Mounting Optima Red Top

[Sean]

I've done some searching, and tons of brainstorming.

I have a couple ideas, but the time I need to get them done will be lacking in the coming week. I tried out my ideas with some aluminum sheet metal tonight, but this shit is weak, and won't hold a damn thing. I'm gonna pick up some thicker metal tomorrow, and try out my ideas again.

I purchased an Optima Red Top battery, the 34 model, with 800 CCA. This battery is shorter and a bit taller than the normal sized battery for our cars. At the same time, there's no lip on short sides of the battery, so I need to figure out a way to mount the battery securely, since the original bracket will not work.

I've thought of a couple ways, including cuting put metal, and screwing it in a certain way into the plastic battery holder to hold the battery tight. I've considered bungie cables, but these will most definately not pass tech at a race track.

So, I need some good ideas on a good secure way to mount this battery and still pass tech at driving schools.

And, before anyone suggests it, there is NOT enough room to use one of those top mounts. There is no room on the left side of the battery for anything, unless it's down below, near the 3 rounded cells on that one side.

Thanks!

-Sean


EDIT: Pictures of what ended up working great for me! Here!

[asubimmer]

my car doesn't even have the brackets to hold the battery on

[Sean]

Well, if you're implying just leaving ym battery sitting in there, I'll pass on that one.

That's 40lbs of shifting weight. Get in an accident, and who KNOWS where that thing will fly. Not to mention it won't pass tech to the slightest just lying there. :-\

[asubimmer]

mine has never not passed tech ;)

it fits in pretty nice and doesn't move much at all if any. I don't think it ever shifts.

[MR 325]

my car doesn't even have the brackets to hold the battery on

[MrK]

Dammit!!! There's supposed to be a bracket to hold the battery?!?! Where's the phone number of the previous owner....


hehehe But seriously, I'm bracketless and even with VERY spirited driving, the battery doesn't shift at all.

[chuckybob]

  __
_|  |_
*    *

* = bolts

youre welcome

[Rob]

rubber battery tie down kit from autozone, notched one side of the battery tray for the metal 'legs', just hooked the other side under the tray, voila, perfect for the optima, passes tech, etc.


FWIW- I have been wholly unimpressed with my optima's performance, especially for the money.

[Dave]

Autozone Duralast battery works just fine for me as long as I don;t forget to unhook it when the car is going to sit for a while.

[Beej '86 325es]

Dammit!!! There's supposed to be a bracket to hold the battery?!?! Where's the phone number of the previous owner....


hehehe But seriously, I'm bracketless and even with VERY spirited driving, the battery doesn't shift at all.

There's not much to the bracket. It's just a little clip at the base that's held in by a long bolt. Any time I've autocrossed, that's the first thing they do, grab the battery. I don't think it's as important on our cars since they're in the trunk, but hey, it's the rules. :)

[asubimmer]

tech has grabed my battery every time and let me go w/ it the way it is...no holder. I guess cause its still pretty firm in there?

[Sean]

rubber battery tie down kit from autozone, notched one side of the battery tray for the metal 'legs', just hooked the other side under the tray, voila, perfect for the optima, passes tech, etc.


FWIW- I have been wholly unimpressed with my optima's performance, especially for the money.

Cool, I will run there and see what I can find. I see what you mean, that'll probably be the route I go, since it'd just be easier than trying to actually fab up my own mount that I have an idea to use.

As a quick note, I'm getting the Optima because my car does sit for a while, sometimes it does, other times it doesn't. lately, it's been cold, -10 for about two days. My 8 yr old battery finally went (didn't surprise me). So, rather than getting a die hard or something similar to $100, I just got an Optima for $130. They are good batteries from what I hear, and it's worth the extra money to me. My car is exposed to many elements, and it's just nice to know that my car will start no matter what. I know these are good because a friend of mine spent 5 minutes cranking over his Jeep the other morning and it never ran outta juice, at about 5-10 below 0.

I'll run to Autozone today and see what I can find. Thanks for the tips, guys!

And for those with no brackets, I'd at least get something on there. I'd be real hesitant driving around with a free-floating battery. At least that's just me.

[asubimmer]

I can see that the bracket may make you fell better but I don't think its really needed. The battery cables actually keep the battery from moving very much if at all. I wouldn't be supprised if just the cables w/out the bracket would hold the battery in place even if you flipped. The batterys are pretty secure even w/out that bracket. It might be different if the battery wasn't down in a hole but IMHO you are fine w/out one.

[Sean]

I can see that the bracket may make you fell better but I don't think its really needed. The battery cables actually keep the battery from moving very much if at all. I wouldn't be supprised if just the cables w/out the bracket would hold the battery in place even if you flipped. The batterys are pretty secure even w/out that bracket. It might be different if the battery wasn't down in a hole but IMHO you are fine w/out one.

I understand what you're sayin entirely. However, since I had to get a longer negative battery cable, to reach the negative terminal on the Optima, it isn't too tight in there anymore.

Additionally, since I'll be driving almost 500 miles to go to this driving school, I seriously cannot risk not passing tech - it would be a waste otherwise. :)

[asubimmer]

ahh yeah well that makes since then. I guess since its a diff shape then you might need something to hold it. Welp good luck man.