Ford GT / Optima Battery Kit for 03 & 04 Mach 1's

[machgsxr]

Do you have any more of these?

Thanks.

[Daniel-San]

You know, companies like this never cease to amaze me. This is a HUGE internationally distributed product. The product caught on like wildfire across multiple subsections of auto enthusiasts. They even sell their product through chains like Costco, clearly aimed at a target market of average, family-oriented consumers. But you go on their website and, first of all, it's boring and poorly designed. Then you do a search for product numbers, sizes, etc., and they say they don't make a battery for the Mustang even though they are using a Roush in their advertising RIGHT ON THE WEBSITE! How is this possible? Are the founders of this company so busy spending their loot that they figure they can just give the middle finger to any concept of customer service and support? It's ridiculous in this day and age...

Sorry for the rant... since JC seems to be unable to procure more of these, does anyone know how difficult it will be to install one of those fancy billet hold-down trays I've seen? Is it just bolt-on stuff, or do they have to be drilled specifically to fit the Mach's battery location?

[SHAKEN]

It seems they have 2 case sizes the larger one is to long for our stock tray.
If you get the top side post case you get all the adapters in the lid but would have to buy a aftermarket tray. The smaller case size is narrower but the length is right. I installed the smaller case, the counter person let me keep the gm style hold down and a 65 series adapter to make up the width differance. The larger case has square holes for the adapters to snap in but the smaller case has triangles. I cut off the locking tabs with a hot knife slid it into place tighten down gm adapter and it worked. After I finished thinking I need to use the gm adapter picutured in the thread. I looked closer at the cover that comes with the smaller battery which is a series 65 adaper which snaps on the bottom. I didnt try it but by the looks it might work snapping it on the bottom and using the factory hold down.

[wutang61]

when i put my yellow top in i just cut the side walls of the tray out and mounted the battery to the factory battery hold down. fits great, dont move or knock around. easy mod and saved me some $$$ (the optima was bad enough)

[SHAKEN]

I tried that also and was able to get the battery to pop out of the tray from rocking on it laterally. Trimming the front and back ends off of the tray allow the tray to be more flexiable. Had to buy a new tray $15.00 at the dealer. Why I went with the smaller case size. Length is just right the width is a little to small.

[ITLRUN]

I can get batteries, I'm just having a hell of a time (read: Cant Get) getting the hold downs from Optima.

[SHAKEN]

The adapters come with the batteries, we do not sell these adapters seperately, however if you are needing one, please call customer service at the number below to provide an address and we will send you one free of charge.

Thank you,

Minh Nguyen
Optima Batteries, Inc
Customer Service
PH 303-340-7482
PH 800-292-4359
FAX 303-344-9905
----- Forwarded by Minh N Nguyen/NA/Johnson_Controls on 07/03/2007 08:53 AM -----
Gordon MacKay/EUR/Johnson_Controls
07/03/2007 02:15 AM
To Minh N Nguyen/NA/Johnson_Controls
cc
Subject Fw: battery hold down






and another lead

Gordon

Gordon MacKay | Sales Manager – Speciality Products

VB Automotive Batteries Limited | Broadwater Park | North Orbital Road
Denham, Uxbridge, Middlesex | UB9 5HR
( : +44 (0) 7971 191323
Fax: +44 (0) 1606 330882
* : gordon.mackay@jci.com



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VB Automotive Batteries Ltd. | Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road | Denham, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB9 5HR, GB
Companies Registration Office: Cardiff - No. 98 29 01 | Director: Paul Matarewicz
UID: GB 538 8656 91



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----- Forwarded by Gordon MacKay/EUR/Johnson_Controls on 03/07/2007 09:14 -----
cdennis@.com
03/07/2007 01:00
To optima.uk@jci.com
cc
Subject battery hold down







Is there any where locally in the United States where I can purchase this hold down? The only place I have found is in Germany.

