battery

1 question, 20 different answers, love it !

I would prefer "clarification" to answers. The O/P asked an very general question about "Group 1" batteries. The only V8 that came with a "Group 1" battery was the 1932. From 1933 on, all Fords used some variation of a "Group 2" battery, which is larger than a "Group 1", with more capacity. I personally have found that a "Group 1" battery is not up to starting a Ford V8 under certain conditions. An example of this would be starting a hot engine on a very hot day. Since they are not the right size, they will rattle around in the battery trays on most V8's. Then there is the question of battery post size. Six cylinder Chevrolets were 6 volt negative ground and used a "Group 1" battery. That means that if you get a battery meant for a Stovebolt", it will have improper post sizes and the attendant problems of fitting and tightening the battery cables. Since this is "The Ford Barn" (not "The Beater Barn" or "The Rat Rod Barn") I would expect the members would want to do things as correctly as possible.

So I will step up and answer the question. Given the context we are operating under here, it is NOT OK to use a "Group 1" battery (no matter where it comes from) in our old cars, unless you have a 1932.

Upgrading to an Optima is another subject.
 
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Thanks for all the replies, group 2 it is. I was using The Battery House but their batteries are only lasting 2 summers. I did find a TSC store about 1 hr away so I guess we'll try them. Moe
 
I would check on an Optima with a faux script case if you plan on driving your car much. That's what I use, and the first one I bought lasted 14 years, and I am going on nine years with the second.

I originally bought a very expensive reproduction battery in a script case, which lasted all of 3 years. I removed the "guts" from the script case and put the Optima in it and never looked back.

Check this thread out : https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=189600&highlight=optima+battery+case
 
I use a Battery Tender on my 6v Fords. When the truck is not in use, it is on the battery tender summer and winter. So far I am at the 6 year mark and holding .
 
The tractor supply batterys are ok to use but I don't think they last as long as other ones. The last one I had lasted about 3 years and was never in a car. I just used it for SUn machine. Mark
 
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