I agree it sounds like the stereo install messed up the A/C vents. I have an Optima yellow top and love it! The two advantages that it has that most people don't consider (besides the obvious) is that the Optima type batteries have NO corrosion and very little off gassing. That's important when the battery is right behind you. Another thing, if your car still has the stock alternator, you need to upgrade. The one on mine would allow the headlights to dim and the voltage to drop anytime you came to a stop at night (and that was with the old 8 track!). I got a 100 amp one from Ecklers (chrome, too!  ). Since then, no problems (at least with that). Better get it straightened out by Carlisle! Jaws792011-06-10 15:37:51

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"Down on the Boardwalk...

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Couple things you need to do..make sure the connections on the battery are clean and tight..you may have a battery wire issue also..best thing to do is bring it to a shop and have them do a battery system test..it will see the load for start and test the alt output and diode ripple test..takes about 5 minutes..auto zone and advance both do this..the stereo guys should know how to hook up a stereo..they really are not that hard..having them fix the vacuum stuff will be over their head by 10 fold..unless its just pinched lines..

Rich

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My first parade at Carlisle 2010

not even an hour passed and the light is green again....there is no way its completely charged.....the frustration grows... The Rook2011-06-10 17:21:11

It sounds like you have a bad battery it has a shorted cell it will show it is charged but does not have enough current to start the car. the charger will show it is fully charged. if the charger doesnot charge the battery the alt will not charge it either.rraider12011-06-11 08:06:36

I lost track of whats going on here but I do agree with installing a battery disconnect. On the neg post I believe. These cars just have a way of sucking something out of the batteries. If mine sits a week and a half it don't want to start. And that will tick ya off if ya need a ride fix.
I got one dam nice looking 8 track. Don't work but it looks good.
Dan, at least you got hair to pull out.
Jeffm2011-06-11 15:18:07

I had a similar problem this week.

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As far as the battery problem is concerned, I had a similar problem with mine. Battery would charge fine and remain charged but still slow crank and no start. Found the starter was bad. No problems since replacing with mini high torque starter. I believe someone else also mentioned the stater.

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DanT

Its alive again...new battery installed! I bought new terminal connectors/bolts while I was at it......what a PITA this was. Thanks everyone for your help.

glad to hear you are up and runnning !!

Thanks Clint I'm gluing my hair back in as I write this, next time I'll be sure to number those strands as I pull them ......we shall see what sitting for a few days does to the new Optima.