The Ford Barn

Tom Wesenberg · 06-10-2014, 07:45 AM

I called Fleet Farm yesterday to ask the price for thier 6 volt battery, and much to my surprise, it was only $36 exchange. I thought the cheapest battery was now about $75.

ronn · 06-10-2014, 07:46 AM

optima on amazon has best pricing

but at 45. I wouldn't look back. nothing around here for that price.

smtichy · 06-10-2014, 08:18 AM

I use a NAPA Automotive Commercial 6v, and haven't had any problems with it. Cost was around $80.

Keith True · 06-10-2014, 10:17 AM

Something seems to be going on with the Optima batteries right now.I was in an Advance parts store this morning,and saw that the Optima shelf was empty.No batteries,no signs,nothing.I asked and just got a bunch of things like,not here,never again,we've been stuck enough.The counter guys were very vague as to what was going on.They just didn't really know,but they all agreed they were all going to be happier without selling them.I've been having good luck with the batteries from Batteries Plus.The 6 volt ones weigh 7 pounds more than the 6 volt batteries from Tractor Supply.There seems to be no rhyme nor reason why batteries fail on me.I have one in my 30 roadster that was used when installed in 2002.I just had a 3 year old Tractor Supply battery fail in my RPU.They all get the same care,almost none.I use EVR's,and NEVER use maintainers.

bobpo1 · 06-10-2014, 06:19 PM

Having owned several machines (vehicles) that use 6 Volt batteries I have found that the key to long life and starting is the connections. This is especially true with the Positive Ground system. Keep it grounded well and all contacts clean and the 6 Volt will serve you long and well.

billwill · 06-10-2014, 06:51 PM

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Interstate batteries are made in China

billwill · 06-10-2014, 06:52 PM

They are a year ild by the time you buy them Keep your recite

C26Pinelake · 06-10-2014, 07:01 PM

Tractor ( TSC) supply today was $75 dollars minus 20% sale, so I paid $ 60 dollars. As I see it you can't best that price. I get 5 years out of a TSC battery so that is a dollar a month.
Wayne

lookin-backtexas · 06-11-2014, 07:47 AM

I just bought a replacement 6-volt battery at Tractor Supply for $79.99 (plus tax); went to Wally World first and was surprised to hear the guy say they had discontinued carrying 6-volt batteries.

Glen in Hillman MI · 06-11-2014, 09:23 AM

Deka is my choice, had one on a sawmill over 12 years and never charged it over the winter, it always stared in the spring.

msmaron · 06-11-2014, 10:41 AM

OPTIMA...hands down no question what so ever., Amazon and free shipping.. Why even think anymore or go shopping.!

Mikeinnj · 06-17-2014, 05:10 PM

I recently replaced an Interstate 6V that was eight years old and never re-charged or "tended" from September till the following July, just sat in an unheated garage in Massachusetts every cold winter all of those eight years and finally passed away. The car was driven often in summer and I always used distilled water and kept a close eye on the fluid level all those years.. It's heat that kills batteries. That's why batteries made for use in the southern states are made differently than ones for use in the north.

MikeK · 06-17-2014, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobpo1

Having owned several machines (vehicles) that use 6 Volt batteries I have found that the key to long life and starting is the connections. This is especially true with the Positive Ground system. Keep it grounded well and all contacts clean and the 6 Volt will serve you long and well.

What makes you think earth (ground) polarity is a factor?

RyanB · 06-17-2014, 05:39 PM

My plan was to purchase a Ford reproduction battery from Snyders but maybe that is no the way to go. Does anybody have any experience with these?

