Battery Box (4 Viewers)

[jonheld]

We all know that the OEM battery box for both the FJ80s and FZJ80s are not the best design for off road activities.
Mine had broken tabs where it bolts to the inner fender, the J-hook slot was elongated and tearing into the fiberglass on the radiator side, and it just wasn't holding the battery as tight as I wanted.
I purchased a new OEM box and added a metal support to the outside of the J-hook slot using an EMT strap cut and shaped to fit properly and epoxied in place. I hit the fiberglass with some Scotchbright followed with 90% isopropanol and did the same to the strap.
I used 3/8" washers ground down and shaped for the 2 fender side tabs and front side support.
I'll let it all cure overnight and install tomorrow.
I'm hoping this will hold up better and give more support when flogging around in the woods.

BTW, anyone know how to get epoxy off skin?

 

[Comet]

“BTW, anyone know how to get epoxy off skin?”

That would be time. Lots and lots of time. Or a belt sander, but that gets messy real fast.

 

[jonheld]

“BTW, anyone know how to get epoxy off skin?”

That would be time. Lots and lots of time. Or a belt sander, but that gets messy real fast.

I was able to peel it off. Took most of my arm hair with it. Feels kind of sexy.

 

[george_tlc]

Yeah, the j-hook scheme toyota went with using only the box is daft. I've posted these pics before, this is what I did on both the main and aux batteries.

Steel rods held in place with fiberglass resin and fiberglass cloth (used to repair a bunch of tears and damage on the aux side box too.

cheers,
george.

 

[Broski]

Ya seems to be an issue.
Working on mine now it’s a new box. Reinforcing the side and front mounts with 18 gauge sheet metal pop riveted and JB welded
Rods like George tic set up but different reinforcing in the bottom.

 

[CharlieS]

My approach wasn't as fancy. I took a metal battery tray and sandwiched the it above factory battery box and below the battery. I bolted it through the fiberglass box into the inner fender. So far so good. It is firmly mounted.

 

[Darne]

Before it has cured distilled white vinegar will remove epoxy. After it's cured your peeling technique or abrasives, as mentioned.
Learned this glass bedding rifles.
Hope it helps,
Dan

 

[jonheld]

New battery box installed.
I took the time to run a tap through the bolt holes, cleaned up mounting points, anti-seize, etc.
Added 2 larger 3/8 washers for the bottom bolts to spread the load.

I really want to say that the battery is more secure, but it could just be that the fiberglass is not 30 years old anymore.
The j-hooks are nice and tight and the battery is very snug against the rear wall.
I'll have to see how it holds up over time. Certainly better than it was.

 

[Godwin]

Thanks @jonheld, just one more item to add to the list of things to do.

I may try some fiberglass tape and G-Flex for reinforcing the box since I have those materials on hand.

 

[LongDuck]

For all the stuff that Toyota got right on the 80s, the battery box J-hook to secure the inboard side always seemed sketchy. I just replaced my battery a few weeks back and was shaking my head as I reinstalled the bracket...

 

[Broski]

Worst part is when the hold down comes lose it can short out the battery and possibly cause a fire !!
That’s why I went to the across the top style hold down.
I do run a group 31 battery that weighs 80 pounds. It did hold up to my shenanigans for seven years.
I do think that the new fiberglass should be much better, especially with the updated modifications that I made.

 

[robnicko]

i have used one of these in my 80 series for the 2nd battery.
One day I'll look to making one for the main battery as well, hopefully just a mirror image of this one as the original plastic one is still holding up

Battery Tray To Suit Landcruiser 80 Series 1990-1998 4.5L Petrol EFI (

Australian MadeSKU BT80TCDownload Fitting GuideLocation DSF Weight (kg) 1.85Kg ‘Piranha Off Road products are not associated in any way with Toyota Australia or any of its related companies’ Suitable for Self Fit Approximate fitting time 1.5 hours Tray mounts behind drivers side headlight. Bolts...

www.piranhaoffroad.com.au

 

[jonheld]

This sure seems like a product just waiting for development.
How about making something really useful for the 80 as opposed to cupholders, shift knobs, and other fluff?

 

[ChaseTruck]

Just a WAG, but was Mr. T’s rationale for a fiberglass battery tray based on the material lacking electrical and having low thermal conductivity?

 

[fjbj40]

This sure seems like a product just waiting for development.
How about making something really useful for the 80 as opposed to cupholders, shift knobs, and other fluff?

Good idea, wonder if people would want a whole new box or just a hold down?

Doesn’t Landtank have an improved hold down?

Either is not super difficult. Composite is easier imop for a new box design.

A designed diy kit for improved OEM box is probably an option also.

 

[jonheld]

Doesn’t Landtank have an improved hold down?

Yea, I bought that years ago, but it doesn't fit my battery. I run an Interstate MTZ 34R, which is the same as an Odyssey PC-1500.