2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Battery Box & hold downs

[firefighter_2000]

Has anyone made their own battery box? Maybe from aluminum or stainless steel? The place where my hold down bolts go is broken, and I'd like to get something a little more substantial down there.



Second...

Anyone have a good source for a good set of battery hold downs, including bolts, nuts, top plate (goes across the top of the battery) etc that wont corrode and will effectively hold down the optima batteries. I had to replace my batteries this week and had to do a quick fix by cutting off the tops of the hold down bolts with a pair of bolt cutters. The bolts are pretty corroded, the nuts & washers are equaly as bad.

Thanks

Craig

 

[WestTN]

I would not use alminum. It corrodes very badly when subjected to acid.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

How 'bout plastic, like a boat battery box? Nearly as strong (as engineered) as aluminum, it laughs at corrosion and doesn't conduct 'lectricity—evah!! I'll bet somebody out there has reconfigured a marine battery box for our application.

 

[firefighter_2000]

Optima

Would this be a problem even since I have both optima batteries? I know they're sealed and are a bit different than regular lead acid batteries. Anyone care to elaborate on that?

Thanks

Craig

 

[firefighter_2000]

Part number

Did some researching, and found the part number for the original bolts & clips for the bottom of the battery bolts. Not sure if its still a good number, but this is what I found:



55235142



Im going to try a new set and throw on some thick paint and see how it goes. With the new optima batteries, should be no spillage or anything like that. I'll try to post some pics when I do.

Thanks

Craig

 

[Hammer]

At one time Geno's Garage was selling some sweet battery hold down bling. I aksed Robin a while ago about them and they were out of stock and she was trying to re-aquire some as I wanted them for my truck to anchor the new Optima's.



That was about 2 years ago and the sweet hold downs have yet to slip back onto their website or in their catalog as of this writing.



As for the hold down bolts... .

I took mine to a local shop here in my town who specializes in bolts. They got me a set of 4 stainless steel allen head bolts to use with new tie downs that I have yet to find,LOL.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I changed my OEM batteries to Optima years ago and no corrosion.

 

[CCiatteo]

My bolts failed awhile ago. I just too some rod, cut threads on both ends double nutted a fender washer on the bottom, slid it under the battery tray where the factory clip went, then double nutted the top side and have no problems since. Not pretty, but very secure and functional. I reused the original upper mount that clamps the top of the battery. No corrosion because of the Optimas'.

 

[tolmsted]

I changed my OEM batteries to Optima years ago and no corrosion.

Yep, I'll second that too. Sure is sweet not having to worry about it any more. Period

 

[Dell (WA)]

Remember... ... . the battery hold-down bolts/screws are 6mm. Dodge dealer's price is very dear. I bought a bottle of "metallic GOLD" paint from my local "hobby" shop and re-painted the long screws so I wouldn't feel so ripped-off.



NO USE ALUMINUM, very susceptible to battery acid corrosion. Yeah, I know Optimums don't fume.



My local Marine Store is selling very nice HD plastic battery trays and tops. NO RUST EVER. ... ... . Dell