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I have just purchased an Optima 6V battery for my 21st series Clipper, and I am wondering if others have come up with a neat and simple hold down arrangement in the narrow battery tray / mount?

I haven't used that battery but notice it has the two bottom extensions. Wonder if a "Z" shaped bracket or maybe something like a Ford type clamp on each end would work. Position the battery toward one end of the tray to use one of the existing clamp holes and then drill another hole in the tray for the other end. If you ever went back to a regular battery the hole would be covered and you would still have the stock original top retainer.

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Lyndon,

While typing this up I see Howard beat me to the punch. For what's it's worth. I made up a couple of clamps from some aluminium(aluminum) bar which holds my Optima to the frame next to the starter in my Coupe. See post #240 of this thread. Posts #278 and #283 also refer.

Similar idea for me when I purchased an Optima battery for my 47 custom Super Clipper. I had the battery positioned to the rear end of the battery platform base. I used some aluminum stock to fabricate two hold downs. Contoured the hold downs to follow the rounded contour of the battery.
used a "stack of washers" to bring the new hold downs to the correct position. Used a piece of rubber mat under the battery. For the "unused space" to the front of the battery I fabricated an aluminum "platform about 10 inches long that I use to hide and attach the 6 volt breakers and relays that go to the Hi beams, Low beam and driving lights.
Also two terminal strips to attach the lighting wiring.
"Taint stock" but it works in this situation. Also time for some new "really thick new battery cables".

Lauren R Lampi
Grand Rapids,MN