67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

[jack katz]

Needed a new battery for my 427/400 coupe, so instead of getting an new model Delco battery, I decided to order the correct battery from Restoration Battery. All other items of the starting system are in good shape - starter was rebuilt with new solenoid, good connections, etc. My car has a/c, ps and pb, so I'm sure that places some additional strain on the battery during the start up sequence.

Occasionally, the car will not turn over right away - I get the 'clicking' sound that makes you beleive there's not enough power coming from the battery. After I retry to start the car a second time, it will usually "connect" and start right up.

I'm in an area where I'm fortunate to have a Corvette repair shop - and the guy has been working on these cars for 40+ years. He told me that the problem was with the battery - they look great if you want that "original look", but these reproduction batteries just don't have the cranking power that the original ones had.

Anyone else have this happen or hear this same reason??

Thanks.

[Kenneth G.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

I have no specific experience with a restoration battery but when I was having my 69 restored, the shop basically told me "dont even think about resto batteries unless the car is gonna sit on the show field at an ncrs show". needless to say a new delco is cranking my car over...............

kenny #31871

[John R.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

Jack, I had all kinds of starting problems when I rebuilt my 427 390 L36 two years ago. Even a new Delco battery didn't seem to have enough juice. I now have an optima battery installed and have not had any problems in over a year of driving. Keep the restoration battery for judging.

[