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Old 09-21-2018, 01:03 PM   #1
petehoovie
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Default Optima....

Have any of you looked at the thread on the EFV8 Club Forum concerning the discontinuance of the Optima 6 volt battery? The Optima website shows that it is no longer available. I'm wondering if there is a manufacturer of a similar 6 volt battery....
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Old 09-21-2018, 01:09 PM   #2
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Default Re: Optima....

Geez...glad as hell I just bought one !!

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Old 09-21-2018, 03:31 PM   #3
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Default Re: Optima....

Hope this ain't true; I've only got about 6 years on mine. What am I going to do in 5 years?

Seriously, this is hard to believe; the military uses a lot of them. I remember that during the height of the Iraq war (debacle?), they were hard to get because they supposedly had all gone to the military.
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Old 09-21-2018, 04:31 PM   #4
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Default Re: Optima....

I see that amazon and other sellers no longer list them online. I too am disappointed.
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Old 09-21-2018, 04:49 PM   #5
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Default Re: Optima....

Dang!
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Old 09-21-2018, 05:50 PM   #6
petehoovie
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Default Re: Optima....

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This is bothersome. We should all do some research and post our findings as to the remaining manufacturers of 6 volt batteries pertinent to our cars. Ideally, it would be nice to see the specs of the batteries found - their manufacturer/supplier, dimensions, cranking amps etc. Websites of manufacturers/suppliers would be helpful as well.

We may all have to make modifications to our cars to accommodate the fit of the 6 volt batteries still available - the Group 2LF comes to mind here. Many of us might have to convert our cars to12 volt electrical systems when the supply of 6 volt batteries dries up. I'd like to see a 12 volt battery with a 6 volt tap connection....
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The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others....

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"We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969

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Old 09-21-2018, 06:05 PM   #7
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Default Re: Optima....

Amazon still lists 6v yellow and blue top Optima but they are $300+.
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Old 09-22-2018, 12:26 AM   #8
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Default Re: Optima....

Yikes. The red top types were a good battery.

Odyssey makes a good battery also.

http://www.odysseybattery.com/


Guess we are all hosed. Lot's of stuff still runs 6v.... always a way. Guess I'll be looking into magneto ignitions.

Look at forklift and tractor batteries as a lot of them are still 6v. http://usbattery.com/products/6-volt-batteries/

Last edited by Tinker; 09-22-2018 at 04:02 PM.
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Old 09-22-2018, 01:34 AM   #9
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Default Re: Optima....

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Amazon still lists 6v yellow and blue top Optima but they are $300+.
Optima did not make a 6 volt yellow or blue top. Only the red top in 6 volt. Yellow and blue tops are 12 volt batteries. Regards, Kevin.
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Old 09-22-2018, 05:29 AM   #10
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Default Re: Optima....

The official Optima company website states that "This product is currently unavailable to purchase. Out of stock". It does not state it has been discontinued or no longer manufactured. I do know that they only make the 6 volt battery in batches when they can fit them into their production demands for their standard 12 volt batteries. So don't panic yet until we know more. Regards, Kevin.
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Old 09-22-2018, 07:21 AM   #11
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Default Re: Optima....

here is a thread from AACA forum about this and some available stock.

http://forums.aaca.org/topic/315809-...-discontinued/

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Old 09-22-2018, 09:52 AM   #12
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Default Re: Optima....

Does Odyssey make a 6 volt battery?
I have a 12 volt in my car & it works well,
but didn't know about 6 volt stuff
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Old 09-22-2018, 02:53 PM   #13
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Default Re: Optima....

theres some on ebay speedway motors has one on ebay
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Old 09-22-2018, 04:53 PM   #14
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Default Re: Optima....

It's been advised on the V8 Forum to send emails to Optima, requesting the continuation of 6v Red Tops.
All you former Antiwar Protestors (and everyone else) please note the email address of Optima as: [email protected]
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Old 09-22-2018, 06:44 PM   #15
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Default Re: Optima....

