Battery..ford case optima inside

[fordv8j]

I have a optima battery in a ford case...bought it that way, its 10 years old and getting weak, has anyone took one out and replaced with new optima,,if so which is best, take out the top or out the bottom, napa said they could get a red top for $225.00...thanks

[acchaplin]

A decade or so ago, I did the same thing, only I hollowed out one of those MoPar script batterys from up there in PA. Castle PA? They're always at Carisle. Anyway. I had the yellow top Optima. It was the only highher cranking amps size that would fit inside the MoPar battery case.

Your Ford script battery and cables are fake. They are to only "look" period correct, while you got a modern 12V, serious cranking amps, battery "hidden'' inside the OEM battery.

10 years is slightly above a normal life span of a 12V battery. Do you know what the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) are of the Optima?

The way I did my conversion, like a couple of others. Undo your fake battery cables at the battery, and the OEM fake battery holddown. Lift the fake OEM script case up and out,,,,,. Remember its a gutted case, so your Ford script battery barely weighs 2 pounds!

There you will see the Optima battery and the REAL (live) battery cables. Undo it just like you would a normal battery. Use the same safety measures.

WOW! Batterys have gone UP in price!

[fordv8j]

Old fords are 6volt positive ground..might be best to cut bottom out

[ford38v8]

James, the correct battery for your ‘38 Ford is a 2LF, which is no longer capable of concealing an Optima due to the Optima’s increased height. In order to use the correct 2LF case, it will need a ⅜” platform under it, hollowed out for the increased height. Your other choice would be to use a 2HF case, which would draw a deduction on the V8 Club Concourse. In either case, the bottom access is easier to deal with, and remember, your battery hold down will need rework for the increased height of the new battery.

[Newc]

On Google; Optima's are sold in Spanish- cheaper than English dealers. I was told that Optima has moved to Mexico ? Newc

[ford38v8]

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Originally Posted by Newc

On Google; Optima's are sold in Spanish- cheaper than English dealers. I was told that Optima has moved to Mexico ? Newc

Does that mean you can get an Optima for only $4389.75 MXN ?

[fordv8j]

I have the taller one for the 53 fords; optima will fit in it;;just need to know best way to do it

[pistonbroke]

I cut the top off just under the lip with a hot knife. Cutting the bottom out sound like a better idea. If you mess up nobody would ever know. This is why I like this site, always learning or get good ides. Tim

[fordv8j]

I have the 2hf already made thw hold down bolts longer; didn't tell the judges, so be quiet, sounds like i'll take the bottom out....thanks to all

[Kens 36]

Originally Posted by fordv8j

didn't tell the judges, so be quiet,

Oh, oh. You just did

Ken

[37 Coupe]

Well hopefully when I finish here pictures will load. I have done a couple of the Optima 6 volt battery in a Ford case. The first I did was bought as a Optima in a Ford case from here in Ohio ,Antique Battery Hudson Ohio I think.When Optima went kaput they would only sell me a new one or none at all to fix,said they are sealed and cannot be reopened to change out. The tops are sealed with epoxy but being carefull with cutting tools and taking time the top can be removed. Of course the new Optima I got was taller as everyone knows but you can get around that also. This does mean work on the bottom also either cutting it out like top or hole sawing three diagonal holes like hopefully one picture shows. You have to sand or grind bottom of Optima "feet" the tabs that are meant to be used for some hold downs,this to fit in case. I was lucky years ago to obtain the tops I needed from I think Lou Trinque who used to rebuild shocks. On the case I showit felt to me that the case strength was comprimised so I poured epoxy or some kinda fiberglass two part liquid I bought at Menards in autoparts.Masked off the three holes with shims or something. Installatio means the bottom sticks out say 3/8"-1/2" so I used a bottom black mat sponge like used for floor fatique mat. On my '37 this moved battery up more on firewall a littl so I had to get a couple longer hold down at the time from Nacewicz.Mayby this stuff will help someone. Yes I know red oval is wrong but those who are looking and pointing that out under my hood are not focused on the 24 studs instead of 21.