Red Top Optima - Chevy TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer SS and GMC Envoy Forum

confusedsoul · #1 02-05-2007, 01:52 PM

Could all you TB owners out there with a red top under the hood please let me know if you were able to put the metal bar back over top? The guy at Advance auto didn't try too hard, but if he were to have put it back in it would've rubbed against the positive top post on the battery. Or at least I think it would have. I know you can't put the cover back over, but what about that bar? Any pics if you have it installed?

Envoy Fan · #2 02-05-2007, 02:21 PM

When I had my '03 Envoy SLT, I put a Red Top in it. Since I installed it myself, I was able to cut away enough plastic to also reinstall the black plastic cover. I was also able to reinstall the bar that went across the battery.

Unfortunately, a lot of places are only interested in throwing the part in and getting the customer out the door.

BTW, the Red Top only lasted me 2 months. A replacement less than a week. I went back to OEM. Hope you don't have my luck with Optima.

confusedsoul · #3 02-05-2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Envoy Fan

When I had my '03 Envoy SLT, I put a Red Top in it. Since I installed it myself, I was able to cut away enough plastic to also reinstall the black plastic cover. I was also able to reinstall the bar that went across the battery.

Unfortunately, a lot of places are only interested in throwing the part in and getting the customer out the door.

BTW, the Red Top only lasted me 2 months. A replacement less than a week. I went back to OEM. Hope you don't have my luck with Optima.

Had an Optima in my 96 Lumina for 3 years (ending in 04), it went out right before the warranty was up, replaced free. Haven't had a problem since. (knock on wood). Cold starts not a problem.

teebes · #4 02-05-2007, 02:58 PM

I did NOT put the support bar or plastic back overtop of my Red Top. I used the plastic mount that came w/ the battery and secured it at the base of the battery.

torker · #5 02-05-2007, 07:07 PM

I was messing around with a Diehard Gold that had the top posts and I took the tube bender to my brace and got it to fit around the post.

confusedsoul · #6 02-05-2007, 07:43 PM

ok, thx for the replies

i'll see if i can get it bent to fit.

bullethole · #7 02-06-2007, 02:02 AM

The brace will go back in but will be close to the positive top terminal. I wrapped the bar in black electrical tape just in case I or someone else used the top terminal for a jump. Also make sure the post covers are left on the top. Do not use the plastic base that comes with the battery.

ScarabEpic22 · #8 02-06-2007, 02:36 AM

I put my plastic battery box and crossbar back over it with holes cut out for the top terminals. Been over a year now with no problems and is really nice for my sub now too (installed back in May 06).

Adam Jones 2112 · #9 02-06-2007, 08:52 AM

i've been wanting to try an optima yellow, but just replaced my battery already with a wal-mart Everstart yellow (the top end kind)... very pleased with it thus far. cold starts - no problem... even with all of my audio electronics.

joe_jeep · #10 02-06-2007, 12:19 PM

i run dual yellow tops in my jeep and one yellow top in my super duty. the 2 in my jeep are about 7 years old, and power my winch quite well so far.
i think optimas are pretty good batteries, little pricey but quality aint cheap. if you really want a sweet battery look into lifeline agm and oddesey, much more power, but huge price tag. i run 2 lifelines in my camper and they are sweet! alot of people also run 2 6 volt golf cart batteries thats about 450 amp hours. great for camping, running an inverter, or a massive stereo system. dont know how you would mount them though. for an easy upgrade the optima is about as good as it gets.