early cj5/M38a1 battery box cover help

[Black Bear]

Im in the process of restoring a early 50's M38a1. A couple years ago I purchased a reproduction body from a place up in PA. Its really made in India, but the reseller had a special deal with them to make a mostly accurate M38a1 body based on their early cj-5. The battery box cover that came with it fits nice, but the things they sent to secure it suck. Some fit nice others are very loose. I need ideas on how to secure the lid. The issue i have is that the front side is sandwiched between the battery box and the firewall. There is about an inch or so of clearance, but you cant get to it easily. Anyways on with the pics.

Battery cover unsecured.

what they sent to secure it. notice they are not all the same.

Installed.

the front mount that are hard to get to..

 

[Caver Dave]

Im in the process of restoring a early 50's M38a1

How "period correct" are you shooting for? Maybe you could use nut-serts or DZUS's?

 

[Black Bear]

its not going to be period correct. i swapped the old steering for cross over style, and it has a 2" lift.


I think nut-serts are the way to go. I just have to make the wing nuts look nice.

 

[OnlyOneDR]

Weld in some studs pointing up and use some nicer wing nuts and washers instead.