How To:Optima Battery Extension Bracket
From SCION-TECH : The Scion Resource : tC, xA, xB, xD
This tutorial will show you how to make a custom aluminum bracket so that you can install a lightweight Optima battery into your Scion.
Original tutorial written by scvscions at clubxb.com. He has also offered to make thse for people at a cost of $10 to cover materials.
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[edit] Tools and Materials
- 1"x2" strip of aluminum 1/8" thick
- 8mm x 1.25 x 20mm bolt
- 8mm x 1.25 nut
- 8mm or 5/16 flat washers
- 8mm or 5/16 lock washer
- Locktite
- Tape measure
- Metal saw/die grinder/snips
- Drill with 5/16 bit or a Unibit
- Marker
[edit] The Procedure
First, grab the aluminum strip material. We will need to measure out the size we will be cutting. Use your tape measure and marker to draw out the 1"x2" sized bracket for your Scion batter bracket.
Here you can see the 2" long aluminum piece marked off where we will cut.
Using your cutting tool (saw, grinder, snips, etc..), cut along the line to create the outer dimensions of your bracket.
After you have cut the overall dimensions, it's time to mark off the hole locations. Measure 1/2" from the outer edge of each side and put a dot dead center in the aluminum. You should now have a symmetrical marked piece.
Now drill on centerline of each marking a 5/16" hole. Make sure you can slide the bolt through th hole. If not you will need to drill out or grind open the hole until it clears the bolt. Here's after the holes are drilled.
You can use a grinder to clean up and smooth the edges of the aluminum. You definitely don't want any sharp edges as you could cut yourself on it while working on your Scion. Use a grinder or sand paper to clean up and round off the edges.
After you ahve finished making the bracket, attach it to the Scion batter terminal so it will not reach the connection. Look at these pictures to see how it should look when you are done with the installation:
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