Darbone85737 Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 Since owning my P18 I've had issues with slow starting- I've gone through 2 batteries in the 3 years I've owned the car. The last one just gave up after 24 months, fortunately in the garage. It had a one year warranty and I decided I wasn't going down that road again. Yesterday morning I ordered an Optima red top battery from Summit Racing. I was shocked to find it at my door this afternoon. I put it in the car and the thing cranks and starts like it never has before. What a difference. The only (non) issue is the size and appearance of the battery. I need to modify the battery hold down and the appearance is not original if that is a concern. I'm happy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mopar_earl Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 I got the same battery. With the correct gauge cables, it spins over like 12v. Dry cell so it won't rot your car either. Love that battery. It's so small you could run two of them in parallel for more cranking amps. Earl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 as stated..dry cell you do not have to stand it up...they are quite tall on the average... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P15-D24 Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 Regarding the "look", check this. The last Optima red top I had provided 18 years of service! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 what size cables do you have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 (edited) I have known of the battery disguise covers for modern batteries and you can get them for early muscle cars with no head games or such as they post the prices right up front on their websites. I am not sure if other agree but I do not find favor or deal much with any company who does not build their website in a user friendly manner. If you are selling a product...list said product and price, calling or e-mailing for a price is beyond reasonable expectations to a buyer and I view as a most deceptive tactic by a retailer. S&H will vary..that much slack I will cut to the retailer..anything above is beyond reason and usually is a waste of time. Look here at a page that does more than the seller to promote the product.. http://www.cj3apage.com/index/My_1950/installing_an_optima_battery.htm Edited August 12, 2015 by Plymouthy Adams Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darbone85737 Posted August 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 (edited) I have the proper gauge cables for a 6 v car and the starter is newly rebuilt. I think the 6v batteries available at the local auto parts places just can't cut it. Aside from the short life they really struggled to turn the car over, especially when hot. The Optima has 800 CCA as opposed to the 650 the old battery was rated at. The difference has been amazing. The engine in my car is newly rebuilt with 50 thousands milled from the head but there is no sluggishness in spinning it over with the Optima The hold downs I made for the old battery work, but now need to be modified for the thinner Optima. I don't care about the appearance. I have a nice shiny new aluminum radiator under the hood and the Optima gives the compartment a nice updated look Edited August 12, 2015 by Darbone85737 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janan5243 Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 I recently installed 2 red top batteries in my 49 Desoto. My car turned over ok with the old battery but it was several years old (5, I think) so I had a trickle charger on a timer on it. Even so, the starting with the red top is much better. I am going to leave car 6V but series both batteries to use 12V for modern accessories. I am going to install a 12V alternator to keep batteries charged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desoto1939 Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 Ok I have read that owners have older 6v regular batteries installed in their cars and trucks. Yes the batteries have been in the car for several years and have stated that the car turns over slower with the older battery. So first question is have they checked the connections on the battery, the ground straps have they cleaned the area where the battery is ground to have clean bare metal with no oil or paint in these area first before purchasing a new battery? Did they check the fluid level in the cells and fill the cells with acid or just regular tap water or use distilled water. So they go an buy the Optima battery which is a fresh battery and has no useage on it so it should be up to full charge and 100% ready to provide power to start the car. You note that has much faster the car starts with the new battery, question is this so if you but in a new fresh regular celled 6v battery you should get the same results. The true test is how does the OPtima battery holdup to being in the car for the same amount of time as your original wet cell battery and then compare the starting of the car or truck. I think the usage of a wet cell battery also depends on the upkeep of the battery, grounding, how clean the contacts are kept and not letting the battery drain down because of our occasional use of our cars. Just putting out food for thought. Comments welcomed. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 the CCA of 850 makes all the difference in the world between a standard wet cell battery available across the counter and the Optima...these old starter when in tip top shape with excellent cables and connections are in the 300 amp area...I have never seen a brand new group one battery spin one of these egines nearly like the Optima and sad to say my area does not stock a group 2 battery...would I ever buy a 6V wet cell again..not likely.....My question to you Rich, have you ever used an Optima...they are considered the best for a reason... