is the battery cap necessary?
 

I have an Optima Yellowtop 50R; R means reversed terminals. The wiring harness is not long enough so I had to flip the battery around, but that meant the positive terminal cap must be removed to be able to close the hood. Also, the hood "kickstand" thing cannot be secured using the clip because there isn't enough space. I have been driving for over half a year like this with no problems.

I have time to rethink now because my battery died (music while engine off) and I'm still choosing the charger. Is this a bad idea driving around like this and that I was just lucky so far? My friend warned me that there was a very small chance of the circuit completing from contact with the hood or water splashing. I have no grill as of yet because my car came without one (used). I bought the 50R in a rush and kinda regret it ever since.

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

If your hood is that close you should have + terminal covered by some method IMO.

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

dunno what to do with my battery. i got it for $50 when it was slightly used. still have a lot of life left. dont think many ppl want reversed version.

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

You may be fine, but one incident could cause a lot of damage. You could try a square of rubber attached to the underside of hood above the + terminal.

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

definitely cover it with something, anything just so it does not contact any other metal. Shit cover it with paper and a rubber band, just don't let it start a new circuit.

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

im thinking about replacing the battery with a regular size 51 so i can put the cap back on. what battery should i get? odessey?

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

Depends.

Got stock car, or are you running anything after market. i.e. sound system?

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

i've been running the stock battery for 6 years now with no problem.

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

Or if you want to keep the battery, just put it in the trunk.

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

i have a 10" sub, alpine deck, and low end speakers.

would there be less chance of corrosion if i put it in those containers and stuff it in the trunk? so much work to tear my car apart again to do the wiring.

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

Not really much work at all especially if you already have a nice 4 gauge wire running to the amp in the trunk.

That now becomes your battery wire. Cut the terminal off the current pos wire in the engine bay, connect your amp wire to that. Disconnect that wire from the amp and splice it back into the terminal you just cut off. Now all you have to do is ground the battery in the trunk and run a wire from the battery to the amp. Done and done.

Re: is the battery cap necessary?
 

i think i rather keep the battery in the engine bay.

1. it's going to take up more room in the trunk.. not like the sub hasn't taken enough
2. don't really want to cut the wiring harness up