DIY 12V tar top battery Optima

1941 - 1945, MB, GPW modifications, sugestions, and ideas, official MWO's and unofficial WWII field mods NO EBAY or COMMERCIAL SALES.
bryanbdp
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Re: DIY 12V tar top battery Optima

Post by bryanbdp » Mon Jan 18, 2021 7:31 pm

I ended up using 3M urethane seam sealer to glue the cell covers to the top of the battery and fill the gaps around the edges. It is thick and can be tooled to the desired shape smoothly. It sticks like crazy and it is paintable.
I used the Rustoleum spray rubber for the final coat on everything. In hindsight, I would have applied the rubber last. I ended up with too many coats on some of the letters.
It goes on super thick and bubbles like crazy, but it does thin out and smooth over as it dries. I suggest practicing with a couple sample pieces. I 3D printed everything myself except the caps, which cost $17 delivered for 3 in black nylon. I sprayed them with black satin fusion spray paint, then used paint marker to apply red paint to various areas.
45 MB - W Simsbury CT
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bryanbdp
Sergeant Major of the Gee
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Posts: 475
Joined: Sun Jan 19, 2020 1:17 pm
Location: W Simsbury CT

Re: DIY 12V tar top battery Optima

Post by bryanbdp » Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:26 am

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45 MB - W Simsbury CT
Built to drive!

bryanbdp
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Posts: 475
Joined: Sun Jan 19, 2020 1:17 pm
Location: W Simsbury CT

Re: DIY 12V tar top battery Optima

Post by bryanbdp » Sun Jan 24, 2021 10:18 am

20210124_141722.jpg
So considering what I started with, what's the verdict?
45 MB - W Simsbury CT
Built to drive!

Rustman
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Re: DIY 12V tar top battery Optima

Post by Rustman » Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:11 pm

bryanbdp wrote:
Wed Jan 13, 2021 5:31 am
Here's a drop box link of the files for the 3 cell tops, fill caps, logo medallion, and lead straps.
I sent the fill caps out to be made due to the very small text.
I created these from photos, so if anyone has better measurements, I can update the cad files.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gubj2xzmdb4v ... t2Wfa?dl=0
s-l1600.jpg
I bought this "paperweight" off ebay. I'm 99.9% sure it's a true Willard cap and vent as a desk piece for a salesman or dealership or whatever. I"ll send you a PM.

Matt
1970 Kaiser Jeep DJ-5A Left Hand Drive
1945 Corps of Engineers Welder & Trailer
1943 G518 "Ben Hur" Trailer Steel Body
194* G518 "Ben Hur" Trailer Composite Body
http://g518parts.com/


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