Optima power!

[efhughes3]

My Interstate "old school" battery gave up the ghost after 7 years-I'm surprized it lasted as long as it did. So, I went to an Optima, and wanted to show off the mounting details. As was posted by Wil Ferch, I made a base out of poly cutting board, and countersunk the holes on the bottom side. This allowed me to use flathead S/S screws to bolt the battery to this new base.

The base then fits under the stock rear mounting lip, and a new allen head bolt uses the stock bolt location toward the front. It's in quite solid. Beyond that, a new 9" HD ground strap ($4.95) from Pep Boys (where I got the battery also) finished the installation, other than a little black Rustoleum under it all.

Note, I moved the mounting holes back about 1/2" from from the tapered end from what is shown on the plan at the bottom here, originally posted by Wil.

[Paulporsche]

Nice job. How thick is that cutting board?

[efhughes3]

It's about 3/8" thick...

[Palum6o]

This is great. I think Wil's pattern was asymetrical? (I wasn't sure why). I believe the cutting board material can be dyed by boiling it in water with just the black RIT clothing dye, I did that before with plastic and fiberglass parts before and looked great.

[efhughes3]

The pattern doesn't look asym., but I didn't like the way the battery sit with the original hole placement. The tip about dying the plastic is interesting, I may look at that.

[steve911]

Looks great.
BTW, you can also buy black cutting boards - target has them - same price as white. Probably less messy than dying a white board.

Ed--
What size bolt did you use to hold down the board in the trunk?

[84CAB]

Originally posted by Palumbo
This is great. I think Wil's pattern was asymetrical? (I wasn't sure why). I believe the cutting board material can be dyed by boiling it in water with just the black RIT clothing dye, I did that before with plastic and fiberglass parts before and looked great.

Just don't let the water with black dye boil over. The wifey will be very upset. ASK ME HOW I KNOW.

[efhughes3]

Originally posted by steve911
Looks great.
BTW, you can also buy black cutting boards - target has them - same price as white. Probably less messy than dying a white board.

Ed--
What size bolt did you use to hold down the board in the trunk?

It's an M8 x 1.25 X 25mm long.

[goat]

That looks very nice.
Almost in the same boat just waiting for the old battery to die, I have a metal plate that I cut and have yet to drill the holes to attach the battery.

[mark '87 930]

Thanks for that... I just did mine according to your plan. The only difference with mine is that I use the stock bracket and tightened it to the lip of the 'cutting board'.

I saved 3.4 lbs between the two batteries (to be honest Iwas expecting more), I used to have that honking Interstate one.

[mkimber]

Ed--Just finished installing a ew Optima in my '87. Used a poly cutting board and your directions, along with Wil Ferch's. Your directions were perfect, and the battery is fastened pretty solid.

Thanks.

[efhughes3]

Glad to hear the process worked Michael! I've had my car out to the track since with no problems related to battery mounting.

[mkimber]

I'm glad you mentioned that you had your car out to the track without any problems. I was wondering whether the battery mounting would pass the inspection when I go out for the first DE this year.

[efhughes3]

Originally posted by mkimber
I'm glad you mentioned that you had your car out to the track without any problems. I was wondering whether the battery mounting would pass the inspection when I go out for the first DE this year.

Ahh, well having no problems and passing inspection are two different issues.

I guess it may depend on the inspector and their SUBJECTIVE judgement on the setup. In my opinion, it is more secure than a standard battery as the battery is bolted to the board, and the board is bolted to the car. The stock battery mount requires the bracket to press down on the lip of the battery, which someone could screw up if they wanted to or didn't pay attention. To me, our new mounts are fail-safe.

[vmb]

Originally posted by efhughes3
It's about 3/8" thick...

I got my optima 75/35 a couple days ago and went to WalMart for the cutting board and found two boards that were big enough for the template. One was 11x14 x 5/16" thick and the other extra-large one (I believe 15x18") was 7/16" thick.

which one are you guys using? Thanks!

[island911]

Wow. great thread-post'n, Ed.

[efhughes3]

Originally posted by vmb
I got my optima 75/35 a couple days ago and went to WalMart for the cutting board and found two boards that were big enough for the template. One was 11x14 x 5/16" thick and the other extra-large one (I believe 15x18") was 7/16" thick.

which one are you guys using? Thanks!

Go with the 5/16".

[rs6er]

I like how the positive terminal is not so close to the inside of the fender also. That's always been a PIA on the stock setup.

[lateapex911]

I think a tech inspector will balk at eh positive post and the lack of insulation. I'd get a red cover for it...they are available in lots of places. I KNOW I'd fail tech in SCCA with that, other clubs are different, of course.

[Mysterytrain]

I thought the 34R was a better fit? I haven't done this yet but someone here did. I seem to recall that you don't even have to change the ground strap.