Battery choices?

keithfullmeryahoocom

In all the fog of the site changes and some confusion, I'm still grateful for the site to help me with my '50 Commodore restoration.

1.  What do you guys use for a good 6 volt battery that  (A) performs well, (B) fits the stock tray, and (C) looks like it belongs there?

 Thanks, in advance for any disscussion along these lines.  keith

RL Chilton

Best case scenario, and unfortunately, the most expensive is to hide an Optima battery inside a dummy 6V battery case.  

Antique Auto battery sells original style batteries, but it's expensive, and if I remember right, not a real good option if you have warranty issues (have to send battery back through the mail). 

Jon B

Earlier this year I did a chart comparing the different available six-volt batteries.  I uploaded it to this forum, with a little link in the shape of a small piece of paper.  The chart is available below, see the "sheet of paper" icon under Steve's posting.

The original discussion appears here.  http://openforum.hetclub.org/discussion/comment/192246/#Comment_192246

As of today, you can buy an Optima Red Top 6-volt battery for as little as $11 online, with roughly $10 additional for shipping.  http://autoplicity.com/products/104698-optima_battery_8010_044_redtop_battery.aspx .

The Optima's advantages are a higher CCA rating than most lead acid batteries, and a smaller size (especially important for those with 1940-47 Hudsons, whose hoods sometimes short out on the battery terminals.  Also, the reported life of an Optima is much longer than that of a lead acid battery.

The disadvantage is that -- to look anything near authentic, the Optima must be masked with an imitation "period battery" shell, which can be expensive.

Also, one must keep in mind that the price above is from an on-line retailer.  (Suggested retail is about $170 from a local bricks-and-mortar retailer).  IF the battery fails, you will have to pay shipping to return it for replacement, and wait some time for a new one to be shipped to you.  (The beauty of a local battery store is that they can handle the warranty work immediately.)

stev1955

Hey Jon, was this it? I saved it after you or someone posted it.

Jon B

WOW, Steve!  Thanks for doing that!  You saved the day!

StillOutThere

An Optima has been in my experience the best choice 6V battery.
Unless an Optima is hidden is a faux black case, it will look TOTALLY out of place.

dwardo99

Apparently, Jon is now qualified to work for the IRS. 

joe53HH

Quailservices.com Has 2 faux cases avilable for the hiding the Optima 6-volt. The cases are priced at $78 and $102. They are located in Corona, CA. Telephone: 951.737.1766

EssexAdv

I have had 3 of the Antique Auto Battery reproduction case lead acid batteries in my 46 Hudson.   They all worked about as well as any other lead acid battery and looked real nice.  I did have one warrantee problem (which is why I had 3) and they made me pay the shipping back to them. They refunded the cost when they determined it really was a bad battery. They are more expensive than a NAPA battery, but not way out of line for what you get.

One of my 29's has a standard 6 volt Optima. My Expedition has a 12 volt one in it too.  I have gotten about 10 years out of each one that I have had to replace .

In my 52 I put Antique Auto Batteries, Optima in a repro case 6 volt battery .  Now that is nice.  No battery acid problems, great starting and proper looks. 

I looked at the cases sold by the vendor listed above.  They are nice but I, being fairly picky, would have to repaint the lugs on the box.  They come gray and don't look very realistic.  I would have to re-do them with some sort of metallic looking paint. 

All my other cars have standard batteries. As I keep all y cars fro a real long time, I will replace every one when it goes bad with an Optima.  They are more than cost effective.  Right now you can get an 6 volt Optima from Amazon fro $113.00 with free shipping

Lew

TOM-WA-

GOOGLE SEARCH BATTERIES PLUS...

I HAVE HAD 6V BATTERIES FROM THEM AT ABOUT $100 INCLUDING TAX

Hudson Grandpa

Why would I want to hide these.  They fit into the battery shelf perfectly, and the holder is a unit that I bought

from Advanced Auto.  Fits two batteries or one...Hope these go in......Also need to preview the file before posting....

53jetman

I went out to the garage last Wed. to check-out the Hornet for a trip to Pigeon Forge "Hudsons in the Heartland" meet, and much to my disgust found the battery had crapped out since I last used the car about a week before.  Was all over town and county trying to find a replacement as I wanted to leave on Thur AM.  No one carried a group 2,  6 volt with anything but 610 CCA.  The Hornet  Engine needs at least 750 CCA.  Ended up purchasing an Ultima 6V with 800 CCA - really winds up that engine when you turn the key!