[DeTomaso] Dropped Battery Box - No cut in Front Trunk?

[Richard Greenblum]

Decades ago, before all the info available on this incredible source, I had
one issue after another with the electrical system, including poor starting.
I checked the cables, especially the ground, but nothing seemed to work.  I
tried different batteries and replaced the starter with a marine unit that
weighed as much as the car.  It was very powerful, but craved electrons.  I
also owned an Italian '71 pushbutton Pantera which had the battery located
where Dave mentioned, opposite the fuel tank, which put it exactly where it
was in my '69 Mustang, to the right of and next to the engine with short
cables.  So I moved mine to that location and all of my starting issues
disappeared.  I have no regrets.  I left the OE cable to the front trunk
intact and connected to the battery.  I've had to charge or jump my battery
twice.  Opened the front trunk and used the positive cable and the ground
stud with no issues (battery charger and jumper cables), so I figure I have
the best of both worlds.  Of course, if you prefer the weight moved to the
front, I lose that benefit.

Yes, also decades ago, I ditched the boat anchor starter for a mini
hi-torque.

Richard
Austin, TX


-----Original Message-----
From: DeTomaso <detomaso-bounces at server.detomasolist.com> On Behalf Of
dnunn at telus.net
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2021 6:47 PM
To: detomaso at server.detomasolist.com; mbefthomas2 at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Dropped Battery Box - No cut in Front Trunk?

Mike,

I relocated my battery to the engine compartment, passenger side, as far
forward and outboard as possible. My reason for choosing that location was,
I wanted to offset the weight of the fuel tank as much as possible, while
keeping a heavy item close to the car's GC. Another minor benefit was the
extremely short positive lead to the starter. The obvious downside is the
lack of easy access. I have to remove the passenger side rear wheel for
physical access. Because of this lack of access, I have a remote shut-off
and remote positive and negative terminals for charging, jump starting etc.
That being said, how often do you really need physical access to a modern
battery? If you really object to cutting an access opening into your trunk
floor, I think your plan is just fine. Hey, I remember looking for the
battery in my Wife's old BMW SUV and finding it under the rear seat! 

Just make sure your battery box is removeable and that it doesn't prevent
the removal of those long steering rack mounting bolts! 

P.S. What did you decide re: lowering your floor pans? I say "do it" (just
like Doug's)!  

Dave

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