• Steel Soldiers now has a few new forums, read more about it at: New Munitions Forums!

  • Microsoft MSN, Live, Hotmail, Outlook email users may not be receiving emails. We are working to resolve this issue. Please add support@steelsoldiers.com to your trusted contacts.

 

Deuce Battery Hold Down for Group 31 Batteries

Valence

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
2,135
605
113
Location
Davis County, UT
In 2013 I replaced my failed, stock 6TL batteries with a pair of Group 31 batteries from NAPA P/N: 7235.
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?124577-Electric-problem&p=1551667&viewfull=1#post1551667

For over 3 and 1/2 years I used a single ratchet strap to hold down the batteries. This early spring I noticed that part of the strap had melted - likely due from a battery spark, or acidic gasses. I decided it was past time to replace the poor, temporary solution with something better.

I've used an 11 gauge, 1/2" x 1" rectangular tube and welded 4" of 1/8" thick x 1" wide flat to the end (flush with the "top" of the flat). The over all rod length is 23-1/8". The 1/4" holes are drilled at 1/2" down and 1/2" in from either end of the flat (3" separation), then matching holes were drilled off the center of the metal battery box (I measured the box at about 13-3/8" wide, so the holes were placed at 5-3/16" and 8-3/16" from the front, 1-1/16" down from the top, as these group 31 batteries are 8-1/2" tall).

I have yet to cut some wood to fill the leftover side-to-side space in the battery box. A length of 2x4 (side ways) would be just about perfect, but I may need to cut some different wood as I'd like a tight fit. The third battery is for the 12V alternator and 12V accessories. The 12V dedicated battery is a bit shorter than the others, so I am going to add sections of a rubber mat below the bar (or under the battery) to make up the difference.

2017-05-20 15.59.08.jpg 2017-05-20 20.06.42.jpg 2017-05-20 21.14.23.jpg 2017-05-20 21.08.14.jpg 2017-05-20 21.08.34.jpg 2017-05-20 20.06.50.jpg 2017-05-20 20.06.19.jpg 2017-05-20 21.14.38.jpg

I used self etching primer, Krylon flat black, and then Plasti-Dip to rubber coat the center bar.

2017-05-21 10.14.58.jpg

[HR][/HR]
A little bit of background and disclosure. This was actually the very first project that I've welded. In late 2013 I took a local 15 hour "Hobbyist Welding for Beginners" class. Last year, I purchased a very nice Millermatic 211 with cart, and then later, a CO2/Argon tank.

2017-05-20 21.10.09.jpg

This year I purchased a 25' extension cord for the welder, that I was even able to add text down the length of it (for security reasons). I put my name, telephone and email address. (Both red and blue options for those who might care about the color of their welding equipment).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016P7SGWK/
719gsjz0fDL._SL1500_.jpg

I practiced a bit on some free scraps to get used to my mask, gloves, and gun. Don't worry, I was already chastised by my brothers for "improper" practicing by not cleaning the paint and rust from the scraps first. The reason I am posting all this is to help and encourage others to "start somewhere". It doesn't matter where you start, only that you start and keep going.

2017-05-20 19.10.06.jpg

I had one of my brothers, who's well practiced in welding, weld one end of this rod, so when I went home and attempted my first welding project on my own, I would have a good reference.

2017-05-20 15.59.14.jpg 2017-05-20 21.08.51.jpg 2017-05-20 21.08.44.jpg

I think I did pretty good, even if I didn't have a "proper" welding table:

2017-05-20 16.10.32.jpg 2017-05-20 19.26.28.jpg 2017-05-20 19.25.52.jpg 2017-05-20 21.08.59.jpg 2017-05-20 21.09.14.jpg
 
Last edited:

orren

Active member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
240
25
28
Location
Live Oak, Florida, USA
I'm using heavy duty bungee cords that don't give any corrosion problems.
I'm using four 12 volt batteries(NAPA 8427) in series/parallel without a troublesome
battery box.

Does anyone have any comments on this arrangement? Is there a reason
batteries need to be bolted down?
 

Jericho

Well-known member
1,180
61
48
Location
Landaff NH
Hit a big frost heave and slam the batteries into the cover of the battery box, and you will be welding free hand, ( been there,
done that) we will have been answered. Having said that, I need to put my J bolts and bracket back in.
 

Valence

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
2,135
605
113
Location
Davis County, UT
Hey Valance. A proper welding table is whatever you have on hand ! A table "does not make a "welder" . A welder makes a table a welding table.
Exactly! Though the bit of weld spatter did tend to burn my wood topped work bench. :p


I'm using heavy duty bungee cords that don't give any corrosion problems.
I'm using four 12 volt batteries(NAPA 8427) in series/parallel without a troublesome
battery box.

Does anyone have any comments on this arrangement? Is there a reason
batteries need to be bolted down?
Hit a big frost heave and slam the batteries into the cover of the battery box, and you will be welding free hand, ( been there,
done that) we will have been answered. Having said that, I need to put my J bolts and bracket back in.
orren, Jericho is right. If the batteries are not sufficiently secured, a big bump (or even a crash) can send them flying. It is like putting a 9V battery in your pocket with your keys - it'll short and can cause serious burns. Or like the very unfortunate folks who put a "dead" 9V battery in the trash can and it finds something metal to short on and then starts a fire and burns their house/garage down.

Similar can happen in a vehicle, and the more batteries add more potential terminals for a short to occur.

On my batteries pictured above, I've also added rubber battery terminal covers to help protect from other accidental shorts. I purchased them from Oshkosh Equipment. They were used, but were still in very good condition!
http://www.oshkoshequipment.com/products/detail/10/4257/Battery-Terminal-End-Protector-Cover
4257.jpg 4257-1.jpg


Oh , almost forgot, Like your hold down , Keep welding , just takes practice !!!!
Thanks Jericho! I'm sure I'll have many more welding opportunities. That's what happens with more tools, the scope of projects can grow.
:roll: :cookoo:
 
Last edited:

Valence

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
2,135
605
113
Location
Davis County, UT
I finished my DC sub-panel that was spawned by the addition of supplemental electrical air compressors, so I could finally put the batteries back in. A 3/8" piece of rubber filled the gap very nicely on the shorter battery. I added some fender washers to the outside of the battery box and four pieces (two on each side) of 2x4 filled the end spaces very nicely!

2017-06-03 19.41.29-edit.jpg 2017-06-01 22.31.01.jpg 2017-06-03 20.19.34.jpg 2017-06-03 20.19.41.jpg 2017-06-03 20.20.05.jpg 2017-06-03 20.19.48.jpg 2017-06-03 20.45.15.jpg
 
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website like our supporting vendors. Their ads help keep Steel Soldiers going. Please consider disabling your ad blockers for the site. Thanks!

I've Disabled AdBlock
No Thanks