Looking to get a optima 6 volt battery for my 53 f100. The thing is I am not sure which one I need. I found the Optima Batteries 8010-044 but not sure if it is the right one.

 

I have two cars with 272 V8's running this battery. They start much better than with the original style battery. You can also hollow out the inside of an old battery and place them inside if you don't want people to know. You will like this battery. Jag

 

There's only one 6v Optima battery. It's half the size of a 12v battery and has a red top. Check with your local Interstate Battery dealer. Most of them also carry Optima batteries.

I have three of them, one for each vehicle and I swear by them. I keep them on a trickle charger from time to time and haven't had a problem. You can also wire both in a series if you feel the need for more cranking power.

I bought a hollowed out replica of a vintage battery case made to fit the 6v Optima inside. The guy that makes and sells them is in Washinton. I can get you the info if you want.

 

<waving hand frantically> me, me, me - tell me, please.

Thanks

DW

 

Here's his business card and the second picture is of the battery case. It's the same case, just different sticker on the front for your application (vehicle make). I haven't installed this case into my Chrysler yet.

Battery case was $60 or $65 two years ago when I bought them.






Here's one installed in my 52. Same case, different sticker.

 

Nice pictures. The Red Ford Power Punch is the one that I put in my Fairlane. The stickers are optional for an extra $10. The holes in the lid will be a little big, but you can cover up the gap with those little red and green felt washers.

And if you don't want to buy the pricey plastic box, you can clean out the insides of a real battery, but it's stinky and dangerous with acid and fumes. I only went to the trouble because I had an old authentic 2-N battery with Ford script. Good luck, Jag

 

I don't remember having to pay for the stickers, but that's maybe because I bought the cases from him at a swap meet. Perhaps it was a "show special".

Yes, the holes are slightly larger, but the felt pads do cover up the opening. Plus, I had to make some adjustments to the inside of the bottom after the battery was placed inside. It sat too deep for the cable clamps to grab onto the posts. I had to shim the battery on the bottom in order to have it positioned up higher in the case. A few pieces of cardboard did the trick.

I also added white circle paper stickers to the three fake hole covers to make the battery look somewhat authentic. However, they don't look too well after the truck has been in use. I'll have to paint them on or find some vinyl stickers.

Overall, I'm happy with the case and its price. I've seen other "do-it yourself" kits that sell for a lot more.

 

I bought mine at the Reno Swap Meet. I wonder if it's a different guy and product? Mine did not need the height adjustment. The guy I bought mine from was about 60-65, and very heavy set.

I wish I could find some old Ford battery caps to replace the plane flat caps on the pretend box. Jag

 

I first met the guy at the Reno Swap Meet when it was still in Reno. I bought mine at the Reno swap meet, but the one that is being held at the Arco arena in Sacramento. It's the same guy. I believe that he either casts them himself or gets them cast. He told me that he has to clean them up inside and drill holes in the top. I'm sure that it's not exact science when he cleans the casting lines inside on the bottom.

If you find at least one old battery cap, you can get duplicates cast in resin. It's an easy and cheap process.

 

Thanks 51, I do have one old cap with the Ford script on it. If you can lead me thru it, I'm willing to try and do the resin reproduction. Jag