I don't know why, but I can't ever just do a simple project. There is always something else that would be a bunch easier to do while I'm doing something else.
My last wheeling trip I blew an oil cooler line...not that big a deal aside from a small fire.
Got the line patched, but while doing so noticed my factory battery trays were all busted up and on the verge of allowing the batteries to roll into the engine. Those things just aren't made to take the pounding I guess...
So, I decided I'd take care of that problem for good by relocating my batteries in some beefy steel boxes. Had a spot all picked out...right behind the front seats inset into the floor. First good thing is I never have to worry about batteries rolling or falling into something. Second good thing is getting 120 lbs of batteries a hell of a lot lower and pretty central in the truck. Good for CoG and good for running electrical accessories.
So, I started by cutting the hole in the floor...then in typical fashion I decided that while I had the cut off disc out I'd tub the rear wells while I was at it.
Sorry it's a little blurry (crappy camera)
My tires rubbed the inside of the stock fenderwells really hard so I figured 4" wider would be good.
New fenderwell tacked in.
View from rear.
And finally the new battery box.
As you can see I need to weld in some corners around the new fenderwells (had a brain fart while cutting )
Still need to form up some lids for the battery boxes and do some more welding on this side. Then repeat on the drivers side and run my cables.
Here is a shot of the box from outside the truck. It's built from 1/8" steel plate, formed and welded.
I'll post up some finished pic's when I actually finish this...
Rene
My last wheeling trip I blew an oil cooler line...not that big a deal aside from a small fire.
Got the line patched, but while doing so noticed my factory battery trays were all busted up and on the verge of allowing the batteries to roll into the engine. Those things just aren't made to take the pounding I guess...So, I decided I'd take care of that problem for good by relocating my batteries in some beefy steel boxes. Had a spot all picked out...right behind the front seats inset into the floor. First good thing is I never have to worry about batteries rolling or falling into something. Second good thing is getting 120 lbs of batteries a hell of a lot lower and pretty central in the truck. Good for CoG and good for running electrical accessories.
So, I started by cutting the hole in the floor...then in typical fashion I decided that while I had the cut off disc out I'd tub the rear wells while I was at it.
Sorry it's a little blurry (crappy camera)
My tires rubbed the inside of the stock fenderwells really hard so I figured 4" wider would be good.
New fenderwell tacked in.
View from rear.
And finally the new battery box.
As you can see I need to weld in some corners around the new fenderwells (had a brain fart while cutting
)Still need to form up some lids for the battery boxes and do some more welding on this side. Then repeat on the drivers side and run my cables.
Here is a shot of the box from outside the truck. It's built from 1/8" steel plate, formed and welded.
I'll post up some finished pic's when I actually finish this...
Rene
As soon as the seam sealer is dry I'll get it painted. I salvaged the old rounded corners and got those welded in.
