Battery relocation

[68Stepbed]

-Mods, I'm putting this in 67-72 section because it's a specific question. If you feel it needs to be moved, feel free to do so.-

OK, after autocrossing my truck at the Charlotte GoodGuys show, I'd like to move as much weight rearward as possible. the only somewhat cheap and easy thing to move is the battery. My question is if anyone has relocated their battery to the rear somewhere. If so, where? How did you mount it? I need to keep it mounted underneath, so does it need to be fully covered or can a battery be left open to the elements?

Also, since this will be on my stepside, I need to make sure this is specific for the stepper crowd. I'm open to all ideas, though, so don't be shy to show what your fleetside has. I just know that the stepside can have a different outcome with certain mods.

[Ryan5O]

Sounds interesting. Im sure someone will chime in.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Build a in frame battery holder of some sort?

[cst350]

I went with the drop down box from Brothers. Put it under the bed in front of the passenger wheel. I figure keeping it between the wheels is a good thing and putting it on the passenger side counterbalances my weight at the wheel. Used to autocross a Trans Am and used the same logic. Worked pretty good.

[prostreetC-10]

If you mount it anywhere in the back I would use a Ford remote solenoid in the back. This way your honking huge power cable stays dead until and only when you start it. It's a huge safety precaution that you see at the drags. This way if you are ever in an accident or something goes wrong, your truck won't burn up. I just did it to my Camaro. Super easy and kind of cool. While you are at it you can do a neat little master power cutoff switch somewhere in the back.

[Ryan5O]

Heres a how to link
http://www.classicperform.com/tech_a...attery-Box.htm

[YBNORML]

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[woodwright]

I'm thinking of doing this to mine too just to clean up the engine bay. But I'm gonna need to mount 2. I was thinking under the bed right behind the cab. I think it will fit up between the support braces and be well hidden.

[68Stepbed]

Hey guys, thanks for the responses. I'll definetely look into the remote solenoid idea.

I looked under the truck last night. The ideal spot is between the frame and rear step. There's a space of 7" x 15" x 12"(give or take depending on bracing). It's just big enough for a battery. I beleive Optima makes a smaller than normal sized battery that would work well in that position.

OK, now which Optima battery would be better? The red top or yellow top? The red top is more of a direct replacement style, and the yellow top is a deep cycle battery. I really don't see a reason for a deep cycle battery on my truck as I don't have alot of electronics to operate.

[prostreetC-10]

Deep cycles usually will not last as long because of their intended use. You will see a 36 month warranty on those while the passenger batteries will go as high as 80 months and maybe beyond. Make sure and mount it on the pass side to offset your weight.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Whatta bout making it semi easy to reach if you need to charge/jump start it...

[68gmsee]

Any concerns about battery shorts due to water splattering under the body?

What about if a person has to drive through several inches of water on flooded streets?

I did read that there are some batteries made specifically for these environments but are very expensive.

[stich626]

why not an alum batt box and mount in the bed.. infront of the wheel pass side...
easy to get to.. not dealing with road dirt and water.. and safer
if I'm following you correctly you want to put it infront of the tire but behind the step..
not a ton of room there.. and getting to it. will be a royal p.i.t.a.
they make tool boxes that fit on the bed floor on the side and infront of the wheel well..
thats always an option..
good luck..

[68Stepbed]

Well, I really don't want to put it in the bed. I will leave it up front before moving it to the bed.

Leaving the battery open to the elements is one of my original questions. Jeg's and Summit racing both offer enclosed(and vented) boxes that will mount them anywhere.

[stich626]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

Well, I really don't want to put it in the bed. I will leave it up front before moving it to the bed.

Leaving the battery open to the elements is one of my original questions. Jeg's and Summit racing both offer enclosed(and vented) boxes that will mount them anywhere.

yes they do, I've had them in my t/a and sunbird
but they open at the top to get to the batt. so getting to the battery could be removing the bed, or fender/step
I have a fleet so I have more room. and gonna get a box from those small boxtrucks that mount the battery off the frame and open on the side..
again fleet so more room.. good luck..
if it's a wood bed you could install it on the inside of the frame rail and make a trap door to get to the battery..

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by stich626

......
if it's a wood bed you could install it on the inside of the frame rail and make a trap door to get to the battery..

I think somebody has already done that. IIRC it was a pretty nifty idea and well hidden.


On second though, maybe it was a fuel tank opening.

[TrkEnvy]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

I think somebody has already done that. IIRC it was a pretty nifty idea and well hidden.


On second though, maybe it was a fuel tank opening.

I think it was a fuel door too.. But I like the trap door idea. I have a steel bed and I am planning on building a battery box that bolts up from underneath. Then doing a door flap with a mailbox lock on it. That way if she has to sit for a while I can pull a lead off and lock it back up.. No start..
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[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by stich626

if it's a wood bed you could install it on the inside of the frame rail and make a trap door to get to the battery..

It is a wood bed, so that's a great idea. Thanks for the tip.