Does a OPTIMA Battery(Gell Cell) need to be vented?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Deuce · 08-31-2005, 01:37 AM

I removed my gas tank from behind the seat and did a blazer tank install to achieve a safer system for fuel injection. That being said I want to put the OPTIMA Battery behind the seat so I can make a cold air intake mounted where the battery now sits.
What are my other options for mounting a battery other than in the bed or under the truck on the frame(Blazer tank, stepside box...........for now)

Thanks

Longhorn Man · 08-31-2005, 05:29 AM

Optimas do not need vented, although, you may still run into NHRA rule problems if mounted in the cab. (Asuming you wanna go to the drags)

motocrosschump · 08-31-2005, 10:13 AM

Post pictures when you are done.

**StingRay** · 08-31-2005, 10:28 AM

You could mount a box through the bed or cab floor. It's still an under the truck mounting but would be accessible from the top. We do this in some of our motorhomes as it maintains access and covers any venting issues.

mocwon · 08-31-2005, 11:41 AM

You could mount it on the driver's side like I did. Also, the Optima battery is not a gel cell, its still a lead acid battery but it is different technology that doesn't require venting.

Deuce · 08-31-2005, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mocwon

You could mount it on the driver's side like I did. Also, the Optima battery is not a gel cell, its still a lead acid battery but it is different technology that doesn't require venting.

Can you post me a pic of how you mounted your battery please???

mocwon · 08-31-2005, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce

Can you post me a pic of how you mounted your battery please???

I'll have to get them for home tomorrow but, all I did was modify a passenger side battery tray and bolt it up. GM made an auxillary tray for the driver's side but they are not reproduced. I've seen them sell on the parts board before.

Deuce · 08-31-2005, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mocwon

I'll have to get them for home tomorrow but, all I did was modify a passenger side battery tray and bolt it up. GM made an auxillary tray for the driver's side but they are not reproduced. I've seen them sell on the parts board before.

I thought about the drivers side but I think I want the battery out of the engine compartment all together.
I'm going to try it behind the seat.

gonebad2 · 08-31-2005, 04:25 PM

C-3 Corvettes had them mounted behind the drivers seat on the inside of the car. There was a sealed compartment that covered the battery. In those days, they were using normal lead and acid batteries that required venting. I drove Corvettes for years and never had a problem with the battery because it was mounted inside.

Fred T · 08-31-2005, 05:26 PM

Early VW Beetles had the battery under the back seat. If you got someone heavy enough in the back seat, the springs would short across the battery posts. Tells you how far we have come safety-wise in the last 40 years.

**tnblazerk5** · 08-31-2005, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred T

Early VW Beetles had the battery under the back seat. If you got someone heavy enough in the back seat, the springs would short across the battery posts. Tells you how far we have come safety-wise in the last 40 years.

lol i had a bug and that happend to it burnt it to the ground it cought the seat on fire and thats all it took lol latter on i turned the bug into a rail buggy

FirstGen · 08-31-2005, 11:33 PM

mine is mounted against the frame at the passenger most rear part. You can see the bottom of the battery barely in this picture. I have a red-top. You can actually mount the Optima's any way you want even upside down if you want, they are totally sealed.

Deuce · 09-01-2005, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstGen

mine is mounted against the frame at the passenger most rear part. You can see the bottom of the battery barely in this picture. I have a red-top. You can actually mount the Optima's any way you want even upside down if you want, they are totally sealed.

I'll have to investigate that!!

mocwon · 09-01-2005, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce

I'll have to investigate that!!

