Battery for a '36
 

I'm having trouble finding a battery to fit in the allotted space in our 36 Ford. The space available in front of the driver is about 7.5" tall, and we can't find a battery under 8.5" tall. Are suitable batteries, ones that fit, available, and if not, what do people do, relocate the battery to the trunk?


Mike

Re: Battery for a '36
 

If authenticity does not matter to you, I'd strongly suggest you get a red top Optima. Not much money, lasts for years upon years and has about 150% CCA of a regular acid battery. The Optima can be installed safely at an angle in your stock battery tray.
Pretty easy to rig up a hold down system.
I have done this numerous times in '34 through '36 Fords.

Re: Battery for a '36
 

Kube is spot on. Follow his lead.

Re: Battery for a '36
 

X3 on the Optima.

Re: Battery for a '36
 

You should have no problem getting an Optima thru your local NAPA store. The Sacramento NAPA Distribution Center has 33 of them. The Optima is taller than your original but easily will fit. Some people will build a simple battery drop and some will mount it on its side , which is ok to do. Part # N996VRED.

Re: Battery for a '36
 

Thanks. We've got the optima. It looks like we could get it to fit if we lean it forward, but it will be exposed to the elements. Does anyone have photos of the hold-downs you used?

Re: Battery for a '36
 

I just used a rubber bungee 16 years.

Re: Battery for a '36
 

This was my solution some years ago....still working well with a 10+ years old Optima 6v red top.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=320541

Re: Battery for a '36
 

Has anyone had any issues running an Optima with a Generator (Charging Issues??)

Re: Battery for a '36
 

I have an Optima 6V red top battery, a generator, and a fun project/product regulator. All works well.

Also, I have 3 working 6V Optima red tops in my old cars, and a 12V Optima yellow/yellow top in a 2001 GMC 3/4 Ton pickup truck. The oldest 6V red top was purchased ~ 2007. The 12V yellow was purchased in 2015. All still working.

Re: Battery for a '36
 

I've had Optima batteries with a stock generator/regulator setup in my '51 since the early '90's (I'm on my third Optima). Never had a problem.

Re: Battery for a '36
 

Thanks for the input guys