I made a new battery tray for my Optima. I'm test fitting before I cut and bend the final piece (it's one piece). I will drill holes in the turned up sides for the hold-downs. Any suggestions/comments before I make the final version (besides "You need to wash your engine bay")?

I need to finish this so I can finish my intercooler installation (my never-ending project). It does fit with the stock IC, though...

 

What size optima is that? I think my Hawker may have bought it...

 

Looks like you did a good job man. Yes, that battery is tiny, where did you get that?

 

looks good mang

 

I don't think they ever went into production. I got it from a guy who worked at Optima.

It started the car through the winter, so it must have decent cranking Amperage.

I think my final design will be almost identical, but with smooth finished edges.

Thanks for the replies.

 

Closer...

 

1) What are the threaded posts in the middle of the battery for?

2) You need to fab up some type of hold down for the battery.

3) Nice work!

 

Good point. You won't get past tech inspections at the track or auto-x without a tie-down.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rynberg
[B]1) What are the threaded posts in the middle of the battery for?

They are used for accessories such as amps ect.

 

In case you're not aware and still qualify for it, the Hawker batteries come with a 3yr full replacement warranty, no pro-rating.

If your not sure how old it is, call the phone number on Hawker's web site. They will ask for the number off the top of the battery (black numbers in white square) and be able to tell you if its still under warranty and who your local dealer is. Original receipt is not needed.

Jack

 

Thanks. I plan on drilling through the two sides that break up next to the battery and using standard all-thread hold-downs. I'll make a heavier gauge aluminum plate going over the top. This is a just a test fit before I make the final part. I thought I'd post what I had to see if someone had input that might change my final design...

I've been running the small battery sideways in the stock tray. I didn't like how it shifted around (forward). It is amazing how it feels different without the 40+ lbs up there (or maybe it's all in my head).

Thanks all who replied.

 

Looks good. Can you get any more of those crazy little batteries?

 

what does that battery weigh? and whose AST is that ..... uses small stock mazda cap.

 

What series optima is that? I've always only seen the HUGE ones.

 

The battery weighs about 12.5 lbs. I'm sure it will probably 'give up the ghost' now that I'm going through the trouble of building an aluminum tray. It's worked great for several months (a year?), though.

Some guy on here gave me more information on it. Seems it was a development project that never went into production. The guy who gave it to me said it was repaired, which is why it says 'plate damage.'

It's Tri-Point's AST.

 

done.

 

Very nice! That should pass a tech inspection now.

Great work!