Hi George!
Yes, the correct battery is all black with the 2 set of vented caps
exiting through the bottom of the battery case. Yes, I've seen some side
post (not screw in) batteries, which is why I referenced them. According to
TT when I questioned him on this back in 1999, that is what he informed me
was the correct battery, even though he did not recommend it (only for as
delivered from the manufacturer which is what I wanted). Additionally, I've
had my Bricklin to the only AACA meets and battery disconnects are an
allowed improvement (like seat belt additions to cars without them) if they
'look professional'. I am not aware of any deduction to this 'option' for
BI judging needs, but my set-up allows easy removal of the disconnect.
Unfortunately, all the BI meets have been too far from me to attend, so I do
not have direct knowledge since around a 1987 judged BI meet with the
disconnect switch and no points deducted for me then. An interesting point
I'm sure should be addressed by those in the BI judging committee for final
evaluations and approval to eliminate confusion.
Joe
-----Original Message-----
From: GLCurley@aol.com [mailto:GLCurley@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 4:07 PM
To: Joe.Fedeli@dla.mil
Subject: Re: Battery questions
Joe,
When I referred to "side" terminal, I meant the screw-in type
connection--(wasn't thinking about posts coming out the side). Since 1995 I
have had batteries with side screw connections and top posts and there has
never been a deduction for the extra top posts sitting there unused--a
convenient place to attach jumper cables. I can't see why that would be a
direction to go with the rules. Can anyone prove exactly what brand and
color battery was put in every Bricklin? Some may have come from the
factory with dual terminals top and side. The Optima batteries do not vent
and so are a safer choice for any application where it is mounted inside the
passenger compartment. They also claim they are superior for applications
where the car sits unstarted for long periods, which I hope to find is true.
I'll hold off on the disconnect switch until I confirm it's ok by the BI
rules; it's fairly easy to unbolt the side terminals if you have the proper
tool.
George
In a message dated 3/15/2004 3:03:48 PM Eastern Standard Time,
Joe.Fedeli@dla.mil writes:
Hi George! Battery disconnect switches are non-deductible points under AACA
rules...now sure about BI rules. Can be in plain sight as long as it
'appears proper' (i.e. not a rough hanging wire.etc.etc.). Right on the
only side terminals screw-in type without top posts. Top posts are full
battery deductions as not original equipment as are side posts. Good luck.
Joe
PS No marine battery either...Joe
-----Original Message-----
From: GLCurley@aol.com [mailto:GLCurley@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 2:58 PM
To: Joe.Fedeli@dla.mil; Bricklin@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Battery questions
Yes to what part of the question? Hopefully the Optima is acceptable and
will not cause any deductions. The rules only say "proper group" anyhow.
Usually the deductions are for people using the top terminals instead of
side. I didn't know you could get away with a disconnect switch unless it
was hidden somewhere. Thanks for the input.
George
In a message dated 3/15/2004 10:32:26 AM Eastern Standard Time,
Joe.Fedeli@dla.mil writes:
Yes regarding the battery question...I have the original battery type in my
car and even AACA checks it for those of us that are purist out there. No
deduction for a disconnect switch. My 2 cents...Joe
-----Original Message-----
From: GLCurley@aol.com [mailto:GLCurley@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2004 8:13 PM
To: Bricklin@autox.team.net
Subject: Battery questions
It's that time again (again?) So, the battery rules list 1-point deductions
for top posts, not of proper group for year of car, and complete attaching
parts and type of finish. So it seems to me at least that VRLA Spiral Wound
AGM
batteries such as Johnson Control Optimas are acceptable. Anyone heard
otherwise or care to comment?
What type of Optimas are people using, red or yellow? Being that the car
sits for extended periods of time I was first considering a yellow top.
There is
some current drain when the ignition is off but has anyone hooked up an
ammeter? According to Optima, for sitting unused "either one (red or
yellow) will
provide longer life due to reduced corrosion and sulfation." And yellows
only
have a 1yr warranty vs. 3 yr for red. So I decided on red. Another question
is what is the "proper group for year of car"? (The rules don't say.) I
can't
find a product sheet listing the available sizes (no luck on JC web site),
but found a 34/78 group at Pep Boys but that seems to fit. It's 980 CA, 800
CCA, top and side terms. Anyone using a different size?
George Curley #670, 220
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