Hey all
I was having problems with my old battery, and decided to for a Gel-based Varley Red Rop battery complete with battery box and switch. I did not install it in the usual spare tyre place, but between the 2 storage spaces behind the seats. I figured this would be good as it sits right in the middle of the car and nearly on top of the rear axle.
The battery weighs only 9 kg, which is 19,8 lbs for you English folks , compared to a whopping 17 kg (37,4 lbs) of the old acid-lead battery. There are some advantages and disadvantages however:
pro´s
- does not get warm, and can withstand movement very well
- small weight and seize, and still able to start a large engine
- no maintenance needed
- easy to work on the car if the battery switch is installed
- no threat of dangerous gasses or spillage anymore
con´s
- the battery switch is needed, as gel battery´s don´t like long and slow discharges (like clocks or alarms)
- you need to charge them up regularly on a battery charger
- price, mine was ok, but the larger the capacity (if needed), the higher the price.
- when those batteries are empty due to discharging, you can basicly throw them away.
I installed the batterry cable through the firewall and along the center console. This is I find , the shortest and easiest route. You don´t want to install the cable below the car, in case of something hitting the cable below, and causing a fire hazard. It will also be exposed to weather conditions, so I don´t recommend it.
I mounted the battery switch on the battery box using a dremel-tool to make the cutout. I also attached the battery connectors to the cables by melting soldering iron in the connectors. That way, it stays where it is.
The battery box is attached to the car´s chassis by 4 bolts&washers. The good thing about that specific location is that is does not go directly through the underside of the chassis. There is an empty space between the 2 storage locations and you can easily reach the bolts. The battery itself is hold in place by a rachet. (which works very well suprisingly) For an added quality touch, I made a cutout in the rear leather carpet and finished it off, and it covers up the battery location and I can still open the storage doors. I´ve been driving for some weeks now, and have no peculiarities to report. It was done in 4 hours with the correct tools, by someone who is by no means a mechanic
Anyway, these are some pics
I was having problems with my old battery, and decided to for a Gel-based Varley Red Rop battery complete with battery box and switch. I did not install it in the usual spare tyre place, but between the 2 storage spaces behind the seats. I figured this would be good as it sits right in the middle of the car and nearly on top of the rear axle.
The battery weighs only 9 kg, which is 19,8 lbs for you English folks , compared to a whopping 17 kg (37,4 lbs) of the old acid-lead battery. There are some advantages and disadvantages however:
pro´s
- does not get warm, and can withstand movement very well
- small weight and seize, and still able to start a large engine
- no maintenance needed
- easy to work on the car if the battery switch is installed
- no threat of dangerous gasses or spillage anymore
con´s
- the battery switch is needed, as gel battery´s don´t like long and slow discharges (like clocks or alarms)
- you need to charge them up regularly on a battery charger
- price, mine was ok, but the larger the capacity (if needed), the higher the price.
- when those batteries are empty due to discharging, you can basicly throw them away.
I installed the batterry cable through the firewall and along the center console. This is I find , the shortest and easiest route. You don´t want to install the cable below the car, in case of something hitting the cable below, and causing a fire hazard. It will also be exposed to weather conditions, so I don´t recommend it.
I mounted the battery switch on the battery box using a dremel-tool to make the cutout. I also attached the battery connectors to the cables by melting soldering iron in the connectors. That way, it stays where it is.
The battery box is attached to the car´s chassis by 4 bolts&washers. The good thing about that specific location is that is does not go directly through the underside of the chassis. There is an empty space between the 2 storage locations and you can easily reach the bolts. The battery itself is hold in place by a rachet. (which works very well suprisingly) For an added quality touch, I made a cutout in the rear leather carpet and finished it off, and it covers up the battery location and I can still open the storage doors. I´ve been driving for some weeks now, and have no peculiarities to report. It was done in 4 hours with the correct tools, by someone who is by no means a mechanic
Anyway, these are some pics