Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wwotr · 10-07-2009, 06:37 PM

Wanted to get one of these for a long time.
There were (2) I was looking at, (The Red Top/The Yellow Top).
I e-mailed their Tech Support about which one to use.

I gave them info stating:
The Truck would be parked Outside during the Winter.
Temps are in the 20-30 Degree Range.
Snows sometimes.
Wouldn't be "Driven Daily".
No Stereo in it (yet) but even at that, there were no "Amps" ect.
Nearly Stock 350.

I thought they'd tell me to use the Red Top, but they aid if I was going with a Stereo/Sirius, to use the Yellow Top Deep Cycling Battery.

So if any of you have (or had) an Optima, do they live up to their reputation?

Roger
"RATIKLE"

lost wages · 10-07-2009, 06:51 PM

i have the red top in my truck, in my opinion it sucks. The only way it will keep a charge is if i unhook it or drive the truck alot, which i dont. I have a buddy that has the yellow tops in his truck and he has the same problems. Im on my third only because they keep sending free replacements.

CB24 · 10-07-2009, 06:53 PM

I like them & run them in every vehicle I drive. Mainly because I find they last longer then your typical auto battery in this arizona heat. My ex brother in law turned me on to them. He uses them in all his 4x4's.

72BlckButy · 10-07-2009, 07:09 PM

I have one in my '69... no issues to date thus far.

*vegaschevy* · 10-07-2009, 07:10 PM

Ive never used any other battery. I think my battery is worth more then my truck HAHAHAHA

I have a red top with dual posts and 1000 CA

I have had over 25 batterys and only one was bad. It was a yellow top and saw winch duty in my jeep.

SCOTTMO · 10-07-2009, 07:14 PM

I have had several red tops and had good luck with them all,I have one in my
sand rail and it sits on it side..

myoldchevytruck · 10-07-2009, 07:25 PM

I have a Red Top in my 69'. It sits in the driveway, not registered and is still a ways from being "road worthy" but when I crank it, it starts every time!

Hottrucks · 10-07-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lost wages

i have the red top in my truck, in my opinion it sucks. The only way it will keep a charge is if i unhook it or drive the truck alot, which i dont. I have a buddy that has the yellow tops in his truck and he has the same problems. Im on my third only because they keep sending free replacements.

same here ansd the neighbor has a yellow in his jeep dead all the time..bought a blue for the boat because everone said how great they are bought it in june ran good all sumer took it out put it on the shelf april put it on trickle..nope na da nothing..called them they asked for the code # off the side gave it to them and they told me that it was over a year old I told them I have the reciept that I bought it in june..he told me the warrenty was from date of build not sale.......

welcome to Walmart never had an issue and if I do I walk in with junk and out with a new one CHEAP and no hassle

Hottrucks · 10-07-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lost wages

i have the red top in my truck, in my opinion it sucks. The only way it will keep a charge is if i unhook it or drive the truck alot, which i dont. I have a buddy that has the yellow tops in his truck and he has the same problems. Im on my third only because they keep sending free replacements.

same here and the neighbor has a yellow in his jeep dead all the time..bought a blue for the boat because everone said how great they are bought it in june ran good all summer took it out in oct put it on the shelf april put it on trickle..nope na da nothing..called them they asked for the code # off the side gave it to them and they told me that it was over a year old I told them I have the reciept that I bought it in june..he told me the warrenty was from date of build not sale.......

very sore subject for the $$$ you pay

welcome to Walmart never had an issue and if I do I walk in with junk and out with a new one CHEAP and no hassle

rwolf9653 · 10-07-2009, 08:19 PM

I have a red and a yellow and they will be the last optimas I own. If sitting disconnected for moret than a month they need charged.
The charging process is extensive (and debated). What has been working for me is 60 amp for 12 hours, then trickle for 24 hours.
Personally I am going back to Deka.

