Reusing Old Robot Parts

[CryptoCrash]

I know there have been a lot of posts concerning the reuse of older parts on the current year's robot, but I have a question about a particular part that I'm not sure how to define.

Last year, our team made a custom battery box out of steel plate. It wasn't anything special, just a nonfunctioning box. I want to know if it would be possible for our team to use that same battery box again on the current bot, or if we would have to make a new battery box altogether.

I know the rule concerning part reusage in the 2013 Game Manual: "COTS items from Robots entered in previous FRC competitions that are no longer commerically available may be used only if they are functionally equivalent to the original conditions as delivered from the VENDOR." My question is would the custom made, steel battery box be considered a COTS item? If it was, then I would see why it would not be legal to reuse it. Yet a COTS item is defined as a "standard part commonly available from the VENDOR, available from a non-Team source, and available to all teams for purchase." I wouldn't really consider the box that. Any suggestions?