Messing about in the Battery Compartment

Thought it was about time to fit the battery, but before that I decided to fit a drain to the compartment. Anecdotal evidence from numerous GD'ers reveals that despite their best efforts water can find its way into the compartment. I made up a drain from a 10mm microbore plumbing fitting with a flange on the back - pushed through from the inside and sealed in place with Sikaflex:

I forgot to take photo's of it being made so will correct that when I do the next one. It would appear to be easier to drill a hole straight down through the floor..... but the floor comprises marine ply sandwiched between fibreglass - marine ply is resistant to moisture but probably best not to eh?

Fitting the battery was pretty easy (2mm to spare on width) - connecting up the leads and "Battery Brain" gubbins was a bit of fiddle in the confined space but after a bit of effin' & jeffin' it was done:

A bit untidy perhaps but little scope to rationalise things - it will look loads better with the cover on! You can see one of the lengths of studding from my home made battery clamp - just painting the straps at the moment.

So what about the battery "brain"does it work?

Check this out:

If you remember I included a lead under the dash connected directly to the battery - bypassing the "Brain" - this allows me to charge / condition the battery without having to remove the wheel and access panel (even when the "Brain" has disconnected the battery) - just plug & play:

Time to re-group and consider the list of outstanding jobs.