I have read just about every post I could find on this forum site as-well-as many other internet sites, and have bookmarked and made mental/written notes on many factors. For several years now, I have wanted/planned to do a dual battery set-up in the trunk of my '70 Challenger. I was advised that based on the Audio Amps I'll be installing, this would be the way to go. The plan is to use two Optima yellow-tops. I don't know the wiring configuration yet (as I am a novice at this, but learn quickly). Luckily, I have friends that do this kinda stuff regularly, and can get help from them. The ultimate goal is to have a nicely finished trunk (I have no spare or jack, and don't want/need them). I plan on attempting to make/install the panels myself (sides and rear will be covered to resemble the white seats, the floor of the trunk will hopefully be 80/20 black carpet like the interior floor). I think the layout will be: Optima battery on each side; amps on the floor or back panel; sub(s) on the back panel or on separate/hidden panel behind the amps. Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions, feedback, comments, advice on any aspect of this whole project. ANYTHING you can share, will be greatly appreciated. I plan on installing a flat surface on the trunk floor. I have (2) Wieland Custom Machine Billet Aluminum Battery Hold-Downs for the Optimas (photo attached). I will be installing (2) JL Audio Amps (1450 Watts total). I plan to purchase welding cable 1/0 AWG for the negative and positive runs. Since the plan is to have a battery on each side, I'll probably need about 20' for the positive run across the trunk and to the starter, and about 15' for the negative run across the trunk and to the transmission tail housing mount.
Regarding welding/battery cable: I found this "Taylor" cable listed on several sites.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tay-21540/overview/Would this be a suitable cable for the pos run? (I can always put my own ends on). I am also seriously considering making my own cables. Any advice or thoughts on this? I think I've already found out whats involved, just don't know if it's really all that much more cost effective over buying assembled cables.
Then there's places companies like this :
http://custombatterycables.com/index.htmBTW - I'd like to see what others have done with there trunks, so please post photos if you can.
Thanks.