I planned to install two 6 Volt batteries as part my 12 volt system upgrade. Clearly, the old beat up battery box was not going to work. I had a new beefier battery tray fabricated in place over the old one:
I also had new tow chains welded on as you can see below. After wire brushing the tongue, cleaning it with acetone, I applied several coats of Corroseal rust converter:
Then a few coats of Rustoleum primer:
Dawg is supervising the action. He invites you to check out his blog at http://drbluecifursnaggletooth.blogspot.com
A few coats of Rustoleum Hammered Silver paint and the Trojan T145 batteries are in:
I then built a battery box from 3/4 inch marine grade plywood treated with several coats of epoxy (CPES from the Rot Doctor: http://www.rotdoctor.com) making it virtually waterproof. My local metal shop bent me anodized aluminum panels for the box and cover lid. These box and lid wraps slipped right in. They were already pretty snug but I secured them further with contact cement and screws. The lid has a piano hinge in the back and overlaps the box slightly to make it water tight. I later added a big padlock to the lid to keep the honest people honest. Batteries weigh 75 pounds each so good luck trying to pull them straight out of the box...
New 30 lbs aluminum propane tanks with read dials purchased through Vintage Trailer Supply. They are tied down with a cast aluminum bracket.
How you like me now!:
It is now April 24th. Notice the on off battery switch on the side of the box...sleek, huh...Oh, and I have a spare key in case some clown decides to pull this one out...