MTFCA Forum

Suggestions for installing RedTop battery ???

Bob, I have them in 2 of our cars, will take some pictures for you.

Chris

Thanks Chris for the quick response ! No quick pictures are expected, but will help within the next few weeks.

I'm also running 2 of them - just have to install on a diagonal & use wood or rubber extensions for clamping - that's how I did mine anyway.

My wide body roadster battery is in a metal running board toolbox. It is clamped down and the side cut out of a small plastic chemical drum acts as an electrical insulator on the top, in case anything else in the toolbox gets loose.
On Henrietta, the running board box is fashioned from an old timber box, complete with wooden lid. It is a snug fit within, so It just sits there. The old, stiff earth lead keeps it tied down.
Dan's hold wooden hold down bar is a neat job in a standard battery carrier.

Allan from down under.

I would like to know the overall height of the 6 Volt Optimum battery as I may be able to use one.

I highly recommend the optima for all 6v applications, you don't want to see my rig to keep it in the battery box

8.1 " high, 10.06 " long, 3.63" wide

I wish that I bought an optimal battery in 2016 it would most likely still be operating. I went through 2 group 6 volt batteries between 2016 and 2022 i my 23 touring car..
Art Mirtes

I made a box for a Group 1 tractor battery and the yellow top Optima fit in there like this. As mentioned, it has been in there since 2001 or so and worked last summer just fine. I didn't check it today.
I would buy some new ones if they are as good as this one has been.
Rich

Art M wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 12, 2023 5:59 pm

I wish that I bought an optimal battery in 2016 it would most likely still be operating. I went through 2 group 6 volt batteries between 2016 and 2022 i my 23 touring car..
Art Mirtes

Battery life depends on many things so always hard to compare "battery life". However price wise all depends on what you want to spend at a point in time. The design of the Optima battery has its own unique advantages.

I have one in my '16 Touring.
I installed a Model T battery carrier and set it at an angle like others have.

I also put one under the front seat, behind the gas tank on a '15 Roadster.
 
 

My Optima lasted 11 years and I never charged it thru the winter. I stole a battery box out of the boat and added a piece of 2x8 to hold it in place. $220 to replace it.

I made the steel battery box back when I first got the car and used wet lead acid batteries. The only alteration to install the Optima was to add some extra wood packing underneath the battery, and make up the angle iron bracket to hold it down.

Robert,

I see everyone has focused on the physical in answering your question on 'suggestions for installing [a] RedTop...'

I'd hoped someone would mention ensuring the electrical system is up to scratch, mostly 'cos I didn't want to sound like a stuck record but no-one has so I'll do it

Optima's are great batteries and have a good record for longevity, however they will respond well to a good electrical regime just as any other battery. Thus I suggest that, if you haven't already, it's worth ensuring that all connections are clean and tight, wires are not frayed or burnt, and that you have a regulator installed, not a cutout.

I know JohnH has had a regulator on his car for years, not sure about the others that have responded here but they really are a good thing, and should ensure that the battery isn't overcharged (which will shorten its life). If you only ever do occasional short runs it probably wouldn't make a lot of difference, but should you ever undertake long runs, or drive a lot, it would be a worthwhile change that should help protect your Optima investment.

Luke.

Luke... Thanks for the tips and suggestions, appreciated.