6 volt battery

[El Rat]

Hi gents...
Seems like there is always chatter about electrical "stuff" on the Barn. Generally speaking it's condensers, coils, Petronex etc. When batteries come up it's always go to a 12 volt or if you really don't get it and want to keep a 6 volt use an Optima. Great what about folks who have 37, 38 or 39 standard with the battery cut-out in the firewall and don't want that ugly Axx Optima staring them in the face?
Sooo my question is: What 6 volt batteries are out there for this application? What have you'all used? ty, g

 

[tubman]

My experience is too get the highest rated conventional battery that will fit the battery box. Up here, Mills Fleet Farm has a good selection. I would avoid any reproduction batteries. I have never had any luck with them. The ones I have had have lasted about two years.

 

[cmbrucew]

El Rat
Exide makes a good battery 72 to 84 month warranty
Also sold as Diehard, Napa, Delco, and I think O'Reilly's best line is made by Exide.
If you have room buy a group 2 size.
Bruce

 

[JSeery]

El Rat
Exide makes a good battery 72 to 84 month warranty
Also sold as Diehard, Napa, Delco, and I think O'Reilly's best line is made by Exide.
If you have room buy a group 2 size.
Bruce

What is the height of these batteries? Stock height was around 7 7/8" all the current 6Vs seem to be in the 8 3/4 to 9 inch range. That's quite a bit of difference.

 

[4dFord/SC]

There are disguise cases made for Optima batteries.

 

[supereal]

I made a wooden box for my Optima. The sides are made of "bead board", and the top is routed to look like the common lead acid type with holes for the Optima poles. Old battery caps fastened to the top complete the illusion. Painted semi gloss black, most observers can't see the difference. Be sure there is a vent in the box for any gasses. Made to fit the battery tray and hold downs, it drops right it place. Hands down, the Optima is the best there is for collector cars that are lightly driven.

 

[FRANK PKNY]

I purchased a optma made in a case like an acid top battery and had them swap the posts around for my 39 PU from Antique auto battery Co. Very nice people to work with . Kinda pricey but looks like it's the real thing . Very pleased with it. I have had optma batteries last ten years or one about 14 years. I stick to 6volts With a correct wiring , good starter and good ground , never have any problems.

 

[FlatheadTed]

I use the smallest Volkswagen battery I can buy because of cost ( over here ) , and I use it to discourage people from changing to 12 volts. Its been in the car now since 2002 and starts no problem , you need the heavy battery cables and I do have a hand prime pump but if your pump and fuel line (Vacuum tested )is up to scratch and your electrics are working correctly you shouldn't have any problems starting .Ted

 

[cmbrucew]

Jerry
Yes they are taller now, and harder to find.
A local manufacturing company may be a choice to rebuild your rubber case.
Bruce

 

[JSeery]

Jerry
Yes they are taller now, and harder to find.
A local manufacturing company may be a choice to rebuild your rubber case.
Bruce

I did a little research and that was what I was finding, but thought someone else might have found something.

 

[El Rat]

Thank you'all. I believe the original Henrys for standard use (not cop cars or Taxi's) were about 7" tall. So they were roughly 7" X 7" X 10.5". Ones close to this have been hard to find, everything seems to be 8" or taller. Causes me a real problem with cables and tie-downs. Regardless, I'll keep looking. Again ty, g

 

[mercman from oz]

Have you tried the Caterpillar brand 6 volt batteries? They are very well made & excellent quality. You can get them from Caterpillar Dealers, as 6 volt is still fairly common in heavy equipment.

 

[dwick01]

Can you post any pics of your box supereal?

 

[G.M.]

Hi gents...
Seems like there is always chatter about electrical "stuff" on the Barn. Generally speaking it's condensers, coils, Petronex etc. When batteries come up it's always go to a 12 volt or if you really don't get it and want to keep a 6 volt use an Optima. Great what about folks who have 37, 38 or 39 standard with the battery cut-out in the firewall and don't want that ugly Axx Optima staring them in the face?
Sooo my question is: What 6 volt batteries are out there for this application? What have you'all used? ty, g

Why try and hide the Optima, make it look like it belongs there. 39 P/U, same as 37 and 35 roadster moved up to fender well. G.M.