Gas tank space...
Useable Dimensions: ~32" width, 17" front to back, 5.5" deep.
Big enough for either 2 rows of cells on side, 12 cells long, 30"x16"x4.5", or SLA's on side, similar dimensions & weight, except an inch taller.
Same kind of layout, but cells standing on end so it's 30"x8"x9" will fit comfortably along rad support/in front of motor & trans, so pretty good chances I'll be making a couple of 12-cell long packs, either way.
First 24-cell pack's tray being built:
Compression plates:
Cells fitted, plates on, straps in place:
Weighs 50kg. About at the limit of manageable by hand, should the need arise.
Can straps be too tight? Probably not, using gear clamps...my "affordable", removable option...
Cells operate as a single unit now, separate of tray:
Cardboard pack replica a pretty good fit:
Tray in approximate location:
Side note: Spare tire well would be a good fit for the same size 4x6 cell pack. Just needs an inch extra on either side to clear the top of the pack. But this is putting weight out past the rear axle, which I'd rather not do. But I will if it gains me something else important...ie space. It does have the benefit of making the cells easy to access (so does having them all under the hood).
Trying to get a half decent backup option squeezed in is the only reason I've not commit ed to having them all under the hood already.