Mike C · 10-07-2009, 08:57 PM

Weird to see the failures. Are these newer batteries? I have two in my Duramax truck, one in my Z, one in the Z/28, one in my Jimmy. All the previous are red tops, but I have another red top that came in a dually I bought and a yellow top that I got for my boat. The last two I drag around all the time and use to run tractors, trolling motors, jeeps, jump start stuff, etc. I hope I don't jinx myself, but they have been great. With that said, the NEWEST one is at least 4 years old...I disconnect ALL of the old car batteries when the vehicles are in the garage, and they can sit for months at a time. I just hook the cable up and they fire right up.

clinebarger · 10-07-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwolf9653

I have a red and a yellow and they will be the last optimas I own. If sitting disconnected for moret than a month they need charged.
The charging process is extensive (and debated). What has been working for me is 60 amp for 12 hours, then trickle for 24 hours.
Personally I am going back to Deka.

I agree. Interstate megatron is my choice. had one last for ten years

shark · 10-07-2009, 09:44 PM

I have a redtop in my streetrod 800 cca. I've had it for 3 yrs. I had an electrical problem once and it drained the battery completely dead. I charged it back up and it's been fine ever since! '67 swb 454 th400 '72 gmc 350 th350

shark · 10-07-2009, 09:57 PM

I have a redtop 800cca for about 3 yrs. I had an electrical problem once and it got drained completely. I charged it back up and it's been fine ever since! ____________________________________ '67 swb 454 th400 '72 gmc 350 th350

**fine69** · 10-07-2009, 10:02 PM

I have had a couple. Leave them sit for a month and they are DEAD.

No thanks. I have better luck with average batteries that are less than 1/2 the cost.

69heavychevy · 10-07-2009, 10:11 PM

i personally use Optimas because i get a killer deal...but other than i would just pick a battery n go!! there r two major battery manufacturers in the U.S., so chances are if u have looked at a few batteries in different places u were probably looking at the same battery just in different wrapping.

unclewatts · 10-07-2009, 11:01 PM

I never had an Optima battery because you gotta have Bill Gate's checking account to afford one. 5 years ago I bought a NAPA 72 mo. with 660 CCAs for $69.95 and sometimes I let the truck sit for over a month without starting it and when I do, it starts right up! Best battery I ever bought.

SCOTI · 10-07-2009, 11:44 PM

I've got a yellow-top in our 02 'Collectors' T/A. It's going on 3yrs now, maybe 6K miles of use. It was sitting for weeks @ a time; I never disconnected it & had no issues. It's driven @ least twice a week now so it sees a charge more often.

The thing I like about them is no acid to seep & corrode. The previous OE battery started leaking from very early on & was a PITA to keep clean/corrosion free. No issues to date w/the Optima.

**chevy71super** · 10-07-2009, 11:52 PM

I had a red top and it didn't last any longer than a standard battery. I have a yellow top and its great. Truck will sit for a couple of months and it takes a lot of cranking to start. Their expensive but the battery has a ton of reserve.

1985-GMC · 10-07-2009, 11:56 PM

Anyone tried a blue top? I know its deep cell but it should work fine in a truck right?
Personally I stand by Interstate.

BAGNDRAGIT · 10-08-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CB24

I like them & run them in every vehicle I drive. Mainly because I find they last longer then your typical auto battery in this arizona heat. My ex brother in law turned me on to them. He uses them in all his 4x4's.

YOu said it, they last way longer in this heat!!

gotta love a red top..

Longhorn Man · 10-08-2009, 12:26 AM

interstate used to have a fine product, but about the time they went to the green top, the quality went in the crapper. We have 3 to 4 times as many returns now at work then we did 5 years ago. I have 2 interststes in the longhorn, botth about 7 years old. I expect them to fail soon, but I've been saying that for 2 years now.
Optima makes a great battery, and I have never seen so many bad things said about them. I hope to have the funds for one when my 2 old ones die.

Tater · 10-08-2009, 01:12 AM

I get Optimas for free,I can get any brand of battery for free.The optimas seem to last the longest though.My truck has'nt moved for almost a year but every time I go out and crank it up she fires up every time.Gotta love the yellow tops

*2tons of fun* · 10-08-2009, 03:21 AM

ive had my yellow since 04, its been in three trucks, used to start daily, used to run a 8274 and a 12k rear winch, its jump stared more cars than i can count, its been throught more starters and alts than i can count. i love it.