Best Regards







OPTIMA® RT U 4,2
The optional puck adapter is required for most GM installations where the side terminals are used.Position the puck against the center cylindar of the battery and bolt to the battery tray as shown.

Order No. 993332

[Daniel-San]

OK, I guess I'm just blatantly thread-jacking now, but does anyone think there is reason for concern if I went with this hold-down/tray instead? Like, is the metal too close to the terminals for comfort?

[wutang61]

by side walls i mean the front wall and rear side wall. (looking from front end of car) if you do it right you will have no problems. mines still perfect

[SHAKEN]

Exactly what I did. When I rocked the battery from passenger side to drivers side I was able to dislodge the battery because the tray flexed more on the hold down side. I didnt feel comfortable with the fit. So I used the smaller case with the hold down pictured and a series 65 adapter on the other side. They only list two case sizes on their site. Look at the 3rd and 4th posts on this thread started by itlrun you se the battery sit in the tray no customization of the tray was needed. I believe you would be better off with the larger battery per your audio mods and a custom tray like the one pictured would be safer with that battery since it is actually heavier by a few pounds.

[Daniel-San]

Hey, talk about timing! I sent Optima an e-mail regarding their poor website and lo and behold just a few days later it's been totally revamped! Coincidence, I'm sure, but the site is nicer just the same...

[badboy]

bump

[TuFFstang]

I just checked my battery and the eye is green. So I decided to check the tray. Pulled out the battery and the tray. The tray was dirty and the bolt that holds it down was starting to rust. Wire brushed and sprayed some primer on the cleaned up areas. I'll be ordering an Optima kit soon. Everyone should check out there battery trays and connections. Also a good time to clean the K&N filter and fluids.

[jaimoe]

Why is everyone making such a big deal out of mounting the GT Red Top battery in the Mach? I spent $12 for Advance Auto Parts hold down. Took out the stock tray, dirlled out the stock hold down and drilled another hole on the other side and installed the 2 j-bolts that come with the hold down. Replaced the tray and installed the battery tightened up the wing nuts and cut off the excess. Looks great and only cost $12.00. Battery does not move. I also bought the battery at Advance for only $128.00. Best mod I ever did.

[SHAKEN]

I cringed at the thought of drilling holes. Great buy on the battery. I was able to use my factory tray.

[FordMan]

Same here....factory tray, no drilling, no Advance Auto Parts

[3150Mach1]

Originally Posted by jaimoe

Why is everyone making such a big deal out of mounting the GT Red Top battery in the Mach? I spent $12 for Advance Auto Parts hold down. Took out the stock tray, dirlled out the stock hold down and drilled another hole on the other side and installed the 2 j-bolts that come with the hold down. Replaced the tray and installed the battery tightened up the wing nuts and cut off the excess. Looks great and only cost $12.00. Battery does not move. I also bought the battery at Advance for only $128.00. Best mod I ever did.

Got a pic?

[C-dub]

http://www.remybattery.com/Products/...y__HD2006.aspx

i like this, but more for me bronco

[Black Mach 1]

What's the current pricing on this battery kit?

[Shinigami]

How long does the stock battery last? my Stock escort battery from 2000 just died on me last month(about 8yrs) LOL

[YellowMenace]

Originally Posted by Shinigami

How long does the stock battery last? my Stock escort battery from 2000 just died on me last month(about 8yrs) LOL

It depends. In Houston anything after a couple of years is bonus. If you get 4 years it's a miracle.

[Lonestar7]

Going on 4 years on the stocker!

LS

[TuFFstang]

Mine died today. Just picked up the Ford GT battery from the Dealer and called Optima for the GM group 78 adapter. Looks nice under the hood and comes with a Ford GT sticker.

[ITLRUN]

Blast from the Past.

If I can get a few more of these batteries how many of you guys would be intersted in purchasing one? I can NOT get the hold downs any longer. But you can contact Optima and request one of their GM Group 78 adapters.

The price will be $139.00 plus a $4.00 core charge.

[FordMan]

Still a great deal, after all this time