battery box construction

[WS6]

So since I am poor and have more time than money, I though I would build my battery box. I could care less to pass any sanctioning bodies' rules. I simply want it to be safe and strong enough in the event I wreck.

Can I build the box out of 16ga steel and be fine? I was just going to use a wide strap of 16ga for the hold down also. How should the box be mounted? The car is a my 79TA. Do I need to have the box bolted to the rear subframe or simply through the trunk floor with maybe a backing plate on the other side? Does the hold down need to go through the floor as well or just connected to the box? I have my ideas on what will work but I've never done this before so I am asking.

I'm also not sure if I will splurge for an Optima at this point or not. I know I'll need a vent tube if I do not go with the Optima though.

Any other suggestions, cautions, or information?

Thanks

[JamesJ]

You could most likely just make some straps and then bolt them to the floor, unless you want a box.

[SYDEWAYZ71]

I'm broke too so before I saw this http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Weld-In-Battery-Box,3455.html

I made my own that actually looks very similar to this one...

If I would've seen this... I woulda bought it!

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

That's similar to what I have in my car. I actually have two incase I decide to run two batteries. But lately I've been thinking there is no need and should remove the extra box.

[WS6]

Thanks guys. I had forgotten I made this post since it didn't get replied to for a while.

Thanks for the Speedway link. My only problem is that hold down requires an Optima battery. I was leaning towards a Duralast Gold :) Don't laugh. I have had good luck with those batteries