| Author | Message | ||
| Bill Woodward (Slackjaw)
New member Username: Slackjaw Post Number: 8 Registered: 7-2003 |
JMG is right, you *can* reach the battery terminals with the hood open. There is a narrow slot behind the headlight. I had to jump it once that way, in a pinch. It helps to have jumper cables with the very small clamps; I think the regular sized clamps would be tough to get in and out. The hardest part is getting a grip on the clamps to open them once you get them inside the slot. I'm still deciding on a harness setup for a battery minder, and I think whatever I do I will probably rig it with remote terminals too for easier jumping. I can't say enough about the Optima though. Sam is right, the Mondial seems to love a strong battery/electrics. Mine is running *so* much better than it did with the Interstate! --Woody | ||
| Barry Wolinsky (308gtb)
Member Username: 308gtb Post Number: 636 Registered: 2-2002 |
Steve, I replaced the Interstate with an Optima Red Top 34/78 in my 1976 GTB a few months ago. I drive it pretty frequently year-round. Barry | ||
| steve coleby (Ferraridriver)
Junior Member Username: Ferraridriver Post Number: 122 Registered: 6-2003 |
I am going to get one of the optima's this weekend. Which is the best, the red or yellow top? Thanks Steve | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 502 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have not moved to the Optima yet but for those folks who might need a jump in the future, you can reach the battery with the hood open behind the passenger light. The fit is tight but it will save removing the wheel to jump. - JMG | ||
| Sam NYCFERRARIS (Sam)
Member Username: Sam Post Number: 394 Registered: 4-2001 |
I put the same battery in my mondial T...A MUST..the battery is in an imossible spot to jump with cables if your battery dies (which the interstate always did)..I was designing a set-up with remote battery terminals to make jump startng the car easier when I realized...WHAT AM I NUTS...so I just got the optima and boy does the car love it...no more embarrasssing removing the wheel to jump start the car or remove the battery (bystanders think you are NUTS when they see you reach behind the front wheel and struggle with jumper cables)..I am now working on a better stronger alternator for more juce...the mondial T loves a strong reliable electrical ssytem...there is much resistence intheise commenctions after all these years and can cause gremlins like you can't imagine.. | ||
| Bill Woodward (Slackjaw)
New member Username: Slackjaw Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi Steve, I used the Optima red-top with the top and side terminals. I'd have to check my receipts to get you the actual part/model number. Got it at Costco; best $99.99 I have spent in a while! --Woody | ||
| steve coleby (Ferraridriver)
Junior Member Username: Ferraridriver Post Number: 115 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hi Bill Which size/Model number optima did you use Thanks Steve | ||
| Andy Barre (Abarre)
New member Username: Abarre Post Number: 42 Registered: 7-2003 |
Bill, Pay close attention to the manual that comes with the Optima batteries. When I put mine in (also in a Mondial - joy!) they cautioned against battery minders as the Optima requires a certain current - or some such.... Don't remember the details. I was also told the Optima would hold a charge much longer than a standard wet-cell battery. Mine has been great! Lots of CCA's... | ||
| Al Johnson (Bigal)
Junior Member Username: Bigal Post Number: 140 Registered: 3-2002 |
Geez, what a pain in the ass to get to the battery. I didn't know that about Mondials until I saw your pics. | ||
| Bill Woodward (Slackjaw)
New member Username: Slackjaw Post Number: 4 Registered: 7-2003 |
I finally got a new Optima red top installed in my Mondial t. Thanks to all who posted tips and suggestions. As promised, here are some pics I took during the process, which took under an hour. Bear with me, I hope this comes out looking right. My first time doing uploads. --Woody ========== Before doing anything, I isolated the battery using the switch.  Here's a shot with the wheel and access cover removed, showing the dead Interstate battery.  Removing the hold-down bracket.  Removing the terminal clamps. Tough spot to get into, but easier than from the top!  One lead had a nasty bend in it which I thought might fatigue over time with vibration. So, I removed the nut, cleaned all of the contacts and straightened out the crimp.  Contacts and terminal all nice and clean and assembled.  Here's the Optima stuffed in there with the clamps back on and the bracket bolted in. I put a couple of wire ties on the leads to keep them from moving around too much. It sure looks good in there! ========== After I got the wheel back on and flipped the isolation switch off, I got a buzzing sound for several seconds. I'm guessing it had to do with the shocks/suspension? It went away shortly. I hit the key and she fired right up strong. I left the throttle alone for 20 minutes, then backed out of the garage. As soon as I started moving, I got a warning light (car symbol with two down-arrows under the wheels), but it blinked off after a few seconds. Away I went. Might be my imagination, but she seemed to run much smoother than the last time I took her out. Anyway I'm a happy camper now! Next project is to get a decent harness setup and a battery minder. I have several cars, so I'm considering a wall mount unit with leads running to each. |