12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

Looking for suggestions for a standard 12 volt battery to fit the stock '40 battery box and clamp. It would be about 10" long x 7" wide by a minimum of 8" high, preferably from 8 to 8 1/4" high to engage the firewall clamp. The terminals s/be on the top, with the positive terminal on the firewall end and the negative forward. What battery group works ? A group 75 that O'Rielly's shows on their list has the right dimensions, but when I call NAPA their group 75 is different, and has side terminals.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

I use a Wal Mart 12V battery in my 40. It is an EVERSTART Group 24, 700 CCA. It fits the battery box BUT, the smaller (-) terminal is close to firewall and (larger (+) terminal is towards the front. Both are on the top of the battery. My original firewall battery hold down has been modified with a spacer to keep battery snug Go to Wal Mart and check them out. Lower CCA batteries are cheaper. WalMart gives a guarantee too.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart...0-CCA/28275656

I think the manufacturers change the case size of their batteries once in a while so take needed measurements with you. Plus, top perimeter measurement may differ from bottom where it fits in the tray. Be sure to verify your measurements.

As you can see in the photos, I made a copper ring to fit the NEG BAT terminal so that the battery cable would fit without ruining it. I have been told that the SHUT OFF clamp shown should be on the NEGATIVE terminal but, it's been working fine on the POSITIVE terminal for 30 years. I kept using the original 6V cables as they are nice and thick.

Hope this helps you. Oh, Home Depot also sells batteries now.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

Yes the shut off switch goes on the neg cable. Mine will not fit the positive cable so it has to go on the correct post.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

I use a Cole Hersee kill switch mounted on a bracket I fabricated that attached to the battery box. The ground cable from the battery goes to the switch, and then to ground. Any other battery ideas ? I would prefer to search until I find one that is 8" plus high so I don't have to modify the stock hold down clamp.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

i used a group 34 12v in my 34 tudor. should be the same size battery as a 40 no?

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

Group 24 and group 34 batteries vary in dimensional size. Bring you trusty tape measure to the store. For example:
https://www.google.com/search?q=ever...hrome&ie=UTF-8
and
https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=...Z_ADzIQ4dUDCA0

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

19Fordy hit the nail on the head. I checked several sources and the published sizes for a specific group # varied in size between sources. I found a group 24R at O'Riellys that the tape measure said was pretty much on the money size wise, 10"L x 63/8"W X 8" H, the R terminal configuration works in my case. Thank you Fordbarners

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

I cut a piece of 1/4 plywood the shape of the battery, then sprayed it with bed liner. You can’t tell it’s there.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

Not doubting, but this seems odd that their dimension would vary. I thought that was the reason they came up with group sizes so the consumer can get a battery of the same group and knows that it will fit.

Imagine if that happened in the world of machines. I need a 3/8ths bolt. Well, is it last year's 3/8th measurement or this year's? Chaos.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

According to the websites selling Group 24 and 34 batteries , a group 24 battery is a different size than a Group 34 battery.
Of course, batteries of the same Group should be the same size.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

Sorry, I misread your post. When you said group 24 & 34 vary in size, I misread it as both group 24 & group 34 each vary in size.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

My local Wal-Mart has a big display of batteries. Take your measurements and a ruler and check out their display (if you got a Wal-Mart near you).



If you prefer to buy at a parts store, their battery listings may have dimensions.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

I measured a Group 24 & 24R at O'reillys, and they were both the same measurements, 10"L x 6/14"W x 8"H. The difference between the 24 & 24R is the location of the negative and positive posts. I checked the size chart for Group 24 at Advance Auto, and they list the Grp 24 as 10 1/4"L x 6 13/16"W x 8 7/8"H. So there appears to be a size difference between vendors and battery trade names. So I settled in on the Group 24R as the best fit, now to find the best value for the buck. I have used both NAPA and Diehards for years. Since east Penn Mfg in PA makes the NAPA & Duracell brand, that's what I will be checking next.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

Running an Autozone Duralast 24F in my '40. Fits nicely.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

I use a 24 (not F, F has the terminals reversed) in my '40 and '47.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

Ingenious for sure. If the hat fits, wear it !

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

How about an Optima?? G.M.

Re: 12 Volt battery to fit '40
 

Always use a group 24 in an under hood location.
Group 24 is always cheaper than any other size,
Everyplace that sells batteries stocks a group 24.
They were standard in a lot of cars including chevys.
They have plenty of cranking power to start any stock V8.