Delco Battery for 63-66 Midyear

[Don Hege]

Does anyone know the GM part number for the Delco Freedom top post battery that fits the 63-66 non AC upper battery bracket?? Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Delco Battery for 63-66 Midyear

Don-----

By Delco "Freedom" battery, I assume that you're talking about a current SERVICE replacement battery for your car. Delco hasn't used the term "Freedom Battery" in quite awhile but, I know, that term is pretty much used in the vernacular to describe Delco maintenence-free batteries.

In any event, there are only 2 current Delco batteries which are available for your application. First, is a Group 24. Second, is a Group 78DT (Dual Terminal). The latter battery has both side and top terminals.

I don't know if either of the above will work with your battery hold-down. However, if they don't, then I don't think that there's any current Delco battery that will. Reproduction batteries, not manufactured by Delco, are another matter.

[Terry Hawk]

Re: Delco Battery for 63-66 Midyear

Don,

I have a "DELCO Professional" Battery in my '66 non a/c coupe and it fits the battery tray and top bracket perfectly. The Model Number is "24-6YR". I went to the local chevy dealership and there was no ordering. They had it in stock. Great battery! Good Luck!

Terry Hawk

[Mike M.]

Re: Delco Battery for 63-66 Midyear

if you intend to have the vet judged, then get a Restoration battery which will be a plastic-topped Delco and you'll loose some judging points. if you are really hell bent on having a real TAR-TOP battery which the judges will love, call Ed Gurjian(? spelling) who adverised in old Drivelines(1990's). if its just a driver, get any top post group 24 and it will fit the battery tray. mike

[William C.]

Re: Delco Battery for 63-66 Midyear

Tar top Delco replacement (reproductions) are also available (real tar top configuration) from New Castle Battery company in New Castle PA

[Don Hege]

Re: Delco Battery for 63-66 Midyear

Terry, What is the length of your "24-6yr" battery? My top bracket measures a little over 10" but my GM parts man says his book lists a 10 3/4" length measurement for a group 24 battery. Are there different sizes of group 24 batteries? Thanks

[Duke W.]

Re: Delco Battery for 63-66 Midyear

BCI is an industry trade association that promulgates standards and a given group number will have standard dimensions and terminal configuration, but CCAs and reserve capacity can be different due to internal construction differences.

An older Delco catalog I have lists maximum length, width, and height dimensions for BCI Group 24 as 10.9", 6.8", and 8.8" respectively, and the height should include the posts if they protrude above the top of the case.

It sounds to me like you might not have a correct Group 24 retainer if the length is only 10".

Duke