Optima Battery Question
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Geismar LA
Optima Battery Question
For those that have installed the Optima Red Top battery in their C5's, did you use the plastic holder on the bottom of the battery or just install the battery with the factory hold down clamp. Mine seems to want to come loose when using just the hold down clamp.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Geismar LA
Originally Posted by matt24
First time i installed it it worked fine now i cant get it to hold the battery down. I just left it bc theres not really any where for it to go.
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From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by BLU PIL
Well, it can move around and bang into stuff and damage the battery. It is not good for the battery or the wires anyway.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Geismar LA
Originally Posted by MyVetteDream
What size battery do you have?
Last edited by HOTSOSS; Jul 29, 2005 at 02:53 PM.
Team Owner
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From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I have the 75-35 and it fits perfectly with the factory hold-down clamp. It is snug and will not move at all in any direction. Make sure that you are positioning the battery correctly in it's place and you should have no problems. This is the second Red Top I have installed, one in my first C5, a '98 Vert and now in my current car. Fits like it was made for it.
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From: Columbia MD
Originally Posted by Mike98SilVert
I have the 75-35 and it fits perfectly with the factory hold-down clamp. It is snug and will not move at all in any direction. Make sure that you are positioning the battery correctly in it's place and you should have no problems. This is the second Red Top I have installed, one in my first C5, a '98 Vert and now in my current car. Fits like it was made for it.
You have to wiggle it into place but once the bottom edge fits under the lip on the battery tray, you're good to go. 
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Geismar LA
While I was waiting on your replys, I installed the red tray with the hold down clamp that was supplied with my first battery (a little smaller with a protrusion that fits in the slot of the tray). It holds the tray down fine but the battery can move up and down in the tray and I don't think this is good either. So I will use the factory clamp without any Optima trays and secure the bottom of the battey with the factory clamp. Since it has come loose several times, I will work on the position to see if I can get more grip.
Just tried and it won't hold. If I use the red tray that comes with the Optima, then at least it won't slide around. Just hope I never turn over cause it will come out that way. Thanks.
Just tried and it won't hold. If I use the red tray that comes with the Optima, then at least it won't slide around. Just hope I never turn over cause it will come out that way. Thanks.
Last edited by HOTSOSS; Jul 29, 2005 at 03:46 PM.
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I used the factory hold down clamp too. So far, after almost four years, no problems.
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I've got the 34/78 series and I 'm using the Optima clamp. It has the semi-circular shape to fit up against the battery. Holds tight.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Geismar LA
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I used the factory hold down clamp too. So far, after almost four years, no problems.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Johnston, Iowa
Originally Posted by matt24
First time i installed it it worked fine now i cant get it to hold the battery down. I just left it bc theres not really any where for it to go.
There are at least two diff form factors of red top. The one I have works perfectly w/stock hold down. Do a search and you'll find the two form factors...
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From: Chicago burb
Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
I've got the 34/78 series and I 'm using the Optima clamp. It has the semi-circular shape to fit up against the battery. Holds tight.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Oakdale CT
Originally Posted by injuner
I installed mine with the factory hold down clamp and it has been working fine so far. 
But I think i have somehow managed to almost strip the threads in the negative side terminal. Doesn't want to tighten all the way. It starts to get tight and then gets loose again.
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From: Palmdale CA
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by BLU PIL
For those that have installed the Optima Red Top battery in their C5's, did you use the plastic holder on the bottom of the battery or just install the battery with the factory hold down clamp. Mine seems to want to come loose when using just the hold down clamp.
