Speaking of extra storage space...... anyone any neat uses
for the storage space resulting from going from 2 6v batteries
to 1 12v battery? (that's anyone HAVE any neat uses"..) I thought
of looking for a Tupperware container that might hold perhaps oil
and tools, maybe a styrafoam container to carry some cold cokes in;
There's probably some real clever use I just haven't thought of.
Any suggestions ?
Victoria British and probably the rest of the usual sources have been
advertising impact-resistant plastic tubs to use as battery boxes. The
idea is that they fit inside the metal frames that hold the batteries
in place, but are smaller than batteries themselves. The plastic is
meant to be eletrolyte-resistant as well, and keeps road grime from
the battery terminal.
They recommend going to a single battery and installing two of these
battery boxes, one for the 12V battery and one for just this purpose.
They show it with a quart of Castrol, a flare, a couple of wrenches,
and the usual in it.
The advantage is that it'd be pretty secure, because nobody would
think to look there, particularly if it was under the carpeted
cover that should be there. The disadvantage is that you have to
pop the access cover, which uses five Dzus fasteners. That's not
something you could do easily while driving, but it might not be
all that hard for the passenger to reach. Also it's hard to reach
the fasteners with the top folded down there.
The Really Way Cool thing to do would be to cut the access panel
cover an inch or so to the left of the middle Dzus fastener and
install a piano hinge. Then work up a quick-release fastener,
maybe just a cabinet latch in one of the Dzus holes behind the
driver, and a pull so that you could lift it easily. Then hide
it under the carpet. That way you'd have some security while
parked, but your passenger could lift the lid and get you out an
ice-cold Co-Cola while you motor along on a hot summer's day.
Of course, the muffler does run right under that battery box, so
you'd better get some styrofoam insulation and maybe pack it with
ice for those long trips. Or you can just use it to keep your
coffee warm in the winter...
|