Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

1954 Packard Clipper Two-Door Club Sedan, 327ci,165hp.

Do any of the members know what size and model of 6-volt optima battery fits this car?

Thanks again!

I believe Optima make only one size 6V battery, it is much smaller than any conventional 6V battery so it will it any car with the necessary modifications to the hold down fittings.

I recently started a long term restoration project for the first time (1930 740). I had a 12 year old Optima that I had removed from a car for disposal a couple of years ago. I put it on charge on a 10 amp charger, it came up to 6.5 volts and easily turned over and started the tight newly reconditioned engine. I will be replacing it with a new one one the car is registered for road use.
I have also have a 10 year old Optima in another car and it still starts the car OK.

Optima batteries work great and their sealed design means you will never have to worry about acid spillage. Don't be fooled by their small size, they are the most powerful 6 volts around.
To make a holder, I cut out two pieces of plywood to the dimension of the battery tray in the car, then cut out a hole in each the optima to sit in. Screw the two pieces to some short wood spacers of the right height for the battery. Paint the holder black and install it in your battery tray.

According to those who know, do not fast charge (high amps) a discharged Optima type battery. Slow and low (slow charge low amps).

(o{}o)

Make sure to use a RED Optima battery, and not a Yellow one.

Red is meant for us as a primary "starter" battery. Yellow is a deep cycle one.

"do not fast charge (high amps) a discharged Optima"

I have been given the opposite advice by more tan one auto electrician, a flat Optima will not respond to a low amp charger, it needs a high amp charge to bring it up then it can be maintained by a self regulating charger.

My attempts to charge a flat Optima with a small charger have certainly not been succesful.

For the large Eights and Twelves of the 30s I find the large NAPA truck and commercial batteries to be a better choice, more cold cranking amps than a Optima. And they tend to last 8 or more years.

I only know of one instance of an Optima failing on high charge, it exploded. To Optima's credit they paid for all the resultant damages to the car.

I recently installed the red 6v Optima battery purchased through Amazon for $112, free shipping. It is much smaller and much lighter than the battery it replaced. I haven't had it in long to need charging. I'm told it's best to keep it fully charged.