6Volt Tartop Converted to 6Volt Optima

[stangblue]

I have posted pictures and some captions on the process of the conversions. I want to Thank every one that contributed on my prior post .The first and second picture from left to right I cut with utility knife for to follow with sawing. Bottoming the saw completely. Opening and cleaning neutralize case. Drill out post with 7/8" hole saw from bottom of top 3/4' for lead connector to cells.Mark your positive side of case and top for future alignments. Cut out top holes for Optima posts keep positive to case marked. Measure depth to route out 3/4" Max. Cleanup later with 1.5" disc sander. I am giong post this will add more.

 

[stangblue]

Clean out bottom of case by sitting Optima battery on top to see where you need removal. Cut bottom of case withe 3.5" hole saw be careful to line up with the top. Caulk cover on and screw down I made cover out of Aluminium .019 coil stock. Make a collar out of same coil stock 1.25"X .75" with a tight 90 degree bend almost 95 degrees to hug upper top screw down to case and screw to upper lid. Note you will have to take some material off the perimeter of the top sides to get the battery hold down to fit the new band. Tape battery and paint with satin finish. Cut led connectors and glue or epoxy to top put on caps may have to cut to get flush. Sorry some of the pictures are out of order

 

[fortyonerag]

Nice work. Thanks for sharing.

 

[VeryTangled]

Hi Everyone, stangblue, now you've got the best of both worlds! Looks good enough to fit in with a 'correct' representation, but has all the benefits of the AGM.

It also looks like you can open it to replace the Optima when needed, yes?

 

[stangblue]

Thanks fortyoneag and Very Tangled It was a messy job for sure. If someone would like to do the job on theirs and don't have the necessary items such as the .019 aluminum coil stock for the bottom and the bending of the L shape. I can supply the material when I'm at Hershey this fall. PM at least 1 month or well beforehand so I can have it ready. Yes it can be open by the removal of 4 tiny screws which are under the top battery hold down.

 

[tubman]

Thank you very much for showing this. I have had a dead repop battery sitting in the corner of my shop for 3 years now. This will get me going for sure!

 

[Dave Castle]

C & G ford parts sells a Optima battery sealed in a Ford script battery case, saves a tremendous amount of work & eliminates a huge mess !

 

[corvette8n]

You now have the satisfaction of a job well done.