optima red top in a fox..what will it take to get it in?

[bcmbcmbcm]

Hey folks,
I would LOVE to run an optima red top in my 87 vert..anyone done this and if so, what is required to put it in?

Thanks!

Brett

 

[87gtconv]

I just put it in my vert and the only problem was that the hold down clamp didnt really hold it down too well but it is usable. Eventually I will install the fancy billet battery tray I bought.

 

[Shakerhood]

I just put it in my vert and the only problem was that the hold down clamp didnt really hold it down too well but it is usable. Eventually I will install the fancy billet battery tray I bought.

Optimas have lots of trouble moving around and the company became aware recently and have been manufacturing spacers that allow you to use your factory hold down clamps on them!

 

[87gtconv]

Thanks for the info my first Optima only lasted 7 years wonder if that was the problem!! Will they give these spacers out to old customers with Stangs?? Although my new hold down will keep the battery motionless. I always thought that little thingy on the bottom was useless that Ford calls a hold down!

 

[bcmbcmbcm]

Thanks, what group size should I get

What group size optima should I get?

 

[TheUser]

You will have to figure out something for spacing. I put a block of wood about an 1-1 1/2 inches thick in the front to keep it from squishing my overflow hose. Other than that, no clearance issues. I thought I had pics, but I can't find them, but here's the info:

Part Number: Red34/78
Model Number: 9083547
Cranking Amps: 980
Cold Cranking Amps: 800
RC (no idea what this is): 104...maybe recharge rate?
Price: ~$120 at pepboys

 

[BaXTeR3221]

I also used a block of wood to hold it in place, though now with the battery box, it fits perfectly.

 

[Stormwalker]

I picked up a generic battery hold down package from a local auto parts store, and it was a red metal hold down that was larger than the stock one. I simply put the stock 5/16 bolt through that and tightened it down, and it holds the optima in the stock battery tray just fine. It was so long ago I did that though, I can't tell you what it was called. Just check the local parts store, they are bound to have something that will work.

 

[Sicarius428]

I replaced my stocker with this one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7968459098&category=33575 . It took a little fabrication but with an aluminum L bracket and piece of 1/4 aluminum that I found in my friend's shop, I mad a support for the inside(closer to the engine) from where the power steering hose support bolts to the frame. For the outsid by the fender, I drilled two holes through the sheet metal on the bottom and fed two bolts up through the bottom plate strait into the aluminum rods that hold down the top part. I had to throw the base on the mill to notch the inside corners(where the groove for the handle meets at the bottom of the battery) to be more square because my optima I think has a tad older style. Nothing that can't be fixed with a dremel though. It looks awsome and is solid. Just be careful when bolting the cables to the terminals. Cover the top hold down with something.
Kevin

 

[Shakerhood]

Thanks for the info my first Optima only lasted 7 years wonder if that was the problem!! Will they give these spacers out to old customers with Stangs?? Although my new hold down will keep the battery motionless. I always thought that little thingy on the bottom was useless that Ford calls a hold down!

If you call the Company I dont see why they wouldnt send you the spacer out. Several guys on a Truck Forum I belong to were able to get some. One guy on there had his Optima slide foward and short out on the underside of his hood, it was a freakin mess, burned up evrerything!

 

[92Frankenstein]

You will have to figure out something for spacing. I put a block of wood about an 1-1 1/2 inches thick in the front to keep it from squishing my overflow hose. Other than that, no clearance issues. I thought I had pics, but I can't find them, but here's the info:

Part Number: Red34/78
Model Number: 9083547
Cranking Amps: 980
Cold Cranking Amps: 800
RC (no idea what this is): 104...maybe recharge rate?
Price: ~$120 at pepboys

Reserve capacity, so that would be 104 minutes.

 

[Curse]

I replaced my stocker with this one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7968459098&category=33575 . It took a little fabrication but with an aluminum L bracket and piece of 1/4 aluminum that I found in my friend's shop, I mad a support for the inside(closer to the engine) from where the power steering hose support bolts to the frame. For the outsid by the fender, I drilled two holes through the sheet metal on the bottom and fed two bolts up through the bottom plate strait into the aluminum rods that hold down the top part. I had to throw the base on the mill to notch the inside corners(where the groove for the handle meets at the bottom of the battery) to be more square because my optima I think has a tad older style. Nothing that can't be fixed with a dremel though. It looks awsome and is solid. Just be careful when bolting the cables to the terminals. Cover the top hold down with something.
Kevin

Wow that thing is awesome, might have to buy it when I move my Optima to the hatch. Thanks for the heads up.

bcmbcmbcm, I am currently holding my Optima with some bugee cords and the stock tray(i am ghetto)just until I move my battery to the hatch.

 

[9T3SVT]

I have a Red Top and the plastic adapter that it came with works fine with my factory hold down. I got it at Pep Boys, I'm not sure which group number it is though.

 

[ALMOST STOCK]

You can call or email Optima they make hold downs specific to Ford, part #242-0025. You’ll need two of them for one battery.

[email protected]
Toll Free: 888-8OPTIMA (888-867-8462)
Phone: 303-340-7440

This is another alternative which will work with your stock battery tray.
http://www.grcperformance.com/os_item_008.htm