OP
Tom & Boomer's Optima Adventure (red top classII)
- Thread starter TOMLESCOEQUIP
- Start date
- Views: 1447
MikePA
Super Moderator
Re: Tom & Boomer\'s Optima Adventure (red top classII)
Hi Tom,
Kewl! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Looks like I will have another project to complete. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Four questions:
1. Why couldn't the original battery hold down strap go where it was on the OE battery, i.e., at the top front of the Optima?
2. It looks like the bottom of the radiator becomes the new battery backstop?
3. How'd you manage to swing the hand sledge hammer to flatten the backstop without hitting the radiator?
4. What's the model number of the battery? The picture isn't clear enough to read the information.
To summarize...
1. Flatten original battery backstop
2. Install new Optima Red Top
3. Place original battery hold down across the top of the Optima
4. Done.
Hi Tom,
Kewl! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Looks like I will have another project to complete. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Four questions:
1. Why couldn't the original battery hold down strap go where it was on the OE battery, i.e., at the top front of the Optima?
2. It looks like the bottom of the radiator becomes the new battery backstop?
3. How'd you manage to swing the hand sledge hammer to flatten the backstop without hitting the radiator?
4. What's the model number of the battery? The picture isn't clear enough to read the information.
To summarize...
1. Flatten original battery backstop
2. Install new Optima Red Top
3. Place original battery hold down across the top of the Optima
4. Done.
OP
TOMLESCOEQUIP
Platinum Member
Re: Tom & Boomer\'s Optima Adventure (red top classII)
Mike........Back of battery mount on the tractor has a angle bent up that's about 1 1/2 inches high that the battery rests on, NOT the radiator. The original battery back stop is bent up in front of the real back of the plate..........With the battery out, you'll see what I mean. The strap would fit in the original location, but the optima is shorter........It felt as if the angle part wuold slip off the optima. I tried it but the relocation seemed better. Take the 4 battery plate mounting bolts out and remove the hood latch mount/battery plate ( I had to remove and repaint my plate any way) and put the plate on a big block of wood and swing away !! Optima is part/ group # 75/35........Average cost retail on sale is $103.95....... If you want even more clearance, you could turn the battery around with the unused side posts to the front, but this requires moving the neg cable to the other side and buying a new longer positive cable........So I went with my method. The battery goes in real tight between the hood latch and the angle at the back by the radiator.........you really wouldn't even need the hold down hardware!!! But they are newer tractors.........Just a few more minutes to do the job right........Hope this helps............TOM
Mike........Back of battery mount on the tractor has a angle bent up that's about 1 1/2 inches high that the battery rests on, NOT the radiator. The original battery back stop is bent up in front of the real back of the plate..........With the battery out, you'll see what I mean. The strap would fit in the original location, but the optima is shorter........It felt as if the angle part wuold slip off the optima. I tried it but the relocation seemed better. Take the 4 battery plate mounting bolts out and remove the hood latch mount/battery plate ( I had to remove and repaint my plate any way) and put the plate on a big block of wood and swing away !! Optima is part/ group # 75/35........Average cost retail on sale is $103.95....... If you want even more clearance, you could turn the battery around with the unused side posts to the front, but this requires moving the neg cable to the other side and buying a new longer positive cable........So I went with my method. The battery goes in real tight between the hood latch and the angle at the back by the radiator.........you really wouldn't even need the hold down hardware!!! But they are newer tractors.........Just a few more minutes to do the job right........Hope this helps............TOM
OP
TOMLESCOEQUIP
Platinum Member
Re: Tom & Boomer\'s Optima Adventure (red top classII)
Mike.........modified picture showing back angle.... new battery resting place...........Disclaimer "Do not try to flatten existing battery back stop with mounting plate on tractor ........Loss of radiator or your sanity may result " The plate is made of some fairly tough steel and doesn't bend easily...................
Mike.........modified picture showing back angle.... new battery resting place...........Disclaimer "Do not try to flatten existing battery back stop with mounting plate on tractor ........Loss of radiator or your sanity may result " The plate is made of some fairly tough steel and doesn't bend easily...................
