Garage Alpha x TurboJeff 51r Battery Tray - Another Legend Reborn
06-04-19, 10:36 AM
#1
Garage Alpha x TurboJeff 51r Battery Tray - Another Legend Reborn
Going down the list of parts to recreate, we hit another perennial favorite that is never available when you need it - the TurboJeff Battery Tray!
TurboJeff was gracious enough to loan his original schematics so we can put this piece back into production.
If you aren't familiar with the TurboJeff Battery Tray, it is the original tray designed for OEM location mounting of a Group 51R battery. There is NO other battery that offers the same cranking power, reliability and availability as a Group 51R AGM - and securing it in an OEM location is just the icing on the cake.
The TurboJeff 51R Battery Tray:
Like all Group Buys, price can't be discussed until a little later. But we are aiming for a "mid $100" price point for Group Buy members and a tad more once we move out of the Group Buy phase.
Group Buy List
1. garage alpha
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
TurboJeff was gracious enough to loan his original schematics so we can put this piece back into production.
If you aren't familiar with the TurboJeff Battery Tray, it is the original tray designed for OEM location mounting of a Group 51R battery. There is NO other battery that offers the same cranking power, reliability and availability as a Group 51R AGM - and securing it in an OEM location is just the icing on the cake.
The TurboJeff 51R Battery Tray:
- Laser cut 304 Stainless
- Mounts a Group 51R Battery in the OEM location using pre-exisiting mounting points on the body
- Keeps the battery where it should be - in the OEM location
- Includes base, tie down, J-hooks and hardware
- Provides a clean, OEM like solution for RX-7 owners
Like all Group Buys, price can't be discussed until a little later. But we are aiming for a "mid $100" price point for Group Buy members and a tad more once we move out of the Group Buy phase.
Group Buy List
1. garage alpha
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
06-04-19, 01:21 PM
#5
Hi and thanks for producing these awesome products. Is there any way to improve the way it positions or interfaces with the stock positive battery terminal? It pushes the fuse box into the headlight motor. Also, the cross tie design is too narrow with no footprint, and it's easy to over tighten and damage the battery case, which can be bad news with acid based batteries. I used a passwordJDM 51r tie, and it's much nicer.
06-04-19, 01:32 PM
#6
Continuation...
Have one of these and love it, and have been eyeballing the fitment issues. Might be able to solve the problem with a custom/different positive terminal to fuse box "flange". Just to say there might be a few ways to skin the cat. The original solution had design constraints from the ASP/M2 SMIC setup, which may or may not be in play here.
Also, it might be cool/profitable to do a similar design for an even smaller battery. I like TJ's tray design more than I like the style of the mini battery kits I see out there today. There are some strong/small batteries out there that might do better than the motorcycle ones we've been using historically.
I'm not a big fan of batteries in the cabin, for a street car. They present sufficient safety and packaging concerns to require engineering solutions that ruin the street car vibe or ergonomics. Easier on the conscience to keep it in the engine bay, if you can manage it.
Have one of these and love it, and have been eyeballing the fitment issues. Might be able to solve the problem with a custom/different positive terminal to fuse box "flange". Just to say there might be a few ways to skin the cat. The original solution had design constraints from the ASP/M2 SMIC setup, which may or may not be in play here.
Also, it might be cool/profitable to do a similar design for an even smaller battery. I like TJ's tray design more than I like the style of the mini battery kits I see out there today. There are some strong/small batteries out there that might do better than the motorcycle ones we've been using historically.
I'm not a big fan of batteries in the cabin, for a street car. They present sufficient safety and packaging concerns to require engineering solutions that ruin the street car vibe or ergonomics. Easier on the conscience to keep it in the engine bay, if you can manage it.
06-04-19, 01:46 PM
#7
Hi and thanks for producing these awesome products. Is there any way to improve the way it positions or interfaces with the stock positive battery terminal? It pushes the fuse box into the headlight motor. Also, the cross tie design is too narrow with no footprint, and it's easy to over tighten and damage the battery case, which can be bad news with acid based batteries. I used a passwordJDM 51r tie, and it's much nicer.
Continuation...
