BL LST2 Battery Mounting Thoughts??

[VintageMA]

I've completed a conversion of a LST2 (yes it's sorta based off the FD design) but using my own knowledge and much better parts. I've upgraded the Steering Servos from the stock to Hitec HS-5955 steering servos (for a total of 666 oz/in of steering power). I got rid of the recevier battery in the back and opted for using an Apogee 2100 mAh 2S LiPo with a Novak LiPo 6V nitro servo regulator. I'm running a LMT 1950/7 motor with a MGM 24/160 ESC with 2 Maxamps 8000mAh 3S2P packs in series. Wheels are Zombie-Max on maxx rims with the 14mm hub conversion.

I've left everything stock for now. Forward/reverse still operational. I am running the motor in forward only with no brake and using the mechanical brake as there is no braking with the 2-speed tranny.

Haven't had much time to run it as it is about 15 degrees here in MA right now. It is mega powerful and will wheelie and flip backwards super easily if you gas it too much.

To the point (sorry for the ramblings - just totally excited about getting this working after waiting 4 months for all the parts :027: ) - I am having issues with the battery mounts (see pics). The battery case is a plastic Radio Shack box mounted to the frame with 4 screws - it's pretty solid. The zip ties hold the box together around the side and normally there are two zip ties that go around the top of the batteries to hold them down but what is happening is that even with just a flip-over those zip ties will snap.

The battery weight is substantial (~2.3 lbs) and right now most of the weight is in the back. I would like to redistribute it better, but with the braking and fwd/rev servos in place I am not sure how.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to either a better way to hold the batteries in place that will not snap or some other mounting options?