Battery box mods

[banners]

Hello all, as most of you will be aware the battery/radio box is a bit of a weak spot on the punibolt. I cannot get my 4300mAh (fed up of having to change batteries) in the box as well as my radio gear with the kill switch. I'm aware several others suffering the same, so here's my take on modding it to allow it all to fit.

First I measured the box, about 68mm internal on the width, my battery is a touch over 69mm. So step one, cut the box :
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/banners-ng8/ftx%20punisher/battery%20box/IMG_0495.jpg

I forgot to take measurements - if they're needed I can provide them.

Second, the box is a bit flimsy, so I added some ribs to strengthen and also to sit the radio gear and kill switch on:
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/banners-ng8/ftx%20punisher/battery%20box/IMG_0499.jpg

a quick fitting and we get:
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/banners-ng8/ftx%20punisher/battery%20box/IMG_0497.jpg

Happy with the result I added a cover to the hole, the results? Well less bulging of the box and the larger battery fits so I'm happy.
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/banners-ng8/ftx%20punisher/battery%20box/IMG_0500.jpg
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/banners-ng8/ftx%20punisher/battery%20box/IMG_0501.jpg
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/banners-ng8/ftx%20punisher/battery%20box/IMG_0502.jpg

Hopefully this will be of use to a few of us :punk: It's still tight but it's better than the original imo.

The only things I'd do differently next time is move the rib more in to the middle to join the complete width and use black plastic :beta:

[Clubin]

I bolted a FG radio box to the top of the stocker. My first impression of the box was===Damn all my strff isn't going to fit===LOL Looks like a good mod though.

[bentley marshall]

i allso put another box on top of the factory one
i used a clear box got it from a electronics shop
being clear i can see my recever light and my kill switch light

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e372/1bent1/005-1.jpg

[banners]

That's a nice addition Bentley, tbh I didn't think of that style - I had a walk around Ikea and few kitchen accessory shops looking at their plastic clip on tubs.
How do you find the hassle of the original lid having 2 screws to install?

[bentley marshall]

i only have the battery in the factory box and never take it out so i only not realy a problem
i have found the older battery box didnt have a seal on the lid and let water in i have sealed mine with tape

allso i would get rid of that switch you have ive seen a lot of them short out and fry servos and recevers

i use a toggle switch with a rubber boot over it got it from the same electrical shop as the radio box

[mooman007uk]

Fg box here too, i prefer Bentleys though cos you can see the kill switch...
and second the motion of ditching the slider switch...mine did the short out thing and roasted all the wiring and a 5745...luckily my digi4 , rx and killswitch survived though my rx case is pretty warped
http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww294/mooman007uk/DSC01143.jpg

[Freeprawn]

I personally am not a fan of switches at all. I just plug my battery in to turn it on and unplug it to turn it off.

One less thing to go wrong.

Banners you have way too much time on your hands lol ;)

Nige

[mynameismud76]

I need a switch mod too..got too much sand from that bash and couldn't switch it off =(

Hope nothings fried =(

[banners]

You can never have too much time, only waste it! LOL

Mud, my radio box was covered in sand and the switch was full of it too. Bloody nightmare!!
I've spent all day cleaning it, replacing the bearings in the rear diff, the centre was ok and the front shall wait 'till tomorrow :) Wheel bearings are being replaced as I go too. I'm beginning to feel a bit more attuned with this buggy now - it's finally becoming 'mine' :excited:

I hope to get out with it tomorrow to enjoy some of this pleasant weather we're experiencing. I may even nip to maplins to look for a transplant box.

[mynameismud76]

Hey yo buddy =)

Was replacing bearings as a precaution? Or have they rusted? Aren't the wheel bearings the rubber sealed ones?

How about the diff bearings? I dread taking mine apart buddy.

Not had time since bash, racked up near 90 hours at work this week..so far. Day off starts hopefully tomorrow afternoon.

Fingers crossed the wd40 has done something to the sea water and sand.

You'll have to let us know about the battery box hunt at Maplins =)

[banners]

I bought or had the bearings just in case. The rear diff had a notchy bearing and a stuck solid one. I replaced both, messy job but happy it's done. The wheels felt fine but for a small cost it's worth the satisfaction they should be fine for some time to come. I'll try cleaning the old ones that still operate well.

I hope you get some time off soon mate, 90 hours is crazy in a week. Needs must but that is just nuts!!

[mynameismud76]

Ah..I shall post up what I find when I take mine apart.

It's good to be busy..freelance work means its hard to turn work down.

[banners]

I feel your pain, I'm self employed.

Maplins seem to have jack in suitable looking online. Their site is rubbish. Still may visit tomorrow

[Pipeous]

exactly, I am self employed and had a week off. car in body shop so I got to tweak and build rc stuff... next week or 2 I won't have a spare moment.

[Freeprawn]

Wow, bet your glad you did your rear diff bearings now huh!!

You rescued a disaster if you had one that was solid!!

Just keep an eye on the grubscrews on the diff input cup, i had to threadlock and tighten mine a couple of times before they 'stuck' in.