graderman, If your 8 volt battery is in good condition then I would run with it until such time as it needs to be replaced which could be several years yet. Don't need to fix what aint broke. The previous owner of your car obviously found it OK. When the battery needs to be replaced then fit a 6 volt optima battery which is the best you can buy with over 800 cranking amps and a much longer life than normal lead acid batteries. Depending on your charging system, original 3 brush generator with a round ford cut out mounted on top OR an upgraded 2 brush generator with a separate 3 unit voltage regulator then some adjustment may be required for the 6 volt battery. You have not stated which generator you have on your car. There seems to be a real hate against 8 volt batteries here on the Barn, but I have fitted a number of them to various vehicles over many years with good results. Sometimes bulbs can have a shorter than normal life. I have over 50 years in the auto electrical trade in case you are wondering. Regards, Kevin.
