6 volt battery search

[norma]

I'm looking for an Optima 6 volt for my 67 1602 and I can't find any anywhere. They make them in 6 volt but they say they don't seem to fit the 67 for some reason. I've had good luck with them. Any ideas? If not Optima what 6 volt would you recommend that'll fit my 67? Thanks.

[osbourne]

I'm looking for an Optima 6 volt for my 67 1602 and I can't find any anywhere. They make them in 6 volt but they say they don't seem to fit the 67 for some reason. I've had good luck with them. Any ideas? If not Optima what 6 volt would you recommend that'll fit my 67? Thanks.

Norma,

Go to the 356 Registry website (google search 356 Registry) and look under "vendors" for Chatham Motorsports. They should have the 6 volt Optima you are looking for.

Also, if you are still unable to get an Optima, you might want to see if you can find a Deka battery dealer in your area. Deka is an industrial-grade battery manufacturer and they do have a range of 6 volt batteries (I use them in my 356) and I've had great service out of them over the past 30 years.

[Otis]

http://www.optimabatteries.com/_media/documents/specs/Group6V%20RedTopJan1025.pdf

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/

http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/accessories.html

[pkbinplano]

what about Batteries Plus ?

[norma]

Thanks guys but I tried all those. The Optima 8010-044 Red Top apparently doesn't fit according to everyone including Optima. Still looking.

[Timmer]

Norma,

how about this?

http://www.batterygiant.com/Automotive-Car-Batteries/BMW/1600/Battery/19L-450

Tim.

[roadhog0]

I'll tell ya why it doesnt fit. Its not a regular size. Take a Normal Redtop and split it in half the long way. Its a THREE pack design. WEIRD battery, we got one on an old Ford 8N tractor...

[Timmer]

When I had my 1967 1800ti, I bought a new 6 volt battery for it from Sear's; this was in 1987 though.

Tim

[tjones02]

Sorry for not seeing this thread earlier.....

6 Volt batteries for 1600-2's are group 19L. Same for most 6V Neue Klasse as well..... Even fits the factory battery hold down.

I got mine from s repair shop that sells Interstate.

http://www.interstatebatteries.com

The 12 Volt battery that fits the early '67 1600-2 battery tray is group 35. You'll need to buy or fabricate a proper battery hold down for this one though.

OH and yes the Optima will fit the 1600-2 battery tray. Turn it diagonal. Must make a hold down though!!!

HTH

[norma]

Tom,

Which Optima will work for the 1600?

[tjones02]

I have a standard red top 6 Volt Optima in one of my 1600-2s. It is the only 6-Volt battery Optima makes.... Twisted it diagonal to fit it in the tray. If you are keeping the car 6V I recommend the 19L for correct under hood looks. I just don't like the look of the Optima next to that cool old school generator.The Porsche guys like the Optima cause their batteries are generally more hidden.

Optima RedTop 6 Volt Starting

http://shop.optimabatteries.com/products/productdetail/RedTop+6+Volt+Starting/part_number=6V/1737.0.1.1.54219.53659.0.0.0?

I had bought two of the Optima 6 Volts in an aborted project to put two 6V batteries wired in series under the back seat of my Red. I'll be using a 12V Odyssey or similar there instead.

Tom

Oh, and your email bounced back....

[norma]

Tom, Thanks for the info. Looks like the Interstate is the way to go. By the way, the Optima is 10" long and my 1602 battery tray is only 9". I'm not sure how it would fit unless you have longer (non-stock) battery tray. It won't fit the other way either. Neither dimension is 10".

[tjones02]

OH and yes the Optima will fit the 1600-2 battery tray. Turn it diagonal. Must make a hold down though!!!

Twisted it diagonal to fit the tray.

the Optima is 10" long and my 1602 battery tray is only 9". I'm not sure how it would fit unless you have longer (non-stock) battery tray. It won't fit the other way either. Neither dimension is 10".

The Optima 6V are just 3 cells of a 12V and have narrow end feet that let them fit diagonally. The car is in a remote garage right now or I'd take a picture of the battery it in the tray. It's a 152xxxx and has the same battery tray as every other 6V 1600-2 I've seen.

Does your car have it's original battery hold down?? #3 in the picture... #1 are two "J" hooks.

[jgerock]

Also, if you are still unable to get an Optima, you might want to see if you can find a Deka battery dealer in your area. Deka is an industrial-grade battery manufacturer and they do have a range of 6 volt batteries (I use them in my 356) and I've had great service out of them over the past 30 years.

Deka batteries are made by East Penn Mfg. in Lyon Station, PA. Great family-owned business - and a good customer of mine (I'm in the plastics business).

Keeping with the thread - my '66 VW used a Sears DieHard 6V battery - not sure if they still offer them.

[norma]

Sorry Tom, I wasn't thinking of putting in the Optima diagonally. That would be awkward and odd-looking. And yes, I have a battery hold down. Interstate or Deka sound better.