71BB_LWB · 10-08-2009, 07:20 AM

I always run a red top and have never had a problem with any of them, I've bought 6 or 7 over the years for different cars / projects.

They do last longer in the AZ heat...

10-07-2009, 06:37 PM	#1
wwotr Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Clearlake Oaks CA Posts: 1,716	Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery Wanted to get one of these for a long time. There were (2) I was looking at, (The Red Top/The Yellow Top). I e-mailed their Tech Support about which one to use. I gave them info stating: The Truck would be parked Outside during the Winter. Temps are in the 20-30 Degree Range. Snows sometimes. Wouldn't be "Driven Daily". No Stereo in it (yet) but even at that, there were no "Amps" ect. Nearly Stock 350. I thought they'd tell me to use the Red Top, but they aid if I was going with a Stereo/Sirius, to use the Yellow Top Deep Cycling Battery. So if any of you have (or had) an Optima, do they live up to their reputation? Roger "RATIKLE" __________________ Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE"

10-07-2009, 06:51 PM	#2
lost wages Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: jefferson city, mo Posts: 1,364	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery i have the red top in my truck, in my opinion it sucks. The only way it will keep a charge is if i unhook it or drive the truck alot, which i dont. I have a buddy that has the yellow tops in his truck and he has the same problems. Im on my third only because they keep sending free replacements.

10-07-2009, 06:53 PM	#3
CB24 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 138	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I like them & run them in every vehicle I drive. Mainly because I find they last longer then your typical auto battery in this arizona heat. My ex brother in law turned me on to them. He uses them in all his 4x4's.

10-07-2009, 07:09 PM	#4
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I have one in my '69... no issues to date thus far. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

10-07-2009, 07:10 PM	#5
vegaschevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2009 Location: las vegas nv Posts: 1,493	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery Ive never used any other battery. I think my battery is worth more then my truck HAHAHAHA I have a red top with dual posts and 1000 CA I have had over 25 batterys and only one was bad. It was a yellow top and saw winch duty in my jeep.

10-07-2009, 07:14 PM	#6
SCOTTMO powdercoater Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: mesa,az Posts: 203	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I have had several red tops and had good luck with them all,I have one in my sand rail and it sits on it side.. __________________ SCOTT

10-07-2009, 07:25 PM	#7
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I have a Red Top in my 69'. It sits in the driveway, not registered and is still a ways from being "road worthy" but when I crank it, it starts every time! __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors Last edited by myoldchevytruck; 10-07-2009 at 07:26 PM.

10-07-2009, 08:19 PM	#10
rwolf9653 more ideas than money Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: spring grove, pa Posts: 1,068	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I have a red and a yellow and they will be the last optimas I own. If sitting disconnected for moret than a month they need charged. The charging process is extensive (and debated). What has been working for me is 60 amp for 12 hours, then trickle for 24 hours. Personally I am going back to Deka. __________________ Randy 1948 Chevy 3100 5 window 1966 Chevy C30 Dually 1967 Chevy K10 1972 Chevy K20 1972 Chevy C10 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer 1987 Chevy V10 2003 Chevy Suburban

10-07-2009, 08:57 PM	#11
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,739	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery Weird to see the failures. Are these newer batteries? I have two in my Duramax truck, one in my Z, one in the Z/28, one in my Jimmy. All the previous are red tops, but I have another red top that came in a dually I bought and a yellow top that I got for my boat. The last two I drag around all the time and use to run tractors, trolling motors, jeeps, jump start stuff, etc. I hope I don't jinx myself, but they have been great. With that said, the NEWEST one is at least 4 years old...I disconnect ALL of the old car batteries when the vehicles are in the garage, and they can sit for months at a time. I just hook the cable up and they fire right up. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

10-07-2009, 09:44 PM	#13
shark Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: indiana Posts: 12	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I have a redtop in my streetrod 800 cca. I've had it for 3 yrs. I had an electrical problem once and it drained the battery completely dead. I charged it back up and it's been fine ever since! '67 swb 454 th400 '72 gmc 350 th350