He's right... Check out their website

Racetruck1 · 09-20-2005, 02:02 AM

Optima batteries are gel-cell and can be mounted in any direction. BUT they are lead-acid batteries and DO have a vent, look at the top of it and you will see a small black disc in the top, venting batteries means letting all of the hydrogen gas out into the atmosphere to prevent an explosion hazard in a confined space. That disc is made of a sintered carbide and is porous. If your battery case is open to the air or has a good sized hole for air to get in or out, you're O.K. If not I would be concerned a bit. I have seen an explosion caused by an Optima battery while being charged up inside of a boat with a sealed box, no one hurt but a bad mess, it was caused by the H gas built up and set off by a spark from a loose term that got bumped. Better safe than sorry!

djracer · 09-20-2005, 08:07 AM

this brkt came from a round track magazine

bigblock73 · 09-20-2005, 02:09 PM

Here is what I am using on my '73

http://www.classicperform.com/tech_a...attery-Box.htm

http://www.classicperform.com/battery1.htm

08-31-2005, 01:37 AM	#1
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	Does a OPTIMA Battery(Gell Cell) need to be vented?? I removed my gas tank from behind the seat and did a blazer tank install to achieve a safer system for fuel injection. That being said I want to put the OPTIMA Battery behind the seat so I can make a cold air intake mounted where the battery now sits. What are my other options for mounting a battery other than in the bed or under the truck on the frame(Blazer tank, stepside box...........for now) Thanks __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!! Last edited by Deuce; 08-31-2005 at 01:37 AM.

08-31-2005, 10:13 AM	#3
motocrosschump Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texarkana, AR 71854 Posts: 397	Post pictures when you are done. __________________ 2006 Titan SE Crew Cab Daily Driver 2005 Mazda Tribute (Wifes car) 1969 C10 SWB 350/3 Fleet "Max" 1969 Chevelle 2 door 350/3

08-31-2005, 10:28 AM	#4
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	You could mount a box through the bed or cab floor. It's still an under the truck mounting but would be accessible from the top. We do this in some of our motorhomes as it maintains access and covers any venting issues. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

08-31-2005, 11:41 AM	#5
mocwon Keep On Truckin' Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 1,354	You could mount it on the driver's side like I did. Also, the Optima battery is not a gel cell, its still a lead acid battery but it is different technology that doesn't require venting. __________________ Just Passin' Thru Some projects are like herding cats; others are like putting out fires; this one was like herding cats on fire.....

08-31-2005, 04:25 PM	#9
gonebad2 Merciless Butcher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CC Nevada Posts: 1,447	C-3 Corvettes had them mounted behind the drivers seat on the inside of the car. There was a sealed compartment that covered the battery. In those days, they were using normal lead and acid batteries that required venting. I drove Corvettes for years and never had a problem with the battery because it was mounted inside. __________________ Your Bought And Sold....I Got Your Soul!

08-31-2005, 05:29 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Optimas do not need vented, although, you may still run into NHRA rule problems if mounted in the cab. (Asuming you wanna go to the drags)

08-31-2005, 05:26 PM	#10
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Early VW Beetles had the battery under the back seat. If you got someone heavy enough in the back seat, the springs would short across the battery posts. Tells you how far we have come safety-wise in the last 40 years. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

08-31-2005, 11:33 PM	#12
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	mine is mounted against the frame at the passenger most rear part. You can see the bottom of the battery barely in this picture. I have a red-top. You can actually mount the Optima's any way you want even upside down if you want, they are totally sealed. Attached Images __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

09-20-2005, 02:02 AM	#15
Racetruck1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fallston,PA Posts: 4	Optima batteries are gel-cell and can be mounted in any direction. BUT they are lead-acid batteries and DO have a vent, look at the top of it and you will see a small black disc in the top, venting batteries means letting all of the hydrogen gas out into the atmosphere to prevent an explosion hazard in a confined space. That disc is made of a sintered carbide and is porous. If your battery case is open to the air or has a good sized hole for air to get in or out, you're O.K. If not I would be concerned a bit. I have seen an explosion caused by an Optima battery while being charged up inside of a boat with a sealed box, no one hurt but a bad mess, it was caused by the H gas built up and set off by a spark from a loose term that got bumped. Better safe than sorry!

09-20-2005, 08:07 AM	#16
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,892	here's how mine was on my 71 this brkt came from a round track magazine Attached Images __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!

09-20-2005, 02:09 PM	#17
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Here is what I am using on my '73 http://www.classicperform.com/tech_a...attery-Box.htm http://www.classicperform.com/battery1.htm __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale



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