Hi Everyone. I like this product, so I sent an email saying that I like 'em and have purchased (x) of them in the past and was looking forward to using them in the future. Just had a new one set on the front porch last month, so I'm not really needing one quickly, but I'd be sad if I never get another chance. I attached a snap of my car. That should do a little good?!?
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Old 09-22-2018, 07:55 PM   #16
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Default Re: Optima....

Voice of reality here.

Thinking that a message campaign to a non-human email address to this particular corporation is hopeful at best. Knowing how this organization makes decisions, it is a done deal. They have already looked at volumes / profitibility and determined that the 6V Red Top isn't part of the future.

Something to know, the business unit that produces the Optima line (and a bunch of other battery products) is likely going to be spun off or sold in the coming months. 'Cleaning up' the financials is typical behavior when going through that kind of change.

Doesn't make it popular with this group but is the reality of the situation. Sorry.
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Old 09-22-2018, 08:03 PM   #17
petehoovie
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Default Re: Optima....

Those of you who have sent emails to Optima, please post the responses you receive if any....
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"Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!"
"We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969

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Old 09-22-2018, 08:45 PM   #18
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Default Re: Optima....

Quote:
Originally Posted by petehoovie View Post
Those of you who have sent emails to Optima, please post the responses you receive if any....

Not holding my breath...
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Old 09-23-2018, 09:07 AM   #19
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Default Re: Optima....

Walmart says they still have them. As does Autozone. Walmart is free (to store) shipping.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/OPTIMA-Re...Volt/706140145
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Old 09-23-2018, 09:48 AM   #20
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Default Re: Optima....

They may be a victim of other brands are out-selling them. These days its almost impossible to brake even if you don't do volume selling.

For those of you that own one. doubt you'll have any warranty recourse.
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Old 09-23-2018, 10:19 AM   #21
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Default Re: Optima....

Quote:
Originally Posted by FL&WVMIKE View Post
Walmart says they still have them. As does Autozone. Walmart is free (to store) shipping.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/OPTIMA-Re...Volt/706140145
Mike, I was going thru some old pics of a 2010 Barner's Bash gathering in Florida, and found one of your Dad . I could post here or send to your email.
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Old 09-23-2018, 10:22 AM   #22
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Default Re: Optima....

I've checked a few sources and thet seem to still be widely available (though I have no need to actually order one). They are, however, about $50 higher in price than the last one I bought. Things like this always make me wonder what's really going on.

"Drbrown" - from what I can see on this and other car forums I frequent, Optima seems to be far and away the most popular 6 volt battery nationwide. Just about every 6 volt vehicle I see at shows and cruise-ins has one. Also, wouldn't warranty issues be handled by the selling entity? From what I've read, warranty support for Optima's varies greatly between suppliers, which seems to indicate that it wouldn't be a manufacturers issue.
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Old 09-23-2018, 12:08 PM   #23
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Default Re: Optima....

Don't panic folks, we'll figure something out without having to convert to a too tall 6V 2HF lead acid or 12V
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Old 09-23-2018, 01:29 PM   #24
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Default Re: Optima....

Quote:
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Also, wouldn't warranty issues be handled by the selling entity? From what I've read, warranty support for Optima's varies greatly between suppliers, which seems to indicate that it wouldn't be a manufacturers issue.
The warranty is always the manufacturer's issue. Customer contact practices vary by reseller.
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Old 09-23-2018, 05:52 PM   #25
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Default Re: Optima....

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The warranty is always the manufacturer's issue. Customer contact practices vary by reseller.
I think major suppliers such as Summit (where I bought my last one) and a few others may handle it differently to protect heir reputations.
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Old 09-24-2018, 12:14 AM   #26
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About year or two ago Optima and Amazon went head to head on the warranty issue. Optima was not honoring their batteries sold by Amazon. I understand Optima "caved" and subsequently elected to honor batteries sold by Amazon. There are many state and commercial laws and reg's that apply to manufacturers being liable for their promises.

