The Ford Barn

M2M · 04-12-2019, 10:57 PM

What's fully charged for a Optima 6v? Is it 6.3v?

Werner · 04-13-2019, 03:36 AM

7,2 Volt is max. load.

Badpuppy · 04-13-2019, 10:26 AM

The Optima is just like any lead acid battery, except the plates are coiled rather than stacked, and it is sealed (SLA = Sealed Lead Acid). The nominal voltage at rest is 6.3V, 2.1V per cell. Optimum float voltage is 7.2V while charging.

M2M · 04-13-2019, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

The Optima is just like any lead acid battery, except the plates are coiled rather than stacked, and it is sealed (SLA = Sealed Lead Acid). The nominal voltage at rest is 6.3V, 2.1V per cell. Optimum float voltage is 7.2V while charging.

Thanks.

M2M · 04-19-2019, 10:51 PM

I have a new Optima 6v question. I tried installing one using the holder shown below and with original type studs (that are not threaded in the middle) but it doesn't work...the battery sits too low so it cannot be held in place. Are you supposed to raise the height of the Optima (maybe with a piece of wood)? What's the solution?

30 Closed Cab PU · 04-19-2019, 11:08 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Yes you have to raise them. What ever method that works.

CWPASADENA · 04-19-2019, 11:57 PM

How about using some spacers on the stud to get up to where the threads are.

Use some larger nuts as spacers or even a bunch of flat washers if you do not want to make sone spacers.

I do not like to put something under the battery to raise it up. It may loosen up and fall out while going down he road.

Just my opinion.

Chris W.

duke36 · 04-20-2019, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWPASADENA

How about using some spacers on the stud to get up to where the threads are.

Use some larger nuts as spacers or even a bunch of flat washers if you do not want to make sone spacers.

I do not like to put something under the battery to raise it up. It may loosen up and fall out while going down he road.

Just my opinion.

Chris W.

Concur; we extended the threads with a die/cutting oil to accommodate the nuts..

M2M · 04-20-2019, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWPASADENA

How about using some spacers on the stud to get up to where the threads are.

Use some larger nuts as spacers or even a bunch of flat washers if you do not want to make sone spacers.

I do not like to put something under the battery to raise it up. It may loosen up and fall out while going down he road.

Just my opinion.

Chris W.

I agree with you about not wanting to put anything under the battery.

Another option is to use the non-original studs (cut down threaded rod) MACS sells, see:

https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_m...ent-style.html

Benson · 04-20-2019, 10:37 AM

PM Sent

d. · 04-20-2019, 05:14 PM

Bratton's sells the correctly shaped bracket to use an Optima in the original Model A battery holder; the bracket you picture looks incorrect for an Optima installation.

M2M · 04-21-2019, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d.

Bratton's sells the correctly shaped bracket to use an Optima in the original Model A battery holder; the bracket you picture looks incorrect for an Optima installation.

No, the bracket in my photo fits the Optima 6v fine and is sold by the other suppliers. With the Bratton's bracket is there still an issue with height when using original studs?

Gastrap · 04-21-2019, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2M

No, the bracket in my photo fits the Optima 6v fine and is sold by the other suppliers. With the Bratton's bracket is there still an issue with height when using original studs?

I bought the one in the photo and returned it right away. Quality was poor, and it could have shorted on the posts.
Now I have the oval shaped one from Brattons, and it looks good and fits. No spacer required.

d. · 04-21-2019, 05:38 PM

Now I have the oval shaped one from Brattons, and it looks good and fits. No spacer required.

there's your answer.

M2M · 04-24-2019, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gastrap

I bought the one in the photo and returned it right away. Quality was poor, and it could have shorted on the posts.
Now I have the oval shaped one from Brattons, and it looks good and fits. No spacer required.

Quote:

Originally Posted by d.

Now I have the oval shaped one from Brattons, and it looks good and fits. No spacer required.

there's your answer.

Wish I knew all this before as it too late to return the one I purchased. It explains why the Bratton's one is more expensive...$25 vs $15.

