Optima Red Top Install Problem
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 1
Optima Red Top Install Problem
Got it to fit!.. Thanks to the suggestions and help of the many folfs here. Had to lean it backwards and slide the bottom/back in. Like a glove. Even the stock tightener is working just fine with it. Thanks again everybody. :hurray:
Did anybody sit it on top of the "spacer" that came with it? I did not but I was just wondering if others did to maybe give it some height.
[Modified by jedicowboy, 5:46 PM 11/15/2003]
Did anybody sit it on top of the "spacer" that came with it? I did not but I was just wondering if others did to maybe give it some height.
[Modified by jedicowboy, 5:46 PM 11/15/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (jedicowboy)
Either the 34 or 35 series fits in there. I have the smaller 35 series. There is a recess in the back of the tray that you have to feel for then push the back lip of the Optima into with some force to get it to engage. Then use the stock hold down block to tie it down. Optima will send you a better hold down block that better conforms to the Optima's shape. They sent me one for free.
Don't give up - it fits.
Don't give up - it fits.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Ca
Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (jedicowboy)
Which model battery did you buy? Mine fit's in there fine. The only issue is the hold down block doesn't match up real well with the curved optima cells, but it still holds the battery securely. I think you can get a replacement block from Optima that fits the curves if you want.
This is the first post I've ever seem about the battery being to small?. :confused:
This is the first post I've ever seem about the battery being to small?. :confused:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 1
Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (jedicowboy)
I told the guy at Autozone what kind of Battery I wanted and what kind of car I had. He looked it up on the computer and sold me the one I have now. I was in a real hurry since the ordeal delayed me an hour this morning. I will have to monkey with it afer work tonight. It just seems to me that it would have slid right in. It did look as if the back was not staying in place somehow which was keeping it away from the front bolt down holder. :confused:
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Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (jedicowboy)
My Optima fit fine and the stock hold down piece does it job. If you can't get it to work any better, call Optima and have them send you a hold down wedge for the battery you have.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
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From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (Patches)
Either the 34 or 35 series fits in there. I have the smaller 35 series. There is a recess in the back of the tray that you have to feel for then push the back lip of the Optima into with some force to get it to engage. Then use the stock hold down block to tie it down. Optima will send you a better hold down block that better conforms to the Optima's shape. They sent me one for free.
Don't give up - it fits.
Don't give up - it fits.
This was my experience also.. Just takes a bit a patience to get it seated.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,926
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From: I hate you and I dont even know you
Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (jedicowboy)
I installed mine a few months ago in the AutoZone parking lot and it only took about 5 minutes. Slid right into place and the block clamped down on it without a problem. You probably just need to move it around.
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Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (Al '92)
The only small problem I had with mine was due to having a "battery mat" that I had installed under my old Delco. When I first tried to install my Optima 34/78, I had the same problem. Even though the mat is pretty thin, it was raising my battery just enough to keep the back side of it from engaging underneath the lip at the rear of the battery tray. I removed the battery mat and it fits great now. My battery came with two plastic holddown adapters, one of which I used in place of my stocker. Fits like a glove. HTH
Robert
Robert
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Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (LoneStarFRC)
What he said. Mine came with a slide-on adapter for the hold-down block, but it fits in there fine without the adapter. I don't remember which battery I have...
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 536
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From: Beavercreek Ohio
Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (jedicowboy)
I have a 34 series. I put the stock hold down in a vice, and rounded it out for clearance at the front of the battery. Used a dremel tool with a little sanding drum. Took approximately 27 seconds. Fits and holds down perfectly! Talk nicely to it - it'll fit! :thumbs:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,396
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From: North Manchester Indiana
Re: Optima Red Top Install Problem (Shylor)
I got the battey mat under my redtop,,it fit , ight but it fit,, he stock hold down worked ok too,,,did not need he mat,, but I had to use it somewhere,, :leaving:
