List of 6-volt batteries still available

Jon B

I just went shopping for a six volt battery for my Terraplane.

Here are the results for both Group 2 (which fits my Hudson) and Group 1 (slightly smaller, fits other Hudsons).  These are of the old-style lead-acid type.  I think everyone acknowledges that the Optima gel batteries have a much longer life, but then again they are much more expensive.

Whenever buying a battery, look carefully at the Cold Cranking Amp rating.  The Optimas are 800 or more, very good.  But the best lead-acid batteries offer close to that (they just generally don't last more than 4 or 5 years!). 

NAPA seems to offer the best CCA battery now, at 780 CCA, and the price is just around $100.  DEKA formerly offered their Group 2 battery with 780 CCA as well, but in their latest sales literature it dropped to 675.  HOWEVER, I just bought one and the battery label says 780 CCA!  At a price of $85 this would weem to be a very good bargain, at least amongst lead-acid batteries.

Click on the "piece of paper" to see my PDF with the results of my study.

SuperDave

I recently bought a group 2 at Batteries Plus here in Florida.  Even with a 6% sales tax was less than $100. and they had it on the shelf..

Jon B

I'm guessing that would be the DEKA 902 (they buy from DEKA and stick their name on them).   In fact, it's substantially under $100 hereabouts, though they didn't happen to have one in stock.  Sadly, DEKA has lowered their CCA rating on this battery from 780 (that was up in Optima territory) down to 675.

I ordered the Batteries Plus one (DEKA) yesterday because I've used DEKA for years.  But if I had it to do over again I'd order from NAPA 'cause that has a better CCA rating and warranty, and yet it's only about $15 more.

LHudson

I have used the NAPA battery for some time. They have given better service than other brands I have used. I have 6 volt in two cars and 4 tractors as of now. I have used other brands because of the size and availability and price. The NAPA battery has given better service. L Hud

Hudson Grandpa

Well as long as we are talking batteries I thought I'd put my lightbulb out for discussion.

tbeilke

Took the same approach with our 54 Hornet, our Optima's are hooked up in series for 12 volts.    Works great.

jjbubaboy

I also took the same approach, but hooked them in parallel for more cranking power but still remains 6 volts.

Works like a charm!

Jeff

J Spencer

Double check CCA on the batteries as there are usually two ratings like 780@ 32 degrees and 675 @ zero degrees.  Battery manufacturers like to play the numbers games with ratings.   Most of the modern day testing equipment will give a readout of the cranking amps of the battery when tested.  It was amazing the number of batteries I tested at Advance Auto Parts that actually read a higher number than it was rated for.   I have an Advance Group 1 battery in my Pacemaker (5 yrs.)  Rated @ 780 @ 32 and 650 @0.  There are just a few manufactures that make all batteries with different brand names on them.

Jim Spencer

WNY Chapter HET Club

StillOutThere

Thanks for the chart, Jon.    My regional Interstate sales rep is how I have purchased Optima batteries.  My current Optima 6V is now over 7 years old and has been without issue even over extended periods of time without use and without maintenance charge.

There was a time perhaps 6-7 years ago when Optima quality suffered but before and since they are outstanding.   I have a 12V Optima approaching 10 years now and a friend visiting mentioned one of his is 11 plus years old.