True some retailers will "cover" for Optima and other manufacturers that "go south" but if they don't have an optima to replace your existing one, what are you going to get ? Could be something of good quality but not equal to the original ?

As to supply, these's certain a supply of units sitting in warehouses and on the back shelves, but that will run out. And yes, why won't the sellers boost prices when they see an advantage.
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Old 09-24-2018, 04:02 PM   #27
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Default Re: Optima....

Email from Optima Customer Service just now:

Hello Alan,

Thank you for contacting Optima Customer Service. It is currently on backorder, but I am not aware of it being discontinued.

Thank you,
Mary jo
Optima Customer Service
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Old 09-24-2018, 07:22 PM   #28
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Default Re: Optima....

Quote:
Originally Posted by ford38v8 View Post
Email from Optima Customer Service just now:

Hello Alan,

Thank you for contacting Optima Customer Service. It is currently on backorder, but I am not aware of it being discontinued.

Thank you,
Mary jo
Optima Customer Service
Now you spoiled everything, you when and ask the supplier!
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Old 09-24-2018, 08:15 PM   #29
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Default Re: Optima....

I asked Optima Customer Service about the 6 volt redtop, their answer:

"It is currently on backorder but I am not aware of it being discontinued."
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Old 09-24-2018, 09:43 PM   #30
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Default Re: Optima....

Good to know. Supply and demand. Sometimes short supply creates demand. Guess I'll pick one up this yr as an extra anyway.


Most resales departments defer warranties to the manufacture. Not always, depends on the deal they made with the manufacture on the buy, I would think most buy in bulk and resell. Always had good luck with napa over the other chain stores. Personal opinion on a chain overall, always pleased by them in this area.

Walmart will take anything back. Not sure if it matters if you bought it there or not.... too big to care or know. Kidding!!! but they do take anything back without question, might just ship it back to the manufacturer also. Not a huge fan but do use it once every month or two.

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Old 09-25-2018, 11:29 AM   #31
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Default Re: Optima....

Another thing that may be in play is the current trade war going on. I don't know where the Optima 6-volt batteries are manufactured but it may be outside the USA.

I remember back when you could get a battery rebuilt. They remove the tar from the top and pull the old eaten up plates out for scrap. They cleaned the old hard rubber case up and installed a new set of plates. Put the tar back on top and presto, a newly rebuilt battery. Add the proper amount of electrolyte then charge up to battery voltage capacity. They would send the old scrap plate sets back to the manufacture which would melt them down and make new ones. This just makes way too much sense is a world where the scrap batteries are now sold overseas by the boatload for reprocessing/recycling.

Last edited by rotorwrench; 09-25-2018 at 11:41 AM.
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Old 09-25-2018, 11:46 AM   #32
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Default Re: Optima....

I believe that Optima batteries are now made in Mexico, so you may be on to something.
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Old 09-25-2018, 01:04 PM   #33
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Default Re: Optima....

£©π€®¢√¶℅™
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Old 09-25-2018, 04:28 PM   #34
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Default Re: Optima....

An interesting thought on buying a battery. I talked to a Battery retailer, he said to buy the cheapest six volt battery you could find. That battery has a lower and shorter number of
plates in it. Therefore when used in a car that is not driven a lot, the battery will take longer to sulfate because the plates are shorter and fewer in number than a top of the line battery stuffed with plates so the rating is higher. Just a thought.
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Old 09-25-2018, 04:58 PM   #35
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Default Re: Optima....

I spent the first 30 years of my car life with cheap 6 volt batteries and the last 20 years with Optima's; I know which I prefer. Sounds like a retailer trying to sell more batteries.
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Old 09-25-2018, 08:06 PM   #36
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Default Re: Optima....

I have to agree here. I'm sure cheaper batteries are quite fine. I used to get about 2-3yrs out of regular cheap 6v batteries in the heat of Florida. Bought my first optima about 8-9 yrs ago. I'm still using it. I'll see how it does in Mn (I pull them and store inside, charge maybe once or twice or the winter), Hope it last another 8yrs.
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