Wire: 0 and 2 gauge seem to be the most commonly used. What is your opinion? Stock system, may add a stereo system in the future, would be a small sub and speaker system at most.
Fuse: yes or no? What size? Some write-ups say you need one some have no mention of one.
Venting: With a conventional battery does it need to vent outside?
Mounting: What tie down system do you prefer, the small bracket on the base, over the top, other?
I have a spare 2 gauge cable with an inline fuse in it from a stereo install a few years ago that I was planning to use. If this is not recommended I'll go get a new cable.
UPDATE: Alright so here is my idea. I'm not finished yet so I don't know how it will work but I wanted to try. Here's my progress thus far.
Step 1: Location
I chose to try and "hide" the battery as best as I could, to me the ideal spot was where the cd changer and tool case is. After some measuring I found the stock battery would fit. However I have now decided to go with an optima, which fits much better. So clear the location of all the unneeded "junk". I found this easiest by removing the trim along the latch and the pulling back the molded carpet. It is held in with some push style clips that are in quite firmly.
I did not have a cd changer so I didn't need to remove it (duh). The tool case is removed by lifting the handle and pulling outwards, incase someone didn't know. Now your metal frame you are left with is secured with 5 bolts. 2 on the left, 2 on the trunk floor and 1 on the right, hidden somewhat behind the sound deadening. Remove all 5 and TADA! however look on the bottom of this frame and you'll find a small box attached. Remove this as well.
Step 2: Brackets
I thought to myself, how can I make a shelf to put the battery on. Wait this frame will work great! However some modification is required. I actually only wanted to the brackets on this frame. So take the frame to a suitable operating area. You will need a drill, I also needed a chisel and hammer. Now you'll notice the frame has 2 main brackets held on with some tack welds. I drilled these out and used the chisel to finish knocking them off of the frame. You should now have 2 brackets to make your shelf with.
Step 3: Shelf/Tray
The stock battery is approximately 7" x 11" so I cut my shelf to this specification using some scrap wood. Once the shelf was cut I mounted the brackets back in the car and mocked up where the brackets needed to be cut.
Step 4: Brackets! Again!
I used a hack saw to trim them up to fit my shelf. I was originally planning on a stock battery so I trimmed quite a bit out. An optima is nearly 2 inches smaller in length so you could keep more of the bracket if you so desire. This is how my brackets looked after trimming and a quick spray of paint.
I also chose to cover my little shelf before attaching the brackets. When everything is assembled it should look something like this.
Step 5: Mounting
I attempted to get the brackets mounted right the first time but I did need to do some repositioning. Once everything was lining up how I wanted I bolted it down. Then you can see how much of your carpet needs to be trimmed.
Mounted:
Carpeted Trimmed:
Door Closed
The little door just barely sticks out from the corner of the shelf hitting it. I may trim it down a little since I am going with a different battery now and won't need the full space. I am very happy with the results however. I am thinking though I may need some additional support if I go with an optima. I have to see if this will hold the weight or not, as well as come up with a mounting method.
I'll update when more progress is made.
I am looking into a light weight battery but I will probably be going with an optima. I need to keep enough CCA's and light weights don't seem to have a lot.
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Originally Posted by SoFresh
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