Classic car batteries

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

Has anyone had any luck with finding a classic car battery lately?  Battery Central Mall was supposed to be making them, but I can't get anyone to return my calls for availability. And how good are the replacement looking AGM batteries?  Or does anyone have a good suggestion as to what to do or buy?  Vehicle is a 69 GT500.

[Bob Gaines]

Has anyone had any luck with finding a classic car battery lately?  Battery Central Mall was supposed to be making them, but I can't get anyone to return my calls for availability. And how good are the replacement looking AGM batteries?  Or does anyone have a good suggestion as to what to do or buy?  Vehicle is a 69 GT500.

I think you know this but just in case and for those reading keep in mind while searching that all 69/70 GT500's used the group 27 battery.

[roddster]

Just my opinion: we're approaching availability issues more and more. Not available, don't last too long are among the top issues. Somewhere along the time line is the battery top plates. At least they look better the any commercially available new battery. Might be a few years until everyone adjusts their thinking.
  What I guess I'm saying is that the toppers are eventually going to have to be accepted. This is too bad.

[J_Speegle]

.................  What I guess I'm saying is that the toppers are eventually going to have to be accepted. This is too bad.

Or everyone using them will just get the same deduction. Any substandard part does not have to be accepted just because something is not easily purchased. Makes it fair and equal for all parties while rewarding those that either searched out or got creative.   

If you follow the "logic" of it should be accepted since the real or reproduced thing is not available,  then a new Shelby should be judged and accepted  (for example) a 66 Shelby because the owner couldn't find a 66 Shelby for sale or their not making them anymore.

Just another way to look at the issue and something to possible reflect on.

[Royce Peterson]

The AGM batteries I find last maybe 4 years while the lead acid batteries last 6 years or more - if I keep both on a charger. Lead acid batteries hate being discharged. They last a long time if you take care of them.

Jeff speaks the truth - I think the toppers should get judged for what they are.

[rockhouse66]

There isn't a topper for Gr. 27 battery.

[Rickmustang]

I have purchased several batteries from Battery Central Mall. They last about a year and my last one failed yesterday. I have started buying wet maintenance free G27 batteries, and cutting the edge of a G24 topper to fit. It looks okay if you don't look too hard. With the cables and clamp assembly across it, and the G27 is so big it tucks under the core support, it seems like the best option.

[TLea]

Battery Central Mall is not a mfg just a distributor.

[SCJSTU]

I have one of the REAL looking original batteries that's an AGM in my 69 GT350.....2 years old still works great.....put on a trickle charger only couple times a year

I will post pics and who it came from later

[SCJSTU]

here is my AGM battery in my GT350 I bought in November 2022

[s2ms]

The repop 24F (AGM) in my 66 is finally going downhill but no complaints, it's been in the car almost 16 years. Only thing I've ever done is remove the negative cable whenever it sits.

I'm considering cutting the case open and replacing the battery inside. Any recommendations on a quality replacement that fits inside the case?

Thanks,
Dave

[98SVT - was 06GT]

I'm considering cutting the case open and replacing the battery inside. Any recommendations on a quality replacement that fits inside the case?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8gm1-kncZM
I've also seen this trick done hiding a 2-3 premade 12v batteries in the case.

[Rickmustang]

Incredible. 16 years. I even used the battery maintainer that BCM recommended, but still only lasted 12-16 months.

[roddster]

A Mazda Miata battery will fit inside a gutted case.

[Bob Gaines]

A Mazda Miata battery will fit inside a gutted case.

Of course a larger battery can be fitted into a group 27 case. I have lost track of what will work on those. The problem is that the Miata battery in a group 24 case has limited cranking ability when used on a 289/302 and consequently will not crank a small block for a extended period of time trying to start . It had better start after a few cranks. On a big block you had better have a well tuned car because if it doesn't start after a couple of cranks the starter will start to drag. If hot it may drag from the get go. This is OK for a show car. If on a pleasure driven car you may be playing Russian roulette if it will start again between stops. At least from of my experiences and those of people that have shared with me. Others may have had different experiences.