10-07-2009, 09:57 PM	#14
shark Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: indiana Posts: 12	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I have a redtop 800cca for about 3 yrs. I had an electrical problem once and it got drained completely. I charged it back up and it's been fine ever since! ____________________________________ '67 swb 454 th400 '72 gmc 350 th350

10-07-2009, 10:02 PM	#15
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I have had a couple. Leave them sit for a month and they are DEAD. No thanks. I have better luck with average batteries that are less than 1/2 the cost. __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6

10-07-2009, 10:11 PM	#16
69heavychevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Garland,TX Posts: 431	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery i personally use Optimas because i get a killer deal...but other than i would just pick a battery n go!! there r two major battery manufacturers in the U.S., so chances are if u have looked at a few batteries in different places u were probably looking at the same battery just in different wrapping.

10-07-2009, 11:01 PM	#17
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I never had an Optima battery because you gotta have Bill Gate's checking account to afford one. 5 years ago I bought a NAPA 72 mo. with 660 CCAs for $69.95 and sometimes I let the truck sit for over a month without starting it and when I do, it starts right up! Best battery I ever bought. __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner) Last edited by unclewatts; 10-07-2009 at 11:02 PM.

10-07-2009, 11:44 PM	#18
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,133	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I've got a yellow-top in our 02 'Collectors' T/A. It's going on 3yrs now, maybe 6K miles of use. It was sitting for weeks @ a time; I never disconnected it & had no issues. It's driven @ least twice a week now so it sees a charge more often. The thing I like about them is no acid to seep & corrode. The previous OE battery started leaking from very early on & was a PITA to keep clean/corrosion free. No issues to date w/the Optima. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*



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10-07-2009, 11:52 PM	#19
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I had a red top and it didn't last any longer than a standard battery. I have a yellow top and its great. Truck will sit for a couple of months and it takes a lot of cranking to start. Their expensive but the battery has a ton of reserve. __________________ 71 Cheyenne Super 4X4 SB 72 Cheyenne Super 4X4 SB 72 Cheyenne 4X4 SB

10-07-2009, 11:56 PM	#20
1985-GMC Chevy Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canyon Lake Texas Posts: 2,024	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery Anyone tried a blue top? I know its deep cell but it should work fine in a truck right? Personally I stand by Interstate. __________________ Tony 1985 GMC K2500 restoration Project: Rust, White & Blue 1989 Chevy R3500 CC Cummins & 4X4 swap some day... 1989 Burb (D60, 14BFF, 12V, NV4500, NP205, 37" tires in progress)

10-08-2009, 12:26 AM	#22
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery interstate used to have a fine product, but about the time they went to the green top, the quality went in the crapper. We have 3 to 4 times as many returns now at work then we did 5 years ago. I have 2 interststes in the longhorn, botth about 7 years old. I expect them to fail soon, but I've been saying that for 2 years now. Optima makes a great battery, and I have never seen so many bad things said about them. I hope to have the funds for one when my 2 old ones die.

10-08-2009, 01:12 AM	#23
Tater Cradle Robber Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lily Lake,Illinois Posts: 774	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I get Optimas for free,I can get any brand of battery for free.The optimas seem to last the longest though.My truck has'nt moved for almost a year but every time I go out and crank it up she fires up every time.Gotta love the yellow tops __________________ "The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind." Humphrey Bogart "Hippies.They're everywhere.They wanna save the earth,but all they do is smoke pot and smell bad."Eric Cartman "Think about how stupid the average person is,and realize half of them are stupider than that."George Carlin

10-08-2009, 03:21 AM	#24
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery ive had my yellow since 04, its been in three trucks, used to start daily, used to run a 8274 and a 12k rear winch, its jump stared more cars than i can count, its been throught more starters and alts than i can count. i love it.

10-08-2009, 07:20 AM	#25
71BB_LWB Thread Killer! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Chandler, Arizona Posts: 235	Re: Your opinion/experiences with an "optima" battery I always run a red top and have never had a problem with any of them, I've bought 6 or 7 over the years for different cars / projects. They do last longer in the AZ heat... __________________ 71 Cheyenne SWB LS1 and auto. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=256470 _____________________________________ If it's worth doing, it's worth doing twice... _____________________________________ Don't Mistake Honesty for Negativity...

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