Hello Denny
I agree with you the the OPTIMA battery doesn't look like the old batteries .I just bought one of these for my father inlaw's 65 GTO .
http://www.tartopper.com/I did put it over a OPTIMA and it really looks like it belongs.If you can get your self to buy the OPTIMA it will last a very long time.
Just my thoughts good luck.
Tory