Re: moving/securing a battery in the boot (trunk)

["Jim Haseltine" <Jim@ur-q.freeserve.co.uk>]

 Original Message -----
From: David Shiers <mamn97@pop.dial.pipex.com>
>
> The problem is that the battery has to be secure for the annual MOT
> test. My idea is to use a plywood base with strips of wood screwed
> down , securing the sides of the battery, this platform being bolted
> to the floor of the boot. Do u know if this will get past the british
> mot test? or would i have to secure it by welding a more secure
> structure?
>
AFAIK, the battery security is not specifically checked as part of a class
IV test. It might be covered by the 'General vehicle condition' catch-all,
but only if the battery is easily accessible by the tester - I've not seen
one pull up the back seat of my Ur-q and that was tested 2 weeks ago. I do
know however, that its a favourite thing for HM Plod to check when pulling
people - sort of, "Well he hasn't been drinking, wasn't speeding, all the
lights work but he's young and I don't like the look of him so I'll check
the battery......"

Having said all that, forget your plywood idea - the battery is heavy, will
the wood hold it in place if you have to leap on the anchors at 70mph? It
might when its newly installed but after a few months of vibration (not to
mention a bit of battery acid) it ain't going to work too well. Best
solution would be to weld in a battery tray - a universal Ford fitting
(Fiesta, Escort, Sierra) tray used to be readily available.


Jim Haseltine