VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Optima 6V Battery

I'm considering the purchase of an Optima 6v Battery for my 1940 Chevrolet - 216. Anyone have any experience with the battery or comments, good or bad other than it's funky looks.

Thanks,

"Funky looks" to say the least!!! That's (been) enough to keep me away from them!!

Other than that, I have NO experience or info about them.

Bill.

Hi whmarquis,
The OPTIMA batteries are a good battery,they sell well "down under",but,if your car has a voltage regulator fitted to it,you must make sure that is checked out to make sure that it will not overcharge the battery.
These fancy batteries cannot withstand any excess voltage than that for which they are rated at,as they have been known to explode,with messy results.That aside,if you can get the voltage regulator set up properly by any reputable auto electrician,you should encounter no problems.

Hi whmarquis...I've had the Optima 6 in my '39 for about eight years now and it still works great despite some neglect...It just "rides" in the regular battery holder with no problems...I know they don't look great but, what the heck, you can't see it anyway.
Best wishes,
Chuck

I had one in my 51 PU chasses till sold, 15 mo,
Have 12v in my 2000 Silverado, 19 mo.
and have one in my 25 speedster for 2 mo.
No problems so far, will keep buying them as long as they serve me well.

If your car is a driver and not for show, an Optima battery is the only way to go.

"Show" or "Driver" it looks pretty awful if you EVER raise your hood when somebody else is around.

IMHO - it just isn't what "belongs" in there.....

Nobody in here "likes" the batteries I use, so I'm not going there. I use "them" because they look "right."

Bill.

For a driver it doesn't matter what the battery looks like.....maximum CCA's, especially for a 6 volt system, is the main thing. If the car is a show car and going to be judged then you definitely want the correct type of battery.

So let me understand this idea, JYD.

Is a driver supposed to look like crap - or - is it just OK if it looks like crap??

I suppose we can get about 10 posts each out of this if "we" milk it.

I said I don't like the looks of it, even if it is "just" a driver.

You posted it it's a driver, it doesn't matter.

I'm not changing my mind.

Now what?????

Bill.

Now what? Nothing! Don't change your mind 'cause it's your car and your choice.

If ya like the looks of your Delco......cool. They are nice looking batteries. Most folks want high CCA's on their 6 volt systems, so using an Optima battery is the way to go for that scenario. Sure, the Optima is an ugly battery, no gettin' around that! But, when the car is going down the road you can't see the battery anyway since it is either under the floor or under the hood.....that is unless you drive your car with the hood open!

:eek: :eek:

I have had very poor luck with Delco batteries in my 74 Nova and 95 Suburban. In both cases the terminal came loose and they leaked. For the 6V I get mine at Tractor Supply. I had one in our 31 for 8 years. I figured the farmers want their tractors to go when they are ready to go to work.

See you down the Back Roads

JYD:

Thanks for understanding how I see it . And I certainly see what you're saying.

Back Roads:

I'm sorry to hear about your misfortunes with Delco batteries. Sounds like the Tractor Supply battery in your '31 gave you good service. No question about the tractor idea.

Nice "we" can all share our opinions / thoughts, even when they aren't the same!!

Bill.

"Nice 'we' can all share our opinions / thoughts, even when they aren't the same!!"

Absolutely! That's also how we learn from each other as well.

Yup!

I'm thinking that isn't something that can be done...............

Bill.

The F0rd boys already have such an animal. Top comes off, insert Optima, top back on and install.

"I'm thinking that isn't something that can be done..............."

Talked to one dude several years ago that took an old Delco battery and installed an Optima battery inside. Yep, it can be done.

As Dana Carvey's Church Lady would say, "Well, isn't that special?!?!?!?

Bill.

I've got a 6V Optima in my 36 GMC. It it without a doubt one of the best batteries I have ever used. Mine is hidden under the floor, in the regular battery box.

Available for 12-volt batteries only.