M923 battery relocation question

[Suprman]

On my M923 I have the side battery box installed already they put it on at rrad during rebuild. I have the battery boxes and a bunch of 0ga wire and 2 big buss bars like I see in other posts pics. I have searched previous posts and I have a copy of the install manual. My question is I see the main battery cables coming from under the cab they go across over between the exhaust pipe and cab. How do you protect the cables from the exhaust pipe heat? And do the original cables once I pull them down reach the buss bars in the side box or do I have to plan on extending the cables? Will moisture or water be an issue since the side box is not watertight and is basically outside and open in the back. I could see water splashing in there from driving in the rain?
Thanks,
Will

 

[jonesal]

Ya, I understand your concern. I had the same thoughts. The install instructions are explicit on where to route the cable. I routed them even lower in front of the air tanks and *under* the front tank fitting. It made for, IMO, adequate clearance with the exhaust. NAPA also has heat shielding tubing that the cables can be routed through if you want the extra protection.

If you have stock cables coming from the starter, they are of adequate length to reach the buss bars, as the instructions state. So far, moisture has not been an issue getting into the battery box, but I can see, if you were to drive on super muddy roads, it might be. I'm still in the testing mode and haven't put too many miles on my M923 since I did the conversion. I'll put a rubber curtain over the back opening if it becomes an issue.

Have you seen this thread? http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?98321-Battery-Relocation It discusses some of your questions.

Hope that helps,
Al Jones '84 M923