Have one of these and love it, and have been eyeballing the fitment issues. Might be able to solve the problem with a custom/different positive terminal to fuse box "flange". Just to say there might be a few ways to skin the cat. The original solution had design constraints from the ASP/M2 SMIC setup, which may or may not be in play here.
Also, it might be cool/profitable to do a similar design for an even smaller battery. I like TJ's tray design more than I like the style of the mini battery kits I see out there today. There are some strong/small batteries out there that might do better than the motorcycle ones we've been using historically.
I'm not a big fan of batteries in the cabin, for a street car. They present sufficient safety and packaging concerns to require engineering solutions that ruin the street car vibe or ergonomics. Easier on the conscience to keep it in the engine bay, if you can manage it.
Have one of these and love it, and have been eyeballing the fitment issues. Might be able to solve the problem with a custom/different positive terminal to fuse box "flange". Just to say there might be a few ways to skin the cat. The original solution had design constraints from the ASP/M2 SMIC setup, which may or may not be in play here.
Also, it might be cool/profitable to do a similar design for an even smaller battery. I like TJ's tray design more than I like the style of the mini battery kits I see out there today. There are some strong/small batteries out there that might do better than the motorcycle ones we've been using historically.
I'm not a big fan of batteries in the cabin, for a street car. They present sufficient safety and packaging concerns to require engineering solutions that ruin the street car vibe or ergonomics. Easier on the conscience to keep it in the engine bay, if you can manage it.
I agree on keeping the battery out of the bins. I'm not against the trunk personally (specifically, the spare tire location), but under the hood is really ideal. As for a smaller solution - it's a possibility - but one of the challenges with any of these projects is staying focused and bringing it (back) to market has to be job one.
Again though, I appreciate the feedback and I'll tag TurboJeff to reach out to you since your feedback so far has been helpful.
Trending Topics
06-04-19, 02:31 PM
#8
I don't think Jeff has anything against improving the design. I think I know what you mean - but do you have a photo specifying the issue (and possible solution)? Maybe a PM to/from TurboJeff will be in order?
I agree on keeping the battery out of the bins. I'm not against the trunk personally (specifically, the spare tire location), but under the hood is really ideal. As for a smaller solution - it's a possibility - but one of the challenges with any of these projects is staying focused and bringing it (back) to market has to be job one.
Again though, I appreciate the feedback and I'll tag TurboJeff to reach out to you since your feedback so far has been helpful.
I agree on keeping the battery out of the bins. I'm not against the trunk personally (specifically, the spare tire location), but under the hood is really ideal. As for a smaller solution - it's a possibility - but one of the challenges with any of these projects is staying focused and bringing it (back) to market has to be job one.
Again though, I appreciate the feedback and I'll tag TurboJeff to reach out to you since your feedback so far has been helpful.
The following users liked this post:
garage alpha (06-05-19)
06-06-19, 02:03 PM
#13
You can kindof see how the terminal fuse box leans in the photos show. It sounds like @alexdimen has a good solution
Please do!
+1, I had mine blacked out and it looks great. Would be a good option.
The following users liked this post:
7krayziboi (06-17-19)
06-06-19, 03:36 PM
#14
I like the idea of powdercoating too. Just depends on what people want and if they are willing to pay.
That said, it is MUCH cheaper to do this type of thing at the bulk level (we do it) then making everyone run out to their local powdercoater to do a single tray.
06-12-19, 07:14 AM
#16
You can kindof see how the terminal fuse box leans in the photos show. It sounds like @alexdimen has a good solution
Please do!
Please do!
07-02-19, 11:28 PM
#20
You'll be the swaggiest. 
FOR THE REST OF YOU!
Who would want their battery box powdercoated (maybe anodized) flat black?
Seeing if we can score some bulk pricing if there's enough interest. No way to give a cost estimate right now - but thinking an additional $50-$60?
FOR THE REST OF YOU!
Who would want their battery box powdercoated (maybe anodized) flat black?
Seeing if we can score some bulk pricing if there's enough interest. No way to give a cost estimate right now - but thinking an additional $50-$60?
07-07-19, 03:42 AM
#25
Rotary Enthusiast
I am just finding this thread.. Can I still join the group buy? Looks like earlier post says metal production has started so I wasn't sure..
If so I'd like to join the list !
If so I'd like to join the list !