The Ford Barn

mike42 · 03-31-2018, 01:26 AM

Going to replace the battery this weekend in the '40. Is the Optima worth the extra money and which is the best one to purchase ? I was going to go Interstate, but thought about the Optima as I've seen some threads here regarding them.

Thx...Mike

ford38v8 · 03-31-2018, 02:16 AM

The Optima is most definitely the battery to go with. You are also fortunate to have need of a 2HF battery as opposed to a 2LF as the earlier Fords had, if you'd like to conceal your Optima in a gutted Ford battery case for show purposes. The Optima is a bit taller now, and will no longer fit properly in a 2LF case.

The Optima has 800 CCA, considerably more than any other 6V battery, it does not self discharge over the winter, and does not outgas to destroy paint and steel.

tubman · 03-31-2018, 03:34 AM

^^ Totally agree ^^

JM 35 Sedan · 03-31-2018, 07:41 AM

Optima is a good choice. I mounted this 6V Red Top battery in my 35 fordor 5 years ago and haven't touched it since. No modifications were necessary on the original battery box, and I can remove this Optima and switch back to a stock size 2LF battery in ~ 10 minutes, if I care to. I don't even bother to keep a maintenance charge on this battery during our 3 winter months, found this to be unnecessary. I'm also not concerned about hiding this Optima in an original looking case.

dave collette · 03-31-2018, 08:02 AM

The optima is the only choice for me.I have one in all my cars.Some are hidden in Ford cases.All work well with long life.I got 8 years out the one in my 1946 ford coupe.

RKS.PA · 03-31-2018, 08:39 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Second the motion on the Optima. Hid mine in a Ford case and accommodated the taller version by leaving the bottom open, it's hidden by the tray in both the '39 and the '47.
For me, the extra cost is more than offset by the long life and the reliability. As others have said, it's not unusual to get 7,8, or 9 years out of these.
My experience, however, is limited to 6 volts....have no experience with 12 volts.

Dick.

slowforty · 03-31-2018, 08:43 AM

Amazon has the best optima deal. but can be difficult to deal with,if there is a problem.

TJ · 03-31-2018, 09:06 AM

I also use the Optima. I've dealt with Summit on mine and found competitive pricing with them. Also free shipping for items over $99. I had one Optima last 12 years.

mrtexas · 03-31-2018, 09:07 AM

I would stay away from Optima. Apparently they quality isn't the same as in years past. I have had bad luck with them. I bought two for around $150 each two years ago and one didn't last a year. The voltage went to 0V and I had to jump it to charge and then it showed 12V but wouldn't start my car. Amazon replaced it but I had to argue with them. In the mean time they had raised the price from $150 to $275! They offer only a 1 year warranty only. If you don't use a trickle charger and let the battery go to 0 volts by letting it sit for 6 months you can't revive it. They used to advertise 3 year warranty and then try to sell you a 2 or 3 year extended warranty. I see they don't advertise the warranty any more.

Hal Beatty · 03-31-2018, 09:50 AM

I've heard the good and bad regarding Optima batteries... All I know is that I had one make it to 10 years, another to 11 and I just changed the one in my OT daily driver pickup that went to 1 month shy of being in service for 15 years. All were 12v. and YMMV.

adileo · 03-31-2018, 10:28 AM

Have mine going on 5 years - great battery. I bought mine from Summit. I think they move faster than Amazon off the shelf.

deuce_roadster · 03-31-2018, 10:42 AM

If it matters in your case, you can get a new one in a case with the + post where you want it with a case that passes on the concourse for a 40. I have one in a Dearborn car.
I have had them in many cars and never had a bad experience. If one gets discharged you MUST charge it very slowly or you will ruin it. I always keep them on an automatic battery tender.

tubman · 03-31-2018, 12:57 PM

There was a time when there was a problem with Optima's. I believe that is behind us now. Here is my post from an earlier thread :

"Re : Optima's. The word is that they moved their manufacturing operation to Mexico about 20 years ago. There were problems that arose from the move that caused some of the batteries to be defective. From what I know, the batteries now are as good as they used to be. I have had two over the last 15 or so years; the first lasted about 12 years and I'm on my fourth or fifth year on my current one. One thing that did impress me is that a representative from Johnson Controls was on the H.A.M.B. when they had problems who tried to field complaints and explain the company's position. The guy took a lot of heat and handled it well. The only other problem is that the U.S. Military uses them and they were in short supply during the Iraq "conflagration". Because of the requirements of the military, the 6 volt batteries grew a little taller and are harder to fit into the faux Ford cases we love to use.

leon bee · 03-31-2018, 01:29 PM

Just got mine. $180 shipped. Bought it off ebay from a good seller, but completely forgot to consider the warranty. Guess I'll message the seller about that.

