battery tray replacement - ENGINE IN

canadianeh · 10-07-2002, 09:53 AM

OK. So I've got the 2 new sheet metal parts that make up the battery support and tray. And I'm looking in there and wondering how the heck can you weld this in there with the engine IN the car.....

Weld the tray onto the support first? If not I would assume you have to bolt it on after the fact.

Anyone done this? Is it just another 914 engine compartment contortion exercise?

Thanks!

derek_sf · 10-07-2002, 09:56 AM

I didn't do it myself, but I had a tray and support welded into my car while the engine was still in.

ejm914 · 10-07-2002, 11:02 AM

After welding in the support put the tray in place and scribe a line around the flange supporting the tray. Drill a few 1/4" holes in the tray where each support flange sits, now you can weld them together from the top.

canadianeh · 10-07-2002, 11:05 AM

Of course! I forgot to mention that when I was evaluating the installation, I was still under the influence of a couple hours of welding fumes.....

Thanks for the tips. I will give it a go!

kellzey · 03:53 PM

I wouldn't personally do it. You have fuel lines close to the battery box!

Just my $0.02

Regards,

cshogen · 10-07-2002, 04:06 PM

I just recently did my tray and support with the engine in, and I must say I second kellzey's (Karl I think) recommendation. Those fuel lines are very close to the welding zone. EXTREMELY dangerous!

I actually disconnected mine and dropped them out the bottom. You really have to be careful though, as your lines might be brittle and crack when you drop them out. You have to bend them a bit to get them away from the area and they are probably plastic. They have to be capped properly too. I also cut a piece of scrap metal to shield the engine bay from sparks.

It might be worth the $50 or so to let someone else do it. I will never do it again the way I did it last time. Too much risk, not enough reward.

Just MHO,

psu914 · psu914's Garage

remove the fuel lines, i used a leather smock to cover the engine and fuel lines when i welded mine and still burt the fuel line.

Zeke · 10-07-2002, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cshogen

It might be worth the $50 or so to let someone else do it. I will never do it again the way I did it last time. Too much risk, not enough reward.

Just MHO,

The next bloke might not be as careful as you would be. If you can weld, you might cover the rest of the adjacent area with a wet blanket (I have an old mover's blanket for this purpose) and proceed. I like the leather idea, do both. I have used a piece of metal as a heat shield as well.

Doug M · 10-08-2002, 02:48 PM

I did it and the fuel lines were a big worry but not a big deal. I wraped them in heavy foil and them with a wet towel. It came out ok but I did crease my nice rear trunk lid with my body laying onit
Doug