Lynn Wright · 09-11-2022, 08:29 PM

I left the ignition switch on and my Optima 6V battery discharged down to almost zero. I have a 6vdc charger on it for 12 hours and it will only charge up to 3.5v. Is there a secret about charging this type battery, or does it need replaced?

eagle · 09-11-2022, 09:55 PM

Parallel the battery to a working 6 volt battery. Charge both together, then charge the optima by itself. Use a set of jumper cables to parallel them.

rotorwrench · 09-12-2022, 11:35 AM

You have to buy another model A to justify having two 6-volt batteries. You can't have too many model As.

Lynn Wright · 09-12-2022, 12:13 PM

Great idea. However, I'll need to buy a 4-door so I'll have room to sleep.

katy · 09-13-2022, 12:09 PM

Quote:

I agree with you about not wanting to put anything under the battery.

I disagree, I always put a piece of 5/8" or 3/4" plywood, battery size, under the battery. That way the battery weight is spread out instead of it all being on that 1&1/2" or 2" strap.

04-12-2019, 10:57 PM	#1
M2M Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Australia/USA/EU/Soviet Russia Posts: 1,105	Optima 6V What's fully charged for a Optima 6v? Is it 6.3v? __________________

04-13-2019, 03:36 AM	#2
Werner Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Germany, near Aachen Posts: 1,157	Re: Optima 6V 7,2 Volt is max. load. __________________ Beste Gruesse aus Deutschland, Werner Ford Model A, Roadster, 1928 Citroen 11 CV, 1947 Hercules W 2000, 1976; (with NSU-Wankel Rotary Engine), Canadian version

04-13-2019, 10:26 AM	#3
Badpuppy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Guthrie, OK Posts: 1,145	Re: Optima 6V The Optima is just like any lead acid battery, except the plates are coiled rather than stacked, and it is sealed (SLA = Sealed Lead Acid). The nominal voltage at rest is 6.3V, 2.1V per cell. Optimum float voltage is 7.2V while charging.

04-19-2019, 10:51 PM	#5
M2M Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Australia/USA/EU/Soviet Russia Posts: 1,105	Re: Optima 6V I have a new Optima 6v question. I tried installing one using the holder shown below and with original type studs (that are not threaded in the middle) but it doesn't work...the battery sits too low so it cannot be held in place. Are you supposed to raise the height of the Optima (maybe with a piece of wood)? What's the solution? __________________

04-19-2019, 11:08 PM	#6
30 Closed Cab PU Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2,332	Re: Optima 6V Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yes you have to raise them. What ever method that works.

04-19-2019, 11:57 PM	#7
CWPASADENA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: PASADENA, CA Posts: 1,884	Re: Optima 6V How about using some spacers on the stud to get up to where the threads are. Use some larger nuts as spacers or even a bunch of flat washers if you do not want to make sone spacers. I do not like to put something under the battery to raise it up. It may loosen up and fall out while going down he road. Just my opinion. Chris W.

04-20-2019, 10:37 AM	#10
Benson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,597	Re: Optima 6V PM Sent Last edited by Benson; 04-24-2019 at 11:51 AM.

04-20-2019, 05:14 PM	#11
d. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 510	Re: Optima 6V Bratton's sells the correctly shaped bracket to use an Optima in the original Model A battery holder; the bracket you picture looks incorrect for an Optima installation.

04-21-2019, 05:38 PM	#14
d. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 510	Re: Optima 6V Now I have the oval shaped one from Brattons, and it looks good and fits. No spacer required. there's your answer.

09-11-2022, 08:29 PM	#16
Lynn Wright Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 12	Re: Optima 6V I left the ignition switch on and my Optima 6V battery discharged down to almost zero. I have a 6vdc charger on it for 12 hours and it will only charge up to 3.5v. Is there a secret about charging this type battery, or does it need replaced?

09-11-2022, 09:55 PM	#17
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Optima 6V Parallel the battery to a working 6 volt battery. Charge both together, then charge the optima by itself. Use a set of jumper cables to parallel them. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

09-12-2022, 11:35 AM	#18
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,426	Re: Optima 6V You have to buy another model A to justify having two 6-volt batteries. You can't have too many model As.

09-12-2022, 12:13 PM	#19
Lynn Wright Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 12	Re: Optima 6V Great idea. However, I'll need to buy a 4-door so I'll have room to sleep.