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 the CCA of 850 makes all the difference in the world between a standard wet cell battery available across the counter and the Optima...these old starter when in tip top shape with excellent cables and connections are in the 300 amp area...I have never seen a brand new group one battery spin one of these egines nearly like the Optima and sad to say my area does not stock a group 2 battery...would I ever buy a 6V wet cell again..not likely.....My question to you Rich, have you ever used an Optima...they are considered the best for a reason... I have not used one. When I was considering using one there was a lot of bad press for them. They had switched production to outside the US and people were having a lot of issues. I wonder if they've gotten that all straightened out. I will say I currently have cheapy 34.99 batteries from Fleet Farm in both my car and truck and I get great service out of them. 4-5 years before I need to replace. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mopar_earl Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 the CCA of 850 makes all the difference in the world between a standard wet cell battery available across the counter and the Optima...these old starter when in tip top shape with excellent cables and connections are in the 300 amp area...I have never seen a brand new group one battery spin one of these egines nearly like the Optima and sad to say my area does not stock a group 2 battery...would I ever buy a 6V wet cell again..not likely.....My question to you Rich, have you ever used an Optima...they are considered the best for a reason... What he said^^^ I will never go back to the old school wet cell 6v in my car. That Optima not only spins over the engine faster due to higher CCA but it has a lot more cranking time. I cranked and cranked and cranked my car trying to get it started before I realized I wasn't get fuel. Can't do that on a wet cell. Lol Earl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desoto1939 Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 the CCA of 850 makes all the difference in the world between a standard wet cell battery available across the counter and the Optima...these old starter when in tip top shape with excellent cables and connections are in the 300 amp area...I have never seen a brand new group one battery spin one of these egines nearly like the Optima and sad to say my area does not stock a group 2 battery...would I ever buy a 6V wet cell again..not likely.....My question to you Rich, have you ever used an Optima...they are considered the best for a reason... [/quote To answer the question from Plymouth Adams, No I have never used the Optima BAtteyr in my 39 Desoto. I am not sure if one of their batteries would work on my car since my battery is stored under the front seat on the driver side of the car and then also has a metal battery cover over the top of the battery to protect the seat springs from making contact wit the ends of the battery terminal so that you do not short out the battery. In my are outside of Philadelphia PA I can get the proper group series of battery for my 39. Like someone else stated they were having issues with the Optima several years ago but have not heard if they corrected that issue. So I would have to research the Optima to even see if one would fit my car. Rich HArtung Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 well I will go only as far to say it is crying shame when a wet cell for a small garden tractor will last me 5-7 years (7 on the John Deere and so far 5 on the Husqvarna) and a high dollar car battery not last a good year without giving me issues...I thought I was having a drain problem..and I do..the battery is slowing eating itself...will not stay at a good level after a period of time just sitting on the counter....I have tried three brands from three companies and all have gone belly up in short order...my Packard came with a Optima...I left it in the car for a year ocassionally hitting the horn to check to see if it was charged....then took it out and just put it inside on the shelf..when the wet cell in the 54 failed..I popped in the Optima after sitting for well over two years and the car roared to life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desoto1939 Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 Plymouthy thanks for the information about your experience with the Optima battery, sounds as if you have had good luck with them. I checked the Optima web site and they do not list a battery for my car, 39 Desoto and I think this might because of the issue of having ther battery under the front seat. I have had batteries last 5-7 years in my 39 and the cost is economical for me versus the optima battery from what I can listed. I have been told that when batteries sit, wet cell yes the plates start to disintegrate over time and the material settles to the bottom of the battery. I would have to search to see what size optima might fit mine but not sure if there are any I think I have a group 2. Also saw a fake battery shell that the optima would fit into, to make it lok as if you have a real battery this alone cost $90. Hope you have continue success with the optima. Rich HArtung Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 I have not used one. When I was considering using one there was a lot of bad press for them. They had switched production to outside the US and people were having a lot of issues. I wonder if they've gotten that all straightened out. I will say I currently have cheapy 34.99 batteries from Fleet Farm in both my car and truck and I get great service out of them. 4-5 years before I need to replace. I bought the battery in my truck from Farm & Fleet back when I was building it, likely early in 2007. It is still strong to this day, over 8 years later. I have also heard the horror stories of Optima's and I've heard many praises of them. I have no first hand experience with them. But