Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-21-2020, 01:45 PM   #1
Alan O'Connell
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Peabody, MA
Posts: 470
Default Cranking Capacity

What was the cranking capacity for an original 1936 Ford battery? I believe it was a group 2LF battery.
Alan O'Connell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2020, 07:24 PM   #2
G.M.
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida and Penna.
Posts: 4,471
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

I don't know what you mean by cranking capacity?? You need a fully charged battery,
large diameter cable with good ends and connections and a clean tight ground with the engine grounded good. With a good battery and cables as described above you will get maximum cranking power. These engines can be easily started with a hand crank. That being said means the engine don't have to spin to start. One good shot with the starter should start the engine on the first or second revolution if not you have problems that need to be fixed. G.M.
__________________
www.fordcollector.com
G.M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 01-21-2020, 07:31 PM   #3
deuce_roadster
Senior Member
 
deuce_roadster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Shelton, WA
Posts: 3,777
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

Alan is probably referring to the CCA (cold cranking amps) number which is a standard many use to compare batteries.
deuce_roadster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2020, 09:23 PM   #4
Alan O'Connell
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Peabody, MA
Posts: 470
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

Yes, I'm referring to the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). I'm looking at a battery from NAPA. The dimensions are 8-1/4" long, 6-3/4" wide and 7-1/2" high to the top of the terminals. It's a little smaller than the original but the cover will fit and it should be wide enough so that it won't fall through the bottom of the holder. My concern is the CCA is 540 at 32 degrees and 440 at zero which is way less than the Optima battery. But it might be ok if it is the same or more than the CCA of the original Ford battery.
Alan O'Connell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2020, 11:27 PM   #5
Don Rogers
Senior Member
 
Don Rogers's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wildwood, MO. (near St. Louis)
Posts: 1,792
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

The original 35/36 Ford battery was rated 90 Amp/Hours @ 20 hr. rate. This converts to approx 650 cold cranking amps.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg batt.jpg (44.7 KB, 25 views)
Don Rogers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-22-2020, 06:04 PM   #6
FL&WVMIKE
Senior Member
 
FL&WVMIKE's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Daytona Beach, Fl & Spencer, W. Va,
Posts: 4,442
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
The only decent 6V battery out there seems to be the Optima. All the rest seem like they are stuck in the 50's. No other 'modern' designed 6V batteries that I know of... and none of those that I am aware of seem to work that well.

I have used regular 'old style' 6V batteries as well as the Optima... and can testify that the cars crank a LOT faster and longer with the Optima.

The new owner of the '34 took possession a couple days ago. It fired right up after sitting overnight in -4 degree Wisconsin weather! I'd say its fresh Optima battery had something to do with it.
__________________
Mike Jr. here. I get on here every few months to check messages, and look through his almost 500 saved messages for information on the '29 and '34 I still have. A lot of very nice people on here. He truly enjoyed Ford Barn.
FL&WVMIKE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-22-2020, 06:16 PM   #7
37 Cab
Senior Member
 
37 Cab's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Miami Oklahoma
Posts: 535
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

The battery in my 37 is as most know on the firewall and I wanted a conventional battery for looks.. Not a fan of the covers. I have had this one in my car for over a year now and it will start right up after sitting a month. Cold weather starts included. I am happy with it.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...+battery&pos=1
__________________
Tommy
37 Cab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-22-2020, 07:51 PM   #8
GaryU.
Senior Member
 
GaryU.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Posts: 821
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

Brought this back up to post what I've found locally:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...6+volt+battery
GaryU. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2020, 07:49 AM   #9
corvette8n
Senior Member
 
corvette8n's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: 36 miles north of Albany NY
Posts: 2,931
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

Tractor supply also has them.
corvette8n is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2020, 08:26 AM   #10
Robert/Texas
Senior Member
 
Robert/Texas's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Burton, Texas
Posts: 678
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

I've given up on Tractor Supply Exide batteries. The only good thing that I can say about them is when they fail in less than 12 months (which is often), you can get a new one free. I have 6 old Fords and they all have Optima batteries. They have never needed maintenance chargers, even after sitting for 6 months or more. Also, they don't leak acid and can be mounted in any position.
Robert/Texas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2020, 09:27 AM   #11
G.M.
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida and Penna.
Posts: 4,471
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

Quote:
Originally Posted by 37 Cab View Post
The battery in my 37 is as most know on the firewall and I wanted a conventional battery for looks.. Not a fan of the covers. I have had this one in my car for over a year now and it will start right up after sitting a month. Cold weather starts included. I am happy with it.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...+battery&pos=1
My 39 pickup has the same firewall mounted battery as your 37, here's what I did. G.M.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 39 P-U Optima 2.jpg (85.9 KB, 40 views)
__________________
www.fordcollector.com
G.M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2020, 10:15 AM   #12
Kerk
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 642
Default Re: Cranking Capacity

I have used an Optima in my 35 and by using a pre formed metal piece that just snaps in place the taller Optima Battery works fine. It fits just right so no extra bolts are required and can be removed easely and a regular battery can be installed in its place. Jmho kerk
Kerk is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:15 AM.