optima users- hold down
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 2
From: Hunterdon County NJ
optima users- hold down
I've read some old posts and they claim that the battery hold down will fit. I tried mine on several but it did not. They use a side clamp which will not adapt to the tray. How have you guys held them down? I'd like to go with the side mount postless model they offer.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 0
From: DeBary Fl. Amateur Radio Operator K3CQR
I'm in the same boat, the adapters would not work, so it's just sitting in the tray. That thing is so heavy, I'm not worried about it. Using the top post red top. Bill.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio Texas
I think you have the wrong size optima? I have a redtop optima in my car and it fits perfectly and the hold downs work. I have the adapter underneath the battery.. I have owned 2 of these 66 BB's and the optima has fit in both..
It is a SC34U....
The one I have in there now lasted 35 months and then I got a brand new one for free.. I still like them because I have plenty of cranking power and don't worry about it, but I do keep a battery tender on it..
I just installed a yellow top optima in my 2005 Landcruiser. It was smaller than the original one, but man, it cranks that motor faster...
Good luck, Zale
It is a SC34U....
The one I have in there now lasted 35 months and then I got a brand new one for free.. I still like them because I have plenty of cranking power and don't worry about it, but I do keep a battery tender on it..
I just installed a yellow top optima in my 2005 Landcruiser. It was smaller than the original one, but man, it cranks that motor faster...
Good luck, Zale
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
I had this dilemma for years after installing the Yellow Top. The Optima is smaller and rounded and the stock top frame just doesn't fit right. Initially, I made shims of wood to take up the space, and it was 
I looked at the billet tops offered with the screw hole on each side, and most were :o Besides, they would only sell them with the bottom tray and I didn't need more clutter in the garage.
After much searching I came across a firm (Besser) that caters to the Tri-five group and they have a simple frame that fits the Optima and the Corvette. I told them they need to reassess their marketing as there are lots of Chevys that can use these, not just tri-Fives.
BTW, I see that Eckler's Classic Chevy also carries these now, so maybe they did take my advise on marketing stratagy.
http://www.classicchevy.com/product....4&dept_id=1203
I looked at the billet tops offered with the screw hole on each side, and most were :o Besides, they would only sell them with the bottom tray and I didn't need more clutter in the garage.
After much searching I came across a firm (Besser) that caters to the Tri-five group and they have a simple frame that fits the Optima and the Corvette. I told them they need to reassess their marketing as there are lots of Chevys that can use these, not just tri-Fives.
BTW, I see that Eckler's Classic Chevy also carries these now, so maybe they did take my advise on marketing stratagy.
http://www.classicchevy.com/product....4&dept_id=1203
Last edited by toddalin; Mar 11, 2010 at 12:53 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 4
I used the stock hold down without a problem. Strange.
ANyway, I no longer use the Optimas. I have had more problems with those expensive **** batteries and will never buy one again. They are junk in my personal opinion. They once were good, but i think they were too good and they had to change things.
ANyway, I no longer use the Optimas. I have had more problems with those expensive **** batteries and will never buy one again. They are junk in my personal opinion. They once were good, but i think they were too good and they had to change things.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
I used the stock hold down without a problem. Strange.
ANyway, I no longer use the Optimas. I have had more problems with those expensive **** batteries and will never buy one again. They are junk in my personal opinion. They once were good, but i think they were too good and they had to change things.
ANyway, I no longer use the Optimas. I have had more problems with those expensive **** batteries and will never buy one again. They are junk in my personal opinion. They once were good, but i think they were too good and they had to change things.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
excuse the mess because this is a busy area: cruise control, windshield fluid jug, master cylinder in a 66 A-C Sting Ray
a pic of the top of my red top with a discount store hold down securing
it in my 3 sided stainless steel heat shield.
a pic of the top of my red top with a discount store hold down securing
it in my 3 sided stainless steel heat shield.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 296
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Optima Battery
I just replaced the "old" (6 yrs) Optima with a new one. The new red top is a higher rating and has the terminals placed further inboard toward the middle of the battery. The stock hold down works fine and I don't have to worry about inadvertently "shorting" out by touching the terminals/cable against the bracket. BTW, I'm talking about a '61.
