This is for a 71 Chevelle, I bought an Optima Red Top 75/35 battery and the OEM hold down plate and bolt will not hold the battery down, the battery is not wide enough. I called Optima and spoke to a young lady and didn't get a an answer as far as Chevy vehicles are concerned. I bought the battery from Costco and it came with two large red plastic pieces. The one is to increase the height of the battery and fits under the battery, the other plastic piece is more decorative with the word Optima in silver for the top of the battery. I spoke to a worker at Costco and there was no other parts to come with the battery.

I did have left over parts from an Optima 34/78 I bought for my 65 GTO that came with a hold down kit, maybe I can use these parts. One large piece has the letter "A" and says to use under the battery if needed, this would increase the width of the battery but I can't see how it would lock into the front of the battery tray. The other two pieces are gray and have the words "Group 65". Has anyone run into this problem?

What I did was notch the stock hold down to fit around the middle cell of the battery. It would not work otherwise.
Tony

Hmmm...
I've got an Optima Red Top and is held in the stock location WITH a stock OEM style clamp. Very secure...passed track tech numerous times.
I'll post a pic if it will help...

Hmmm...
I've got an Optima Red Top and is held in the stock location WITH a stock OEM style clamp. Very secure...passed track tech numerous times.
I'll post a pic if it will help...

+1 . 1971 Chevelle to be exact. Original battery tray with original clamp. I passed tech with it as well.

When I tried to bolt the clamp down it seemed like the battery was about 1/2" short on the width. The bolt was tightened all the way down and there was a gap between the base of the battery and the clamp of at least 1/4" with lots of play. That's why I thought there must be something to raise it or give the battery more width. Wonder if I should try bending the clamp?

^^^ you got the wrong size battery.

My Chevelle has an optima red top, fit the batt tray just fine, clamp keeps it secured. :beers:

I removed the clamp, inserted a piece of threaded rod, then welded a tab on the other side of the battery tray and put in a piece of threaded rod. Then used a piece of aluminum to hold it down.

OK Thanks I will look into maybe welding the clamp. The battery is correct for a 71 to 73 Chevelle according to the Optima website and using their "Battery Search", that's the only battery they recommend for a 71 to 73 Chevelle. On my 65 GTO they give a list of 3 different batteries. I would really like to have put in a 34/78 but don't know why it's not offered on their "Battery Search" It does list them for eariler years with 454's etc. Since this is what I'm stuck with I have to find a way to secure it.

ummm. I just walked into Pep Boys and bought the universal one that they always have on the shelf. Fits the Chevelle just as well as my '97 S-10, and fit my '94 Impala SS well when I had that car. The battery you ended up with must be smaller. I guess I can't help you out :clonk:. Good luck man.

Stock hardware holding mine in too !!!:waving:

OK Thanks everyone for your responses. I wish that Optima had a little more knowledge on the hold downs, it's not like a Chevelle is a rare car.... This battery is working fine and I'll work on getting that OEM clamp to work from all the ideals you all gave me...Thanks again

Are you using the hockey puck type of hold down.

http://192.132.24.107/images/usingOptima/optimaThree.gifOPTIMAŽ GROUP 34/78
The optional puck adapter is required for most GM installations where the side terminals are used.Position the puck against the center cylindar of the battery and bolt to the battery tray as shown.

I took the puck off my GTO which has the 34/78 battery, the 35/75 battery is not wide enough. If the puck was made to slide in toward the battery another 1/2" then it might work. I was hoping the puck would have worked... then I would have just ordered one. Maybe Optima should look into this.... Just like header companies, they borrow peoples cars to make their product better.... but as we all know there is always room for improvement.

How do you all like the OPTIMA Battery? Do you see noticeable differences?

How do you all like the OPTIMA Battery? Do you see noticeable differences?

Bob,

Optima batteries are the BEST! A red top would look good next to Big Red! :thumbsup:

Chris

ive never had a problem with them and stock hold downs...even swapping between several different cars, are you sure youre pushing it back to the other side far enough to engage the battery to the tray on the opposite side?...thats only thing i can think of.

yes bob, to me they're the greatest thing since 12 volt systems (or sliced bread), my first one lasted over 6 years and the only time i had to remove it was for helping out other vehicles....plus, theyre worth the price of admission just for the lack of acid, IMO

thanks Motorhead and hrd....didn't mean to misdirect the post.....

I did get the OEM battery hold down to work. I had towed the Chevelle to get painted and somehow the body shop bent the battery tray so I just straightened the area where the bolt went and now the OEM clamp works fine.....

Now as far as the Optima battery, I really like them. I have 2 now, one in my GTO and the other in the Chevelle. If I had to buy another it would be an Optima......