The VanGuard tripod mounting plate is removable, I cut some 6MM balsa into the same shape in double layer. Simply super glued together at this point.
The mounting plate has 90 degree angled corners so the clamp on the tripod clamps it in place. I marked out the exact border (8MM).
Cut away the top plate entirely to size then cut the bottom layer outwards to the full size at a rough 90 degrees by hand.
Now this is balsa not exactly strong for this however soak this block in slow setting Epoxy (I used UHU 300) then I put it in the oven for 8 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius which not only cures it faster but also increases the strength to the maximum possible for this epoxy.
You can see here how it mounts into the tripod.
Of course I don't want all the weight of the box shifting just on the bolt so I made a aluminium washer to fit and epoxied that in place also.
Now my new replacement mount plate is directly bolted to the field-box and .... yes I epoxied it.
Now the box is quickly removable from the tripod but when in place is at my eye level and can still go much higher!
No need to run wires to the video receiver up some pole like others do, the entire box is raised!
I 100% love this mod, the tripod when collapsed for transport is so small it can fit in my rucksack yet when all set-up my reception is going to be excellent.