joe 1950 · 06-17-2014, 07:25 PM

look for batterys made by east penn corp or Johnson controls

Growley bear · 07-02-2014, 10:01 AM

In reference to post 20 (mine) this is an update. I have installed a 6V 35A Ford generator from a 1950 Ford. I reasoned that the 15A Model A generator was being over worked at charging a red top optima battery charged at a discharge rate of 15A with sealed beam headlamps in use. The Optima has served well for 26 months. I visited a Model A friend yesterday with the intention of adjusting a clutch in a coupe. First thing, dead battery, 12V, 11 years old. Removed new 12V battery from Model A pickup and installed it in the coupe. Adjusted the clutch, went for a road test with satisfactory results. Got in my Model A and no start-dead battery-sitting for 3 hours with master switch off. Bought new lead acid battery from Carquest got home took 13 1/2 hours to charge the optima with an Optima charger. My charging system is in top notch condition, the battery gave absolutely no indication that there was a problem. It load tests fine now after an overnight charge. There is much good to be said about 10 year old lead acid batteries vs Optima batteries. I will have to rethink this, the Optima challenge The comedy that ensued at Carquest in search of a 6V battery for an 84 year old car was almost worth the trouble of a dead battery. Car quest came through with flying colors, the Made My Day. Needless to say, I am not as enthusiastic about the Optima as I once was. I will probably continue to use it but will carry the Carquest battery as a spare. I have a very good place to keep it and keep it charged and no one will be able to see it or know about it. This is posted as information only, but any positive comments or constructive criticism would be appreciated and considered. Thanks for taking the time to read my short novel,

Chet
The only positive thing that I can say about the Optima battery now is that it doesn't leak or cause rust in the battery compartment. One expensive lesson.

29ModelA · 07-02-2014, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon-Ohio

What's the best brand 6V battery for daily driver A ?

My local farm stores carry Exide 6V type 1 tractor batteries for $45 - are they any good or should I try NAPA, AutoZone, o'Reilly's or the like ?

Thanks for advice

Jon in Ohio

I bought mine at TSC, (Tractor Supply) I'm pretty sure it is an Exide. It is 2 years old now and still strong.

sidevalve8ba · 07-02-2014, 12:40 PM

I have a 13 year old Optima in my daily driver. I have a 4 year old Optima in my '32 pickup. Never any problems with either. I purchased them at Costco and I am not happy that they no longer carry them there.

I would say I've had very good luck with them so far and probably will continue buying them in the future. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

06-10-2014, 07:45 AM	#21
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: 6V Batery recommendation I called Fleet Farm yesterday to ask the price for thier 6 volt battery, and much to my surprise, it was only $36 exchange. I thought the cheapest battery was now about $75.

06-10-2014, 07:46 AM	#22
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,789	Re: 6V Batery recommendation optima on amazon has best pricing but at 45. I wouldn't look back. nothing around here for that price.

06-10-2014, 08:18 AM	#23
smtichy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 126	Re: 6V Batery recommendation I use a NAPA Automotive Commercial 6v, and haven't had any problems with it. Cost was around $80. __________________ Steve '55 Sunliner - 292 V8, 3 speed man. w/ OD ČKMAA - Český klub majitelů amerických automobilů

06-10-2014, 10:17 AM	#24
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 2,987	Re: 6V Batery recommendation Something seems to be going on with the Optima batteries right now.I was in an Advance parts store this morning,and saw that the Optima shelf was empty.No batteries,no signs,nothing.I asked and just got a bunch of things like,not here,never again,we've been stuck enough.The counter guys were very vague as to what was going on.They just didn't really know,but they all agreed they were all going to be happier without selling them.I've been having good luck with the batteries from Batteries Plus.The 6 volt ones weigh 7 pounds more than the 6 volt batteries from Tractor Supply.There seems to be no rhyme nor reason why batteries fail on me.I have one in my 30 roadster that was used when installed in 2002.I just had a 3 year old Tractor Supply battery fail in my RPU.They all get the same care,almost none.I use EVR's,and NEVER use maintainers.

06-10-2014, 06:19 PM	#25
bobpo1 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 301	Re: 6V Batery recommendation Having owned several machines (vehicles) that use 6 Volt batteries I have found that the key to long life and starting is the connections. This is especially true with the Positive Ground system. Keep it grounded well and all contacts clean and the 6 Volt will serve you long and well.

06-10-2014, 06:51 PM	#26
billwill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: capemaynewjersey Posts: 653	Re: 6V Batery recommendation Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Interstate batteries are made in China

06-10-2014, 06:52 PM	#27
billwill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: capemaynewjersey Posts: 653	Re: 6V Batery recommendation They are a year ild by the time you buy them Keep your recite

06-10-2014, 07:01 PM	#28
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: 6V Batery recommendation Tractor ( TSC) supply today was $75 dollars minus 20% sale, so I paid $ 60 dollars. As I see it you can't best that price. I get 5 years out of a TSC battery so that is a dollar a month. Wayne

