battery
 

Are tractor supply 6 volt tractor batteries ok to use on our old cars?

Re: battery
 

If you buy the Group 1 it should fit and perform OK. I use NAPA Group 1 batteries in my old cars and get 7-8 years out of them. I’m careful to keep the water/acid leve topped off and charge them up once a month in the winter.

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I 'm having a hard time getting a 6 volt battery lasting any more then 2 yrs so I heard about TSC and wondered if anyone had good/bad luck with them.
Thanks for the reply, Moe

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Do they have any group 2 or 2L batteries? Group 1 batteries are kinda small and I've never had much luck with them. Chevies, Plymouths, and old tractors, maybe, but old Fords used a larger battery.

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Recently got a Group 1 at our local Tractor Supply for my '55 Vic. Performs fine.
Less than $100. SKU # 132347299.

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Last Monday, the local TSC had a clearance sale on 6v positive ground batteries.

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I went to "Batteries and Bulbs" and they have 6 volt for Ford Tractors and Model A. Bought battery for tractor. Price was reasonable.

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all batteries can be positive ground it depends on your battery orientation as to where the posts sit;)in relation to your cables(+ -)

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Actually, there are "Positive" and "Negative" batteries. It has to do with the relative size of the posts.

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Bought one for my Ford 8n there, it was in my tractor for about five years before I sold it, never had a problem with it.

Re: battery
 

Yes, the positive post is the larger one.


Bob

Re: battery
 

I have had Interstate 6v batteries since I returned to the road. One lasted 8 years, the next one only 2 years. i now am using an 8 volt Interstate, and find it is one of the best things I have done for my truck. You do not have to change any bulbs, and they are significantly brighter. It starts like a 12 volt battery. I started up the truck yesterday, after its winter hibernation, and never did anything thru the winter except to disconnect the ground cable.
Cheers, Byron.

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Always wondered about 8 volts, but don't know anyone here in Ohio running one. Any more of you guys using 8 v batteries? mike

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You will find a lot of negative post on them if you do a search.

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The 8-volt is not necessary if the electrical system is correct and in good condition.

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that is what I said by writing orientation I guess I should have said size of posts but assumed that would be common sense they have been that way for at least 60 years and longer I only know of the ones I have owned ie big post+ negative-

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i have a 6 volt optima in my merc my last one lasted over 10 years a friend of mine has one in his ford over 12 years

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You could try using AA's > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1tbf8muMc

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Just remember, you must adjust the the voltage regulator up to a charging voltage of around 9.5 volts to keep that 8 volt battery charged or it will likely die an early death due to sulfation, plus it won't have the reserve capacity it should have.

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1 question, 20 different answers, love it !

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Keep it warmer with a blanket. Too cold up there which all batteries hate.

Re: battery
 

I would prefer "clarification" to answers. The O/P asked an very general question about "Group 1" batteries. The only V8 that came with a "Group 1" battery was the 1932. From 1933 on, all Fords used some variation of a "Group 2" battery, which is larger than a "Group 1", with more capacity. I personally have found that a "Group 1" battery is not up to starting a Ford V8 under certain conditions. An example of this would be starting a hot engine on a very hot day. Since they are not the right size, they will rattle around in the battery trays on most V8's. Then there is the question of battery post size. Six cylinder Chevrolets were 6 volt negative ground and used a "Group 1" battery. That means that if you get a battery meant for a Stovebolt", it will have improper post sizes and the attendant problems of fitting and tightening the battery cables. Since this is "The Ford Barn" (not "The Beater Barn" or "The Rat Rod Barn") I would expect the members would want to do things as correctly as possible.

So I will step up and answer the question. Given the context we are operating under here, it is NOT OK to use a "Group 1" battery (no matter where it comes from) in our old cars, unless you have a 1932.

Upgrading to an Optima is another subject.

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Thank you for the clarity!

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Thanks for all the replies, group 2 it is. I was using The Battery House but their batteries are only lasting 2 summers. I did find a TSC store about 1 hr away so I guess we'll try them. Moe

Re: battery
 

I would check on an Optima with a faux script case if you plan on driving your car much. That's what I use, and the first one I bought lasted 14 years, and I am going on nine years with the second.

I originally bought a very expensive reproduction battery in a script case, which lasted all of 3 years. I removed the "guts" from the script case and put the Optima in it and never looked back.

Check this thread out : https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...a+battery+case

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I use a Battery Tender on my 6v Fords. When the truck is not in use, it is on the battery tender summer and winter. So far I am at the 6 year mark and holding .

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The tractor supply batterys are ok to use but I don't think they last as long as other ones. The last one I had lasted about 3 years and was never in a car. I just used it for SUn machine. Mark