How to Repair an Optima Yellow Top

[TomO]

Originally Posted by bennelson

I have a friend that owns/works on 88-90 Turbo Grand Prixs and exclusively uses Optima yellow tops. He has to grind down the posts, but not all the way to clearance them for the battery cover and windshield washer reservoir. I'm going to point him to this thread as a potential new way to modify the batteries.

One difference that I would try: Using a flat washer and short bolt to make the connection (for more clearance).

[alohaspirit]

Tools & Experience make all the difference


At this point, Id settle for the just the tools

[Tango Charlie]

I was talking to a coworker about EV's, and threw out the term 'Optima Yellowtop' during the conversation. This coworker remarked "Oh, you don't want to use those. They use to be a good battery, but their quality has gone way down and guys have been having a lot of trouble with them in the last couple years."
Has anyone else heard of similar reports?

[bennelson]

Originally Posted by Tango Charlie

They use to be a good battery, but their quality has gone way down.

I have heard that exact line quite a few times. I think it may almost be to the point where they have just gotten a bad rap.

A couple guys get bad batteries, then that gets announced to the internet, and passed on to perpetuity.

I have had NO problems at all with mine! (Other than shorting the one out, but I can't blame that on the manufacturer....)