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Optima Post Replacement?

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62BT7

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Does anyone know if it's possible to unscrew and replace the battery posts on an Optima battery with larger posts? I know it's possible with some other batteries. I admit I haven't taken the cables off and tried but I'm reluctant to crank hard on the posts and maybe damage them. The reason is that I have a set of cables with the Lucas helmet connections but they are too big to fit well on an Optima battery. Not a huge issue, just wondering if anyone has done this. Thanks,
-Tom
 
The posts are sealed in. I cracked one once and after a few years had to replace it. Corrosion products appeared. Try using a file to make the post smaller.
 
I think Hangtown has it backwards. You need bigger posts, not smaller. How about wrapping the posts with some wire or something to make them bigger so the Lucas connections clamp down on them?
 
Hangtown/Tim: Yes, the issue is that the Optima posts are too small, not too big so filing them down isn't, alas, a solution. I need bigger posts. I thought shims might be the way to go and was browsing in a local auto parts store for such and saw that there were a few sizes of screw-in posts. Thought I'd see if I could easily fix the issue that way. Now that's not a solution, thanks for the info, it's what I suspected. I really don't want to rely on the small screw that holds the cable hood down for an electrical connection, but nor do I want to use a tartop battery (or can others convince me these are a viable alternative??). At the end of the day it's a silly issue, but I like to try to stick to the concours approach, but only if it doesn't create more mechanical hassles. I actually like to drive my car as much as I can but don't want to hassle with battery issues. Are there other good near-concours batteries that are robust? Many thanks,
-Tom
 
You might consider different cable ends.
 
I also wanted to maintain the original cables with my BJ8, and keep the modern battery...the solution that worked quite well was using steel wool wrapped tightly around the post. It was hidden and the cable fit snuggly!

Pete
 
HEALEYJAG said:
...the solution that worked quite well was using steel wool wrapped tightly around the post. It was hidden and the cable fit snuggly!

Pete
Click to expand...
Honestly Pete, I'd get rid of that steel wool as fast as you can. I don't think the strands will take the current flow without getting really hot, maybe burning up. Most light bulb filaments are a thicker gauge. 'Specially nasty if there are any gas fumes in the trunk.
 
Marv: That's what I was looking for! Perfect, but frustrating it wasn't in my local auto parts store (I digress, but have others noticed that over the last 10+ years the auto part stores have gone wimpy? I.e. they focus more on waxes/polishes/bling-bling than, say...battery post shims? Try finding non-detergent oil for a Healey gearbox...).

I'll shop a bit and find the best fit for the shims, then maybe attach them with some micro screws. Thanks again to all for the assist.
-Tom
 
If it's not common to Chebbie, Ford, Honda or Toyota and in a blister pack, you won't find it in most parts houses. And, the application has to be on their computer.

Marv J
 
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