Got the optima now what...

[jond911]

Just went and bought an optima red top... I've read several posts regarding various install routines and am wondering what to due with the unused terminals for the now non-existent battery.... Should I just remove the negative cable and remove the positive lead seal it up with some shrink wrap and electrical tape and leave it hanging over there or what??

Also I've looked at the pictures posted by KCope and I'm kind of looking for some more pics of early 911's that have the optima installed that might give me a better idea of how to proceed.

It appears from previous posts that my existing negative strap is not going to be long enough should I just run up to the parts store and get a longer one? Should I really be concerned about wire gauge etc...?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Mike Feinstein]

You will mostly likely need to replace your ground strap. Pick up a 12"-18" 2 guage cable at the autoparts store. Clamp securely with whatever works. I used an adjustable clamp that I got at the same auto parts store. Here's a pic:

[MotoSook]

I don't have an early car, but I just finished installing my 34R-Redtop that I got from Farm and Fleet ($99.99!). I picked up a 15" insulated #4 cable (~$4.00) and post covers ($1.99!).

I thought about getting the #2 cable, but it was way overkill for 15 inches or less. And F&F did not have a #2 in lengths less than 6-feet! I asked my electrical guy at work and the #6 would be sufficient for our cars, but being that the factory cable is approximately a #4 cable, I felt the better about a #4 cable.

Since my Redtop doesn't eactly slide into and hold onto the rear battery bracket/lip, I also picked up $8 worth of 2" alum-angle to fab a mount that Redtop will bolt to, then I can bolt the braket tot he stock bolt hole.

Some have fab'd the plate, but I could not find thick enough alum plate at F&F. The ones I found looked to flimsy.

I removed the handle/strap after I got the battery into place to make the carpet fit bet..simple slide out, and I'll keep the strape for future removal/install...now I just have to find a place to hide it so I can't find it when I need it!

[pwd72s]

I ran an optima for a while in my '72. The battery was placed on it's side in the driver's side battery box...I just taped the ends of the cable that runs to the pasenger side, and tucked them back into the groove along the gas tank. I extended the factory battery hold-down with a loop of wire. Got a longer ground cable at an auto parts store (braided is best) and for added safety, wrapped the battery with inner tube rubber to give added protection from a short. I'm glad I kept all the old hook up bits tho, because as soon as I learned that Sonnenschein made gel cells that match the original battery in size perfectly, I bought a pair of those and returned to the stock set-up.