What battery do you use in your early V8?

[RalphG]

When I started working on my flatheads last year I only had two six volt batteries on the farm and they were both in one diesel tractor. I "borrowed" them to use in the 52 Merc and 39 Ford since I didn't want to buy a new battery at the time. They work fine but are too long to fit the battery case and are kind of perched in place as best I can manage and held with bungee cord on the Merc. Not ideal for every day use but for now it works.
Believe it or not these two batteries date back to 2002 or earlier. Just your basic Co-op hardware store batteries with no special attention but they sure do last.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by Karl

I like the sound of that but when I see this combination for sale from the parts houses they say the battery protrudes below the bottom of the ford case by an inch. Not sure how that would look ?

I have never seen any that protrude as much as an inch below the bottom of case.

It depends on which size (group) battery you want or need. The latest Optima size battery will not fit properly in a 2LF case unless the bottom of the case is cut out to match the footprint of the Optima. Then this would sit on a thin plastic tray that looks like the bottom of a battery. The 6V RT Optima fits much better in the 2HF case, but this size battery does not fit well in some of the early V8's where he battery is located under the floor pan. There is a higher battery door made by Larry Cossar for '35-'36 passenger cars that will allow a 2HF battery to fit in these cars.

[motordr]

TSC- Tractor Supply Company

[bobH]

Ron... Good call. You can use a lot of 10-buck batteries for the price of an Optima.
In my case, I'm an Optima user. I liked the CC amps. And, maybe I've been lucky, as it has lasted for many years, maybe 10-plus.

[Steves46]

Optima 6V Red Top.

[FL&WVMIKE]

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I have two Optimas in my two V8s. I even bought one for my 2005 Pick Up.
No problems in several years !
MIKE (mikeburch)

[adileo]

Optima Red top 6 volt in a stock looking Early Ford Case. Got from Summit - free shipping (got it in two days) and they match Amazon pricing

[Ol' Ron]

Mine's been in the truck at least that long, but I haven't had it on the road yet. However it was on the road back in 2006. Bat was dead when I pulled it out of the Woods in 2010, but I put a trickel charge on it. I've driven the truck on the back roads several times to check things out. I now have a working alt on it. Hope to get it inspected by the eng of the month. I was supprised to see the price of Batteries at wal mart, can't afford them. If I can't get what I need from the local junk yard, I do without..

[johnh7]

I have a 12 volt Optima Red Top in my 38 Pickup. I didn't like how it looked so I did a little disguise. It is less of an eyesore now. It has only been in the truck about a year, but it starts if I just look at the starter button.

[42guy]

Interstate

[FortyNiner]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Walmart. I think their batteries are made by Johnson Control. 12V

Yup, Johnson Controls supplies Wal-Mart and makes the Optima line.

[britman]

Originally Posted by gnolnor

I am ready to purchase a battery for my Model 68, what brand did you use?

12v Rebuild Batteries Plus for starting and a 6v rebuilt Batteries Plus battery for running.

[1939trr]

Can anyone suggest which red top 6v optima for my 39 ford standard. My car is stock and does not have extras that require more power. Will also not be starting in cold weather. I looked at Amazon and they have several optima.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by 1939trr

Can anyone suggest which red top 6v optima for my 39 ford standard. My car is stock and does not have extras that require more power. Will also not be starting in cold weather. I looked at Amazon and they have several optima.

I believe there is actually only one 6V Red Top battery available from Optima. However, Amazon may offer different package deals for the same battery

[Drbrown]

Regarding acid filled batteries vs. the newer jel filled batteries .... I'm told I can not to use my older conventional battery charger on the jel filled ones.

Also, I understand a Chinese company now owns Johnson Controls Company (?)

[mike42]

What is so good about the Optima Battery. Just wondering.

Thx

Mike

[30-9]

Gel filled, no maintance, can be put anywhere any position, 800 Cold Cranking amps, $112 bucks, I let mine sit all winter wout trickle charge and it cranks in spring like I used it the day before -----best 6 volt battery on market imho.

[RKS.PA]

Looks like Optima wins by a landslide. Have had great luck since I switched about 10 years ago. Got my latest from Amazon.....seemed to have lowest price for 6 volt.

These are very scarce in junk yards, Ron, but bet the price would be even better than Amazon!!!

Dick.

[Ken Bull]

Optima 6v works for me-moved it up front-nice and narrow and few have noticed it cause I don't open that hood side at shows.

[petes 50 merc]

ive had a optima 6 volt in my merc for 9 years