Page 1 of 2

Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 3:23 pm
by onex0127
I have run into a problem with my build. I built the battery box as per the plans, installed on the firewall, but after I put the engine mount on, I can no longer get the batter out. UGH. So now the question is how to fix. Trim the box or relocate.
I would post pictures but my fie size is to big.
Roy Taylor
Maryland

Re: Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 3:36 pm
by Sawdust46
If battery is mounted upright as per plans, turn it sideways. I would make a plate so you could use the existing holes thru the firewall and mount the box to the plate. Just a thought....

Re: Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 3:56 pm
by onex0127
Battery box 2.jpg
Battery box 2.jpg (427.76 KiB) Viewed 6226 times
picture of firewall
Battey box 1.jpg
Battey box 1.jpg (409.59 KiB) Viewed 6226 times

Re: Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 4:00 pm
by MichaelFarley56
Sorry to hear about your issue there Roy. On a Sonex with the Jab 3300, this can also be an issue. I've seen a lot of people take the side of the battery box (normally the side facing out), cut that side off, and rivet hinges onto the edges. That way, when you need to remove the battery, pull the hinge pins out, remove the side of the battery box, and pull the battery out. You may be able to do that fairly quickly if you have some extra hinge material laying around and are okay drilling out those few rivets that are going through the firewall.

That's just one thought for you. As always, feel free to send the factory those pictures to see what they recommend.

Good luck and let us know what your fix is!

Re: Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 4:07 pm
by onex0127
I did send pictures to tech support and I am waiting to hear from them. I think no matter what I am gong to have to drill out some rivets. And I was so happy with the battery box build cause it fit and looked good

Re: Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 4:10 pm
by radfordc
I suppose you could always remove the engine when you want to change batteries... :roll:

Re: Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 4:15 pm
by onex0127
LOL I thought of that too, but I think unbolting the engine mount would be easy-er

Re: Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 4:25 pm
by onex0127
battery 14.jpg
battery 14.jpg (68.31 KiB) Viewed 6213 times
battery 11.jpg
battery 11.jpg (72 KiB) Viewed 6213 times
one more battery picture

Re: Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 4:58 pm
by sonex1284
Roy,
I made the side of mine removable so that it would slide out like this:
See the 3 pictures in a row.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Sonex1284/S ... 4135557106

http://picasaweb.google.com/Sonex1284/1 ... 8896932018

Mike #1284

Re: Battery Box for tail dragger problem

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 6:27 pm
by onex0127
Hey Mike thanks I will do that . Kerry just got back to me and he said he attached the battery box to the firewall with piano hinge so he can remove the entire box
Again mike, thanks

Roy