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Topic: Optima Battery

in Forum: C3 Electrical


Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 9:34am Message 1 of 15
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Cadiz, KY - USA
Joined: 8/26/2002
Posts: 249
Vette(s): 74 Convertible
Purchased a red top optima in 09/03 with a 3 year free replacement and 3 year pro rated replacement. It failed stone dead on the 37th month. Paid $99, pro rated replacement only $91. Indeed 90% of the initial cost for the replacement. Further, the replacement must be with your receipt at the place where you bought it or another store from that chain. How many of us carry the battery receipt in the car while on a trip? Since I have had Wal-Mart 3 year yellow batteries last for 8years, I did not take the Optima pro rated offer. Bottom line: if you buy an Optima, be ready to have it socked to you when it quits. Beware!



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Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 9:39am Message 2 of 15
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
I have Optima Red Top batteries in my '69 and '78...no problems so far. I guess time will tell.

BTW - a current issue of Consumer Reports tests numerous auto batteries, though not the Optima. The WalMart yellow battery was rated a Best Buy. The Sears Die Hard didn't work out too well in the ratings. Cost had little to do with quality and performance from their testing. Very interesting article.


Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 10:17am Message 3 of 15
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Wichita, KS - USA
Joined: 11/10/2003
Posts: 6859
Vette(s): 2005 Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic Coupe --------------------- Sold 1974 T-top, 4 spd to BillKS
I won't have a Die Hard battery (what an ironic name, should be Die Easy).LOL 
    
I went through 3 of them in 13 months a few years ago, and swore I'd never get another one.Angry    
 
Haven't tried the Optima or the Walmart batteries yet.
 
Larry



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Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 11:53am Message 4 of 15
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Piscataway, NJ - USA
Joined: 10/16/2002
Posts: 106
Vette(s): 1973 coupe silver Eng.383 stroker. Tremec 5spd 1977 L48 Stock
 Haven't had any issues with optima in my 73. Then again I haven't had a problem with my "in a pinch reconditined $20.00 battery" in my 77 


Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 12:05pm Message 5 of 15
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BILOXI, MS - USA
Joined: 12/8/2001
Posts: 547
Vette(s): 1969 rag top
I had trouble with NAPA's best batteries and switched to the optima two years ago and have had no problems. I quess you just pay your money and take your chance.


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Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 12:23pm Message 6 of 15
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Edmond, OK - USA
Joined: 7/13/2006
Posts: 400
Vette(s): 1971 Brands Hatch Green L48 Coupe Automatic Driver - restored 1995
AutoZone Duralast has done well for me.  Used to travel 40K+ miles /yr.  Start my blazer 15+ times /day.  Only had one go bad in an unreasonable amount of time.  Had the same one in my vette at least 7 years.


Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 1:53pm Message 7 of 15
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Newport, MI - USA
Joined: 6/9/2005
Posts: 932
Vette(s): 1980 L-48 still in the middle of a frame-off.
There is a chain out here called battery wholesaler. I can get a lifetime free replacement battery for my vette for 109.00. Any problems bring it back and they will replace it.  They have my business.



Corvettes and women are the same...You want to make love to them but they keep breaking down.

Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 5:42pm Message 8 of 15
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Fayetteville, NC - USA
Joined: 2/13/2005
Posts: 244
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette Convertable, 4 spd, 350 SB, Daily Driver
I bought an optima red top because it was sealed and the battery compartment id inside the car.  13 months later it died.  I took it back to Advance Auto, they looked me up in their files and gave me a new one--NO CHARGE!  Not so good for the battery, but the retailer sure followed through.


Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 6:28pm Message 9 of 15
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sussex, NJ - USA
Joined: 11/15/2002
Posts: 299
Vette(s): 1969 L71 riverside gold convertible on frame restoration numbers matching motor 4:11 factory rear 4speed with hooker side pipes
my red optima lasted a 1 1/2 years and died dead. could not even charge it.  won't buy another one, wouldn't take one if they gave it to me. use a sears die hard now. never had a problem with the die hard, use it in my truck and my other car.


Optima Battery

Posted: 10/19/06 9:58pm Message 10 of 15
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Joined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo 1969 Convert Big Block 1996 Grand Sport Convert
  My 80' has always been a Battery Killer. I have probably had a Dozen Optima's in it the last 12 Years. Interstate is the Distibutor for them and the Guy who Runs ours in Seattle is a Class A Jerk. A Optima will Die just like any other Battery if You have a Drain in the System somewhere. My Trucks got 7 Years or more out of them cause they were Driven every Day the way Batteries are ment to be Used. Since I have Restored My car and Ripped out all the old Sterio and Alarm Wiring and redid it all My Battery is holding up much Better. If I let the Electric Radiator Fans run after the Engine is off thats a diffrent Story. I  just Like the design of the Battery I think it was designed for the behind the Drivers Seat C-3 Body. The only way I can Remember the Receipt is to Tape it onto the Battery at the Time I purchase it and then I can allways remember where it is when I need it. Richard....


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in Forum: C3 Electrical


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