12V Battery choices

[russcc]

The Flathead powered '40 needs a new battery. Prior caretaker converted it to 12V, so I will leave it that way. Looking for battery suggestions. Not interested in Optima or Interstate period.
I understand that Decca in PA makes the majority of batteries. It needs to fit in the stock '40 battery box, so the firewall clamp hits the top. The negative terminal needs to be forward on the engine side and the positive back at the firewall on the same side. That works for my Cole Hersee Master battery switch, and it needs to be black. Thank you Fordbarners.

[V8COOPMAN]

Don't have a suggestion for ya, but I sure do respect a man that KNOWS what he wants, and that sticks by his guns. This'll push it back to the top, anyway. DD

[woodypecker]

I went to my local Costco with my tape measure and they had a large rack of many batteries for me to choose from. Also visited local auto parts stores but Costco was cheaper. It was not perfect but fit my requirements at the lowest cost. I assume sams club has the same items.

[Kurt in NJ]

I get all my batterys from the "junk" pile, you have eliminated the 2 brands of batterys i have the best luck with,I see a lot of duralast, bosch and decca batterys that look "new" but won't work, young batterys less than 2 years old, and the warrantee only works for the original purchaser with purchase paper ---

I baisically use batterys for years 5 through 11,or 12 of their life, since you don't like interstate and optima the only other battery I have had good luck with is the Mercedes AGM battery, the computer starts to not like them at 5-8 years but in a non computer car they work good, I sawed one into 6V for my A and it is still going strong at 13 years, 6 years after it was removed from the original car

[19Fordy]

I have had good luck with 12V Walmart battery made by Johnson Controls. Cost around $100. Fits 40 Ford battery tray. I installed a copper shim on the negative pole so battery cable would fit properly. No problems. The one in the photos is dated 4/13 and is maintained with a battery tender. Handle makes it easy to remove. Peel off (and save) labels to make it look closer to ALL BLACK. Johnson Controls makes Optima batteries. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=2886948 The dimensions of the Walmart battery are
(254 mm)10 in. long x (203.2 mm) 8 in. wide x (177.8mm) 7 in tall. Perhaps Deka makes a similar size. They also make a gel battery.
http://www.dekabatteries.com.au/autospecfits.shtml

[Brendan]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

i always get the less expensive battery i could find. i bought a interstate battery about 2 years ago still good. i bought one of there rebuilt batterys , it lasted 12 years and went completely dead twice

[Roger/Sacramento]

I have been using Amazon for practically everything I buy. Saved $100 on a battery compared to O'Reillys.

[Andy]

I just had to replace the WalMart battery in my truck. It was 10 years old. I have had excellent luck with them in all my cars.

[flatheadmurre]

A low tech battery with space around the plates and some more fluid aint bad compared to the new folded plate to damn compact stuff that short out from crud getting between plates.
Saving up on the metal and acid gives you a less durable battery.
And you usually dont need all the CCA on a vehicle like this.
I go to our lowcost auto store and find me the battery that looks less fancy.
As soon as it says silver super deluxe its more $ snd less durability.

[russcc]

Thank you all for your ideas. The AGM battery sounds like an option, and I have a friend that restores vintages Mercs. I will check with him. What about the "Exide" batteries that Home Depot carries ? Anyone know if they are made by Deka ?

[wga]

RUSSCC - I have the Exide AGM in my '49, two years and no issues. Also an Exide Marine AGM in my trailer, again no issues. They are not made by Deka. They are sold
at RV shops, truck parts retailers. NAPA has a AGM battery under their name. Does not have the 'Optima' look.

[Ford Freak]

I use an Exide from Tractor Supply store or a Sears DieHard in all my vehicles . Never any problems .

[WestCoast]

my only suggestion is get a deep cycle battery, like the ones used in motor homes and boats, they wont be hurt if you let them go dead and recharge them

[Drbrown]

My 2003 VW still has its original battery; going strong into 13 years; no computer problems. Can't tell you what brand it is .... I've never had to open the battery compartment to see it.

Have a deep-sink International in my '47 and it weathers the cold winters here without a battery minder.