Got her hooked up to my all new, stiff 8BA last night and it cranks her over real strong. The 6 volt at my local NAPA is $100 even with my good customer standing.

Robert/Texas · 03-31-2018, 01:36 PM

I have had excellent experiences with my Optima batteries which were all purchased on Amazon. I have 6-volt Optima’s in three of my old cars and they have never required trickle charging, even after months of non-use. In 2015, I bought three 12-volt group 31 Optima batteries from Amazon for use as starting batteries in my motorhome. These came with a 24-month warrantee and one failed at around 18 months. When I called Amazon, the lady who answered the phone was of no help, so I asked her to buck it up to her supervisor. After I explained the situation to the supervisor, he offered to send me 3 new ones at no charge. He said that I could just keep the old ones. They came two days later and I couldn’t be happier. One of old ones now resides in the rumble compartment of my ’34 roadster.

JM 35 Sedan · 03-31-2018, 02:52 PM

I like having the 6V Red Top Optima's so much in my old Fords, I decided to buy two 12V versions for our modern cars. Will be interesting to see what kind of life I get from these.

G.M. · 03-31-2018, 04:32 PM

made a number of Optima boxes. Here's a few. G.M.

Steves46 · 03-31-2018, 04:36 PM

I have 6V Optimas in both my 55 F100 and 46 Coupe. Outstanding battery. Steve

v8nut · 03-31-2018, 05:12 PM

Deuce_Roadster, Can you say some more about where you get a Optima Battery in a case that passes muster for a Dearborn Car. I dug out a Ford battery case once but I'm not anxious to do it again. I'm now working on a 1935 and have to deal with the height problem as well. Jim in San Jose

fordwife · 03-31-2018, 08:07 PM

If you want to use a battery box get a military ammo can, I think the size is 7.65mm. the optima 6v battery will snugly in it and stick up about 1in. the nice thing about it is that you can bolt it to the battery tray and you don't have to use a hold down.

03-31-2018, 01:26 AM	#1
mike42 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Gaylord, Michigan Posts: 1,605	New Battery for '40 V8 Going to replace the battery this weekend in the '40. Is the Optima worth the extra money and which is the best one to purchase ? I was going to go Interstate, but thought about the Optima as I've seen some threads here regarding them. Thx...Mike

03-31-2018, 02:16 AM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,645	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 The Optima is most definitely the battery to go with. You are also fortunate to have need of a 2HF battery as opposed to a 2LF as the earlier Fords had, if you'd like to conceal your Optima in a gutted Ford battery case for show purposes. The Optima is a bit taller now, and will no longer fit properly in a 2LF case. The Optima has 800 CCA, considerably more than any other 6V battery, it does not self discharge over the winter, and does not outgas to destroy paint and steel. __________________ Alan

03-31-2018, 03:34 AM	#3
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,319	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 ^^ Totally agree ^^

03-31-2018, 08:02 AM	#5
dave collette Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portersville Pa. Posts: 173	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 The optima is the only choice for me.I have one in all my cars.Some are hidden in Ford cases.All work well with long life.I got 8 years out the one in my 1946 ford coupe.

03-31-2018, 08:39 AM	#6
RKS.PA Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Marana, AZ Posts: 1,194	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Second the motion on the Optima. Hid mine in a Ford case and accommodated the taller version by leaving the bottom open, it's hidden by the tray in both the '39 and the '47. For me, the extra cost is more than offset by the long life and the reliability. As others have said, it's not unusual to get 7,8, or 9 years out of these. My experience, however, is limited to 6 volts....have no experience with 12 volts. Dick.

03-31-2018, 08:43 AM	#7
slowforty Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tinley Park Ill Posts: 1,061	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 Amazon has the best optima deal. but can be difficult to deal with,if there is a problem.

03-31-2018, 09:06 AM	#8
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 I also use the Optima. I've dealt with Summit on mine and found competitive pricing with them. Also free shipping for items over $99. I had one Optima last 12 years.

