Quick Release SRT-10 Battery Cover / Battery Tender Connector

[SSGNRDZ_28]

An update on this project for those who were interested: The first batch is done and many have been installed on local cars. The covers look great and fit very well. Having had to remove several OEM covers to install these I appreciate them even more. Some notes:

No Modification of the Car Required – I designed special retainers to fit in the OEM holes.

Battery Tender Connector: – Not the only solution out there but a nice way to mount the connector. No open hoods, windows, hatches for this solution and all of the parts required are still lighter than the OEM cover.

This cover provides many improvements over the OEM cover – convenience, safety, upgraded look, upgraded materials, strength, weight savings, etc.

I’ll be at Sebring for the 12 hour race if you’d like to see / discuss in person. Limited supplies are ready to ship this week.

 

[Steve-Indy]

VERY nice and FUNCTIONAL piece!! When you get the initial orders filled, I'll need two more, please.

 

[King_]

Very nice! Great looking piece!

 

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Thanks guys.

Here are pictures of what the retainer looks like installed and out of the car. All stainless steel and aluminum materials, no corners cut.

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[bbirch]

Thanks for the quick delivery. That is one beautiful part, the satin powder coat is awesome. My OEM torx bolts need to be replaced, so I can avoid that now. Can't wait to do the installation.

Super job on the design and the 1/4 turn aerospace fastners!

thanks much, bb

 

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Some answers for those who are asking questions:

Price is $200 for the cover itself and an optional $75 extra for the battery tender connector and associated wiring.

If you want the optional connector it comes fully assembled. The kits are complete and include everything you need to install (even the Loctite) other than standard tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers.

The SAE 2 Pin plugs directly in to a Battery Tender, but adapters can be made or purchased to fit any charger.

Installation takes about 10-15 minutes for the panel and an extra 10 minutes or so for the wiring on the battery if you chose that option. This is about the same time it will take you to take the OEM cover off without an electric drill or screwdriver. My freshly charged Dewalt drill died after removing 3 panels in a row.

This panel lays completely flat unlike the bent OEM panel. This makes it easier to install but also prevents a seemingly "tight" panel from having gaps to the outside world as with the OEM. The guesswork has been engineered out of the tightening process with this design.

This part doesn’t require the car to be modified at all and the OEM panel could be reinstalled in about 10 minutes if desired.

More information can be found and orders can be placed on my website or by contacting me directly.

Doug

 

[01sapphirebob]

Very cool!

 

[eagles]

What is your web site address?

Eagles

 

[chorps]

What is your web site address?

Eagles

In his sig.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Here is his address as noted:

http://dougshelbyengineering.com/Viper.html


​

 

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Thank you, Steve.

For those who don't have PayPal and would like to order via phone / email, no problem please send a PM to discuss.

 

[eagles]

Thanks, Eagles

 

[Hirkophoto]

Can't you just put the tender pigtail on the battery and then just reach trough the back to connect and disconnect it? That's what I been doing for years and you can't even see the cable when you unplug it. I'm just saying...

 

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Sure, you can do whatever you like. This is another option that many have opted for. With this solution I believe it's easier to plug the connector in with one hand as it is hard mounted. The battery tender mount is a feature that may not be for everyone simply because many people already have a charging solution in place they are comfortable with.

The main feature of this product is the new battery cover design. I think the quick release cover is a huge improvement over OEM - much easier access to the battery, and a big upgrade in materials. Once people have tried this first hand they will really appreciate that.

 

[bbirch]

As it was time to replace the battery, it was the right time to install a DSE battery cover plate. With my coupe, the 1/4 turn fasteners snugged up in the trial fitting and required no further adjustment to fit with the plate. The final step was to tighten them up via wrench.

Nice part, fits great, good upgrade. Fathers Day is coming soon !!

 

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Thanks, Brent. Glad it fit well and installed easily for you! They all seem have seem to fit very well so far, glad to hear another confirmation of that.

For anyone considering getting one of these I have special Father’s day pricing:

$175 quick release panel
$225 quick release panel with battery tender connector kit

Purchase from my website or eBay. Shipping and other discounts may apply for orders of two or more, please contact me for details or with questions. Thanks!

 

[bbirch]

Doug,
Regarding the DSE battery cover installation project, I had noticed the OEM cover was allowing fine dust to by-pass the factory seal material. The carpet insert on my Coupe has some kind of "flexible" backing as opposed to raw carpet. It needed to be cleaned to make sure it didn't scratch the satin powder coating and just for general detailing practices. With the improved seal, and the quality of the product, this was really one of those high job satisfaction upgrades especially with the quick 1/4 turn release feature.

I encourage any Viper enthusiast to consider this upgrade and the easy access battery maintainer connection feature.

Great products to put on a Fathers Day wish list !!

 

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Brent,

Thanks for the additional information and feedback. The OEM seal can become an issue if:

1- The lid is not tightened correctly (if it is too tight or loose which is hard to determine because of the design bend in the panel)
2- The foam becomes permanently compressed, which on my ‘08 it is.
3- The panel becomes creased (see #1)

I definitely strived to improve this seal by sourcing a foam that would hold up over time but further by improving the mechanical design to prevent any of the above from happening. The precise fit is a big step to improving the seal and ¼ turn is always the right amount of tight. The lip on the panel acts as a mechanical pocket to prevent the foam from being crushed and provides an additional seal barrier.

As someone mentioned – their trunk area was wet after having to drive through the rain on the way back from VOI. My wife once noticed a ‘louder’ road noise to the car which I later realized was due to the OEM panel not being all the way sealed. At the time I thought she was crazy.

I always try to do things the right way and improve on every aspect if possible. IMO, no need to redesign the wheel if it isn’t better or cheaper.