06-11-2014, 07:47 AM	#29
lookin-backtexas Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Georgetown, Texas Posts: 396	Re: 6V Batery recommendation I just bought a replacement 6-volt battery at Tractor Supply for $79.99 (plus tax); went to Wally World first and was surprised to hear the guy say they had discontinued carrying 6-volt batteries. __________________ Fred Carlton Life Member AACA 44 year member MAFCA Editor of The Restorer magazine, official publication of MAFCA 12 years Life Member Dallas Model A Ford Club (44 years) 23 year member & founder Lone Star Model A Ford Club Chairman 35th Model A Ford Texas Tour 1998 (state convention) Chairman 42nd Model A Ford Texas Tour 2005 (state convention) Charter Member Ford Model AA Truck Club If you aren't driving your antique car frequently, you might as well be collecting clocks!!!

06-11-2014, 09:23 AM	#30
Glen in Hillman MI Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 107	Re: 6V Batery recommendation Deka is my choice, had one on a sawmill over 12 years and never charged it over the winter, it always stared in the spring.

06-11-2014, 10:41 AM	#31
msmaron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 3,600	Re: 6V Batery recommendation OPTIMA...hands down no question what so ever., Amazon and free shipping.. Why even think anymore or go shopping.! __________________ Mark Maron Ill., Region MARC & MAFCA MARC JSC Member MAFFI Trustee National Facebook Admin. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MARC.group/ A7191-Sport Coupe 29 Roadster 29-Town Sedan 29-Original Special Coupe

06-17-2014, 05:10 PM	#32
Mikeinnj Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 1,262	Re: 6V Batery recommendation I recently replaced an Interstate 6V that was eight years old and never re-charged or "tended" from September till the following July, just sat in an unheated garage in Massachusetts every cold winter all of those eight years and finally passed away. The car was driven often in summer and I always used distilled water and kept a close eye on the fluid level all those years.. It's heat that kills batteries. That's why batteries made for use in the southern states are made differently than ones for use in the north.

06-17-2014, 05:39 PM	#34
RyanB Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lehi, Utah Posts: 60	Re: 6V Batery recommendation My plan was to purchase a Ford reproduction battery from Snyders but maybe that is no the way to go. Does anybody have any experience with these?

06-17-2014, 07:25 PM	#35
joe 1950 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Green Bay Wi Posts: 400	Re: 6V Batery recommendation look for batterys made by east penn corp or Johnson controls

07-02-2014, 10:01 AM	#36
Growley bear Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 777	Re: 6V Batery recommendation In reference to post 20 (mine) this is an update. I have installed a 6V 35A Ford generator from a 1950 Ford. I reasoned that the 15A Model A generator was being over worked at charging a red top optima battery charged at a discharge rate of 15A with sealed beam headlamps in use. The Optima has served well for 26 months. I visited a Model A friend yesterday with the intention of adjusting a clutch in a coupe. First thing, dead battery, 12V, 11 years old. Removed new 12V battery from Model A pickup and installed it in the coupe. Adjusted the clutch, went for a road test with satisfactory results. Got in my Model A and no start-dead battery-sitting for 3 hours with master switch off. Bought new lead acid battery from Carquest got home took 13 1/2 hours to charge the optima with an Optima charger. My charging system is in top notch condition, the battery gave absolutely no indication that there was a problem. It load tests fine now after an overnight charge. There is much good to be said about 10 year old lead acid batteries vs Optima batteries. I will have to rethink this, the Optima challenge The comedy that ensued at Carquest in search of a 6V battery for an 84 year old car was almost worth the trouble of a dead battery. Car quest came through with flying colors, the Made My Day. Needless to say, I am not as enthusiastic about the Optima as I once was. I will probably continue to use it but will carry the Carquest battery as a spare. I have a very good place to keep it and keep it charged and no one will be able to see it or know about it. This is posted as information only, but any positive comments or constructive criticism would be appreciated and considered. Thanks for taking the time to read my short novel, Chet The only positive thing that I can say about the Optima battery now is that it doesn't leak or cause rust in the battery compartment. One expensive lesson. Last edited by Growley bear; 07-02-2014 at 10:05 AM. Reason: add text

07-02-2014, 12:40 PM	#38
sidevalve8ba Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 842	Re: 6V Batery recommendation I have a 13 year old Optima in my daily driver. I have a 4 year old Optima in my '32 pickup. Never any problems with either. I purchased them at Costco and I am not happy that they no longer carry them there. I would say I've had very good luck with them so far and probably will continue buying them in the future. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.