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