I also agree with Rich, if you are having repeat battery problems, it's likely a vehicle system problem, not a battery problem. Merle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janan5243 Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 I happen to agree with all sides of the battery question. When I first got my car it turned over a little slow but always started. Lights weren't bad. Then discovered that PO hadn't done any maintenance to car for quite a while. Did a tuneup, new plug wires, set timing, cleaned both battery terminals & clamps. My battery clamps were replacement type. Also discovered fan belt was loose. Didn't have to flush block & put in new thermostat (old one worked perfect). That made a big difference in cranking & starting. I went with the two redtops because I measured & knew they would both fit in the battery tray, was even able to use existing hold down. I don't think it was original. Basically, it boils down to what works for you & makes you happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 well..group one only in my area I can find...whopping 90 day warranty tells me even they know they selling junk off the shelf...other cars here with 12 volt driven even less than the Plymouth...they have no problems...all 6 volt batteries I have owned with exception to this Optima has been junk last good 6 volt wet battery was transferred with the old Plymouth when I sold it and went into the Army in 72..the generator and charging circuit in my car is in great shape..again...when the battery when charged will eat itself sitting on a shelf...what part of that do you not understand? Internal shorts have always been the problems with these cheap batteries..I am very happy some here getting great life...maybe it is the cooler temps up north...lol And as far as fit for an under the seat box...that you would need measurements for...Summit can help with that on their site....and as far as needing to disguise it...I think that would be a total waste of time, money and effort as the battery is hidden out of sight ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulu Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 You can lay the Optima on its side, so it doesn't short on the seat, & it won't leak anything; but still cover the terminals so it doesn't short on something random. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1941Rick Posted August 13, 2015 Report Share Posted August 13, 2015 My question is...why not just change the light bulbs and run the whole car 12 volts....much cleaner and less hasstle. you want cranking power, push 12 volts into a 6 volt starter. starting problems seem to dis-appear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted August 13, 2015 Report Share Posted August 13, 2015 , push 12 volts into a 6 volt starter. starting problems seem to dis-appear. That is not always true. When supplying 12 volts to a 6 volt starter the starter motor spins faster and this also activates the mechanical Bendix faster. In my case this fast Bendix caused the starter gear to mesh incorrectly with the flywheel ring gear causing the starter motor gear to lock in the flywheel ring gear and not release. In order to release this I had to rock the car back and forth while it was in gear to spin the engine backwards releasing the gears. This did not happen every time but enough to become an annoyance. I replaced my 6 volt starter with a 12 volt starter and the problem disappeared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mopar_earl Posted August 13, 2015 Report Share Posted August 13, 2015 (edited) My question is...why not just change the light bulbs and run the whole car 12 volts....much cleaner and less hasstle. you want cranking power, push 12 volts into a 6 volt starter. starting problems seem to dis-appear.More to it than that. What about the ignition coil, radio, clock, choke, transmission controls, wiper motor, blower motor, defrost blower motor, carb dashpot solenoid and so on that need 6v? Not to mention buying an alternator and rigging up brackets. Good bit of work and some expenses to convert to 12v. Earl Edited August 13, 2015 by mopar_earl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darbone85737 Posted August 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2015 (edited) when I was having issues I did use a 12V jump starter when the car was hot and the battery refused to turn the starter over. I had the same result that Don described. The bendix gear locked in the ring gear of the flywheel and didn't release when the engine started. Made a whining noise until it finally did release. Can't imagine it was doing any good for the starter motor. I have all new wiring in my car and now that I have a 6 V battery with some cranking power I've no more problems. Plus no risk of damage to my newly rebuilt original radio. Edited August 14, 2015 by Darbone85737 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james curl Posted August 13, 2015 Report Share Posted August 13, 2015 (edited) I have run a six volt starter on twelve volts in my P-15 since 2007 and have never had a problem. During that time I have put over 20,000 miles on the car. I also have 2 ought cables made from electric welding cables. to the starting system. Edited August 13, 2015 by james curl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1941Rick Posted August 14, 2015 Report Share Posted August 14, 2015 Heater motor 6V running on 12 V thru a resistor R10 O/D 6V components running on 12V Changed all bulbs to 12V Changed wiper from Vacum to 12V electric Changed coil to 12V with a ballast resistor, so still 6V Alternator bracket was simple, used the gen bracket with slight mods starter 6V running on 12V Now can use modern components....stereo.....gps.....electronic mopar ignition. Not as much work as you would think, Like James 20000 miles and no issues with the remaining 6V parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.