Optimate boot install

[firewallguy]

I want to get an optimate to keep the battery topped up and like the idea of it being installed in the boot, I just don't know how you get the cables from the boot to the battery in the front.
Do you have to run them through the cabin?

[kevin63]

You can route the cables under the centre console. If you take out the helmet holder (only by name) then at each side up top behind the seats is a small gap where cables can be threaded through, once through just unscrew the centre console (one screw under helmet holder, one near drivers left knee) and just lift up enough to route the wire. Once at the front it should just be a matter of threading the wire through on of the many entries for pipes and wires that are already there.

[Tanguero]

There are already heavy duty cables to the battery run through the passenger side sill and across to the fuse board. If you undo the single bolt that holds the fuse board in place you can pull it forward and tip it down. It is pretty obvious where the main power and ground feeds are. Attach your Optimate leads across those, feed the connector forward and through the gap into the boot above the fuel tank and away you go.

ETA: Quite why you would put it in the boot instead of under the bonnet I can't fathom. If you leave the boot ajar to prevent trapping the charging cable the boot light will be on all the time which probably makes it rather pointless trickle charging the battery.

Edited by Tanguero on Saturday 14th July 23:48

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

mines in the boot and I can close the boot without locking it and my light goes off.

[GT6k]

I have mine in the boot and its a really neat install as you can use one of the free relay slots to get into the wiring. I cut up an old relay and soldered the flying lead onto the base then pushed it into a spare slot. The boot light isnt a problem as on mine it doesn't come on until the boot is at least a couple of inches up and anyway the boot can be closed on the cable without pinching it.

[pmessling]

I connected mine directly to the battery. It can be accessed if the bonnets locked through the wheel arch. Although if I know I'm not using the car for a good while I undo the bonnet.

[Gazzab]

Fag lighter attachment is much easier...

[firewallguy]

Cheers for the info guys. Was going for the boot as that's where I had read people tend to put it, also I reverse into garage and booty is nearest the outlets.
I assumed TVRs panel gaps wouldn't be so tight as to prevent me closing the boot without pinching the cables.

[Mark.]

Mines wired in to the fuse box in the boot - no idea how though as Carl did it when he replaced the alarm.

It's a few minutes to do the job that's all, I'm sure if you gave him a call he'd be happy to tell you how.