Reply to "Submerged Battery Box"

...Hey Gary, I just wanted to make a comment about the 'Dropped' (I like the term 'Submerged', also) Battery Box. It took me weeks of weighing the concequences, for and against the cutting of the forward trunk floor; before I got up the nerve, and decided Yes! Go for it! I did the work myself and costructed the box to my design out of a single sheet of steel. To those who do the cutting themselves; be very sure to take a long detailed look UNDER the floor. The placement of the box must go exactly between the 'Rack-n-Pinion' Mounts, and directly back and against the 'FootWell' Bulkhead. This will make it more difficult to get to these mounts, anytime in the future. I'am not sure as 'that' work was all done Before I installed the box. When cutting, keep in mind that 'Extra' floor sheetmetal should be left intack so as to be 'Bent' downward to be used as an aid to support the mounting of said box. For the actual fastening; I used 1/4" Stainless Steel 'Pop Rivets' around the perimeter, 2.0 " apart. Very strong and Solid. And after years of driving; still Solid! All seams were sealed with 'Rubber Putty'. I did NOT add any vents, to the box, as I did not want dirt 'Blowing' in from under car. Now, to My Point: What tool did I use? A 'Milwalkee Sawsall'. Would I do it again? YES!! Was it 'Worth' the time and Trouble? Absolutely YES!! If you are 'into' taking hard curves at the Maximum Limit of Your Pantera; You will notice the great difference the very first time you 'Dive' into your Favorite turn!! Lowering 40-50 Pounds of Battery down aproximately One Foot in distance, does wonders for lowering the 'center of gravity', and 'Roll center Height'; of the Pantera's nose. I cut enough room for a larger 'Group 47' Battery, Yes, there was just enough space to pull it off! Be Forwarned, In my case it was necessary to loosen and 'almost' remove the clutch Master Cylinder; in order to actually install the Battery, itself. This is a beautiful modification to the Cat that frees up a lot of space in the trunk as well creating a more 'Sanitary' Look. Be sure to well insulate that Positive Terminal!!!! To anyone contimplating this bodywork; it takes Guts to chop into that prestine floor metal. A job NOT for the faint of Heart, you can always have a 'Professional' do th job for you. To those with 'Big Brass Ones', I send my Best of Luck, and 'Measure 3 times; and Cut Once!'...