03-31-2018, 09:07 AM	#9
mrtexas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 4,395	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 I would stay away from Optima. Apparently they quality isn't the same as in years past. I have had bad luck with them. I bought two for around $150 each two years ago and one didn't last a year. The voltage went to 0V and I had to jump it to charge and then it showed 12V but wouldn't start my car. Amazon replaced it but I had to argue with them. In the mean time they had raised the price from $150 to $275! They offer only a 1 year warranty only. If you don't use a trickle charger and let the battery go to 0 volts by letting it sit for 6 months you can't revive it. They used to advertise 3 year warranty and then try to sell you a 2 or 3 year extended warranty. I see they don't advertise the warranty any more. __________________ 41 woodie https://41fordwoodie.weebly.com/

03-31-2018, 09:50 AM	#10
Hal Beatty Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 213	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 I've heard the good and bad regarding Optima batteries... All I know is that I had one make it to 10 years, another to 11 and I just changed the one in my OT daily driver pickup that went to 1 month shy of being in service for 15 years. All were 12v. and YMMV.

03-31-2018, 10:28 AM	#11
adileo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,772	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 Have mine going on 5 years - great battery. I bought mine from Summit. I think they move faster than Amazon off the shelf. __________________ Thanks Andy 1952 F1

03-31-2018, 10:42 AM	#12
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,800	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 If it matters in your case, you can get a new one in a case with the + post where you want it with a case that passes on the concourse for a 40. I have one in a Dearborn car. I have had them in many cars and never had a bad experience. If one gets discharged you MUST charge it very slowly or you will ruin it. I always keep them on an automatic battery tender.

03-31-2018, 12:57 PM	#13
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,319	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 There was a time when there was a problem with Optima's. I believe that is behind us now. Here is my post from an earlier thread : "Re : Optima's. The word is that they moved their manufacturing operation to Mexico about 20 years ago. There were problems that arose from the move that caused some of the batteries to be defective. From what I know, the batteries now are as good as they used to be. I have had two over the last 15 or so years; the first lasted about 12 years and I'm on my fourth or fifth year on my current one. One thing that did impress me is that a representative from Johnson Controls was on the H.A.M.B. when they had problems who tried to field complaints and explain the company's position. The guy took a lot of heat and handled it well. The only other problem is that the U.S. Military uses them and they were in short supply during the Iraq "conflagration". Because of the requirements of the military, the 6 volt batteries grew a little taller and are harder to fit into the faux Ford cases we love to use.

03-31-2018, 01:29 PM	#14
leon bee Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Arkansas Posts: 611	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 Just got mine. $180 shipped. Bought it off ebay from a good seller, but completely forgot to consider the warranty. Guess I'll message the seller about that. Got her hooked up to my all new, stiff 8BA last night and it cranks her over real strong. The 6 volt at my local NAPA is $100 even with my good customer standing.

03-31-2018, 01:36 PM	#15
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 681	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 I have had excellent experiences with my Optima batteries which were all purchased on Amazon. I have 6-volt Optima’s in three of my old cars and they have never required trickle charging, even after months of non-use. In 2015, I bought three 12-volt group 31 Optima batteries from Amazon for use as starting batteries in my motorhome. These came with a 24-month warrantee and one failed at around 18 months. When I called Amazon, the lady who answered the phone was of no help, so I asked her to buck it up to her supervisor. After I explained the situation to the supervisor, he offered to send me 3 new ones at no charge. He said that I could just keep the old ones. They came two days later and I couldn’t be happier. One of old ones now resides in the rumble compartment of my ’34 roadster. Last edited by Robert/Texas; 04-01-2018 at 05:50 AM. Reason: clarification

03-31-2018, 02:52 PM	#16
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,858	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 I like having the 6V Red Top Optima's so much in my old Fords, I decided to buy two 12V versions for our modern cars. Will be interesting to see what kind of life I get from these. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein*

03-31-2018, 04:36 PM	#18
Steves46 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lithia, FL Posts: 1,050	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 I have 6V Optimas in both my 55 F100 and 46 Coupe. Outstanding battery. Steve __________________ If it aint broke, don't fix it!

03-31-2018, 05:12 PM	#19
v8nut Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 202	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 Deuce_Roadster, Can you say some more about where you get a Optima Battery in a case that passes muster for a Dearborn Car. I dug out a Ford battery case once but I'm not anxious to do it again. I'm now working on a 1935 and have to deal with the height problem as well. Jim in San Jose

03-31-2018, 08:07 PM	#20
fordwife Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 287	Re: New Battery for '40 V8 If you want to use a battery box get a military ammo can, I think the size is 7.65mm. the optima 6v battery will snugly in it and stick up about 1in. the nice thing about it is that you can bolt it to the battery tray and you don't have to use a hold down.