned the frame in the battery tray area, eliminating the cross bracing going under the area the battery tray mounts. I also have these tabs along the edge that seem to be missing on any other build ive seen. Has anyone else seen this, is there a solution for the battery tray other than adding bracing in that area to support the battery? I have the same battery tray everyone else has, it isnt large enough to span the gap and use the frame tabs that have replaced the previous bracing that I am missing.
https://i.postimg.cc/pLDp1fL2/IMG-2387.avif (https://postimg.cc/cvLxv83j)
https://i.postimg.cc/Gt5KnQ3Y/IMG_2217.avif (https://postimg.cc/xNLMKLzT)
The frame is going to my fabricator this summer to install the ePowersteering under the dash, so I plan on having him add the bracing that seems to be missing from my chassis.
edwardb
04-04-2026, 09:24 AM
Interesting. Looks like Factory Five made a similar change to the Gen 3 Coupe as they did on the Mk5 Roadster. You should have received a battery tray that spans the opening and fits to the tabs pictured. If you didn't ask FF. Shouldn't be necessary to do any fabrication of your own. This is a screenshot from the Mk5 manual in case it's not showing in the Coupe manual.
227769
jemorgan3
04-04-2026, 09:27 AM
I thought that may have been the case, im not sure im in love with those tabs soo far apart supporting the weight of a battery.. I'll shoot FFR an email today.
I wish my frame had the update! Getting the battery out with a Coyote stuffed in the engine bay on my car will be a pain with the air intake and coolant lines congesting the area that the battery will need to come through. Those tabs will have absolutely no issue supporting the weight of the battery.
PNWTim
04-04-2026, 10:29 AM
I think I saw a post a while back from Jeff Kleiner regarding this update. If I remember correctly it allows for removal of the battery from underneath?
I think I saw a post a while back from Jeff Kleiner regarding this update. If I remember correctly it allows for removal of the battery from underneath?
Tim,
That's correct. I believe the change was made based on feedback from the MK5 beta builders, including Jeff, based on the placement of the brake boost setup FFR is now offering that mounts where the battery would come out from above. By making it removeable from below, you won't have to disassemble a bunch of stuff to get the battery out.
Dave
jemorgan3
04-04-2026, 10:46 AM
Well now I’m happy to be lucky enough to get the updated battery placement! Just gotta get the correct tray sent!
Thanks for the insight!
Sharris2
04-04-2026, 01:02 PM
I wonder when they made the change? I picked up my 30th anniversary coupe mid August last year and it's not like that?
jemorgan3
04-05-2026, 08:07 AM
I picked mine up on Veterans Day last year, so sometime between your build and mine.
Erik W. Treves
04-05-2026, 08:51 AM
Yes this was change likely from Us beta builders... if you retrofit power brakes, you will need to able to remove the battery from the bottom - without this the battery choices are limited to only a few.
Power Surge
04-05-2026, 08:33 PM
What's your car number?
Erik W. Treves
04-07-2026, 07:17 AM
my roadster is Beta #2 :)
Jeff Kleiner
04-07-2026, 08:56 AM
my roadster is Beta #2 :)
No, I'm #2...I got mine a day before you :p But you did finish first ;)
Jeff
Power Surge
04-07-2026, 11:14 AM
my roadster is Beta #2 :)
I meant the original poster LOL
jemorgan3
04-07-2026, 11:23 AM
Chassis # 1000705DC, build date of 1 Nov 2025
Power Surge
04-07-2026, 04:51 PM
Chassis # 1000705DC, build date of 1 Nov 2025
So you're coupe 705. I've got 692, and mine is the previous design. Wonder if they started at 700 with the new version.
Dmac800
04-07-2026, 05:06 PM
I wonder if the older design can be changed to the new design to make it easier to remove the battery?