I was having trouble starting the car, this happened twice in the last few months. I did some testing with a volt meter and it was obviously the battery as it was not holding a charge. Better to be the battery and not the alternator. At least with the battery I can swap out with relative ease.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SBioQkxSikcPAmX-VTsw2Mx9cIbEOlJDgStOY_TfhQmUy9wuU41nl0Y54x6DJN81kwH0oZB_hPCSqm-Bo458hkGU6vlXIElq4DKBWQyg4FV_nn3N14XVl3J_NgHMf_do31OaJsC6aO8/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG) |
Missing the 'loop' part of the latch |
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I am going with a smaller, lighter battery that still packs a punch. Before I install the new battery, I need to make sure smaller battery will be secure in the battery compartment. There is a strap to keep the battery from moving, but I am missing half of the latch/hook system.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBBAyBzfYMXZZCt7gele8hkTqUShBkgU4OM1K9FDCx2ENitQ-ZRdmjZOPo6tgUS79veSNBKw01FgmdM78Q80jcaMk7jhiVznGxQsRccp9o0jnPMXq4t7aw1UAMaePxFt_2ZGOjlODXCQ/s280/IMG_0756.JPG) |
Sketches of the new latch |
So, I will have to make one. First, some sketches, a simple design. I have no idea what the original one looks like, and I was unable to find images of one on the internet. I did not look very hard. This should be simple enough. I took some measurements off the existing 'hook' and used that as my guide.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07AAEf3eKXljkfKji90sRy027LJvS2GMWuC3082Ccx6v6XKsHmcnhKHhgv3neDq-dS7fqM9UXj0kn2idnaZBdddpJKoJEhbT66VNHJEI4v8WjV7YcZESwZhTS439Xryd0HFOHUCZyQto/s280/IMG_0757.JPG) |
Laying out the lines in Illustrator |
Next step it so to layout the lines in Illustrator in preparation for the laser cutter. I need something a little stronger than styrene, so we are going with Delrin, again.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QdUjfIdNLzVI67uvUcxGFHo2imek4qJK5BqMHBaYeRaDKQT_mInxLpsHxwTPGgzdnnGQcgJIIbqI7hVVvT-NlvwEcwNY99MHxj_2q34SML1KKts2qh5_I-L2DSHRUr55JOqfJL1mkXM/s280/IMG_0758.JPG) |
Delrin battery strap latch |
The slot on top is for the hook, while the two slots on the bottom allow the strap to be adjustable. The advantage of having access to a laser cutter, other fun tools, and co-workers willing to help out. Meanwhile, I ordered a replacement battery and it should be here in a few days.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqcbXVUs0AsreGitQXjwWOm6g5LsHkxuqYoyPkIoVfaE7pUqB7DQmCoEGHzvMzMKRakq7-w4OgGhZiX9RY4spY_bP06cL9Vkq6FWs0rzTxdRrwf-iHNIm_V6Vrd4f_BR5KM5shbbTH9U/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG) |
Odyssey PC925L Battery |
Here is my little battery. So cute. I did a quick volt check and installed it in the car. The old battery is about 40 pounds, while the new battery weighs in at 24 pounds.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtPbO7xfRGcuY2gh4SSfnUc-6APX7boYYqndvcgDuNxaRzWl-I5vv3lLb0Rc7bjzlZ6vvt5fzdkqhJxl8iXPPTym6NDQGu1Q9J2xRPQuk_EVb9E6PVNVydTm29deN0T9OygIrTJKD3YA/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG) |
Strap is too long |
Since the battery is smaller, the strap is too long. Looks like I will have to come up with a strap shortening device.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8MoBZtVEvLBgz2rdiGWwWikexqBcQtx8xwPFtINiTAKk3LMksM_RtwLWVfRqPNQ_UBqTdJlS1yan9v4Ire3GuSrYKFPeTnnyOPjFNEgwbUCXcmUu9lUETNhfKmEqyOOvlauU5z8sCcg/s280/IMG_0786.JPG) |
Battery strap shortening thing |
There are many similar/better strap or seat belt shortening clips out there. Of course, I realize this after I had my clip made. Most of these seat belt clips only shorten the belt about three inches, I needed my strap about eight inches shorter. Although, I could have borrowed and modified the design to shorten the strap to the appropriate length.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujx1o4cMfCc6EjolQd6vwzDT-v2O5vacoN6KACwzvuuwHeW9Qvxw0NcnZJmgPLC_c_jBayJGJmWa8A5mFCR5TWHBup5-Qw4OmUkSEVuDx8rH4rzl10-2fDF_aDg17xbeNJjCYIl04E5c/s280/IMG_0795.JPG) |
Delrin strap shortening clip and strap latch |
Clip and strap works, batter is locked down. Oh, and the new battery works, too. I should be able to get a few years from this battery. One less thing I have to worry about...until the next thing goes wrong with the car.