Gents,
I do not wish to diminish Ben’s find because it is NEAT.
Keep in mind that most battery boxes are concealed beneath floorboards and are not viewed for judging.
That battery case is a great product, but it is for SHOW and NOT for GO!.
From my perspective, there is an advantage to running two OPTIMA 6V batteries, even f one is not connected and kept as an emergency spare.
I would rather have the spare / dual connection than a COOL looking GO box.
Peter
Gents,
Here is more that I found upon reading all of my updated information.
Peter
Use ONLY 600W for the transmission and the steering box (see above re: Penrite 1200w
Steering Box Lube). Do NOT use the push-type gun for any of them–especially not for the
steering box because you can still blow out seals with that (NOTE that I heat the oil and use a
BIG Syringe with both holes open on the steering box). Heat a bottle in a pan of near-boiling
water then pour using a small-aperture funnel. I’d prefer to use the 600W from a Model A
Ford supplier for all 600W applications other than the transmission–but make sure you’re getting
the dark, smelly, viscous 600W and not the clearer, thinner stuff some sell as 600W but which I
think is just repackaged SAE 140.
NOTE: Anyone wishing a copy of my SERIES 80 LUBRICATION write-up, please send me an email and I will reply with the three page document.
Gents,
BTW, using the Penrite 1200 will do no harm, just in case someone is concerned, vis a vis, chassis grease vs. oil.
The Penrite is like molasses, or better, like 1200w steering box oil.
I also believe that there is a “dripless”” version of Penrite steering box oil on the market.
I’ll go and take some photos and post one soon.
Peter”
Gents,
Here is my 8/26/16 – Updated Information on the Lubrication of my Series 80 relating to the Steering Box.
The source of the Information is George Teebay.
I trust that this will help, but not end the controversy.
Peter
Steering Box: “600-W†from Model A Ford supplier OR SAE 140/160 GL4 gear oil. If it leaks
(and they often do) use either SAE 250 or Resto Supply’s Penrite 1200 weight steering box oil.
This is a time-consuming process: Remove fitting, insert very small funnel, pour some into
funnel and let drain. Will take 10-15 minutes before it will drain in and air can work its way out
to create room for more oil. Repeat until the box stays full for 15 minutes, then replace fitting.
If you’re using thick oil, it’s helpful to thin the oil by warming in sun or in pan of hot water
before pouring.
William,
Here is the info on size that I posted earlier in this discussion.
I have no idea the size of a Group-2 Battery box.
Peter
The OPTIMA website posts the following dimensions for the Red Top 6V: 10.06″ L X 3.63″ W X 8.13″ H.
So, for two batteries, side by side you need a battery box that will hold a 7.26″ to 7.75″ wide battery (including some wiggle room).
Ladies and Gents,
I will begin a COUNTDOWN to the OPTIMA Battery Deal soon.
I want as many PAS people as possible to take advantage of the Deal and to not MISS OUT as they have in the past years.
By creating a COUNTDOWN, I will keep the OPTIMA notice near the TOP of the Message Board.
If you think this is obnoxious, oh well!
Cheers,
Peter
Gents,
Also of note is that OPTIMA does NOT make / sell a 6v battery charger, only 12v chargers.
Hmmm, Very Interesting.
Peter
Tony, I guess that my Battery Tender is kicking out too much amperage (and excess of .25amps), however, it has not yet been a problem.
JUST FYI:
REDTOP Type: 6V
These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep-cycle applications.
Recommended charging information:
• Alternator:
• 6.65 to 7.5 volts, no amperage limit.
• Battery Charger:
• 6.9 to 7.5 volts, 10 amps maximum, approximately for six to twelve hours.
• Rapid Recharge:
• Maximum 7.8 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below one amp.
• Float Charge: 6.6 to 6.9 volts, one amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
• Strictly adhere to all limits.
• Safety Information:
• Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
• Always use a voltage-regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.
• Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.
• These guidelines are intended for typical consumer applications. For military, commercial applications or new equipment design, please contact OPTIMA for additional technical information and assistance
Gents,
I trickle charge mine with a 6v Battery Tender that puts out 1.25 Amps.
Their newer model has the same output specs.
It has all the electronics that you need and it is fine with AGM batteries.
The cost is listed as $39.95.
Peter
http://products.batterytender.com/Chargers/Battery-Tender-Junior-6V-1-25A-High-Efficiency.html
Duane,
Please post a link.
Peter
George,
I assume that your reference to “Do Not Use a Lift Strap” relates to a strap that attaches to each of the terminals (+ & -), rather than a strap that wraps around the entire battery.
Peter
Orin,
I know about that product, I made mine before he was on the market.
Also, the side by side model of the Optima battery holder sells for $409, plus S&H.
I had to fool around a bit buying battery post and cables, etc, but I believe that I AM ALL IN & SET UP for under $50.00 and two-hours work (because I work slowly).
I do not know if the manufactured version is better, but mine works fine for approximately 11% (about $360 less) of the cost.
For that sum, I could buy three more Optima 6v Red Top batteries.
Peter
Bill,
Read the first sentence of my original notification above.
Peter
The eBay listing says BUY IT NOW.
I believe that is for all five cars.
The sub-head reads: “5 Classic Car bundle.”
Sounds like $25K each, but only as a Lot.
Here is the active link.
Bob & Gents,
Here is the photo of Bob’s arrangement.
They fit nicely and don’t appear to be strapped together.
Peter
Nice Pierce-Arrow!
Ken,
I am not knowledgeable on fitting two in the battery box of your 1933 1236, but I was told that I was nuts to do so on a Series 80 because it is overkill for starting a 6-Cylinder Pierce.
However that person said that the idea was Great for a Pierce-8.
If is’s Great for an Eight, then it must be Outstanding for a Twelve.
The OPTIMA website posts the following dimensions for the Red Top 6V: 10.06″ L X 3.63″ W X 8.13″ H.
So, you need a battery box that will hold a 7.26″ to 7.75″ wide battery (including some wiggle room).
I mounted mine on a piece of plywood that has ¾” dense cell foam between the plywood and the bottom of the batteries.
They are secured by nylon webbing and a snap buckle running under the plywood and over the tops of the batteries.
At first, I used an old leather belt, which was more secure but less elegant.
Together, they fit nicely in the Series 80 Battery box.
Apropos of the wiring diagram, I believe that Arnold Romberg published an article on this matter in one of the PAS Service Bulletins.
Finally, all of the battery posts, cables, etc., are available at your local Auto Parts store.
Peter
Gents,
This is serious over-kill, but this is how my Series 80 is set up with TWO Optima Red tops.
Some may have interest, specifically the Pierce-8 & Pierce-12 people.
With this arrangement, I figure that I am set for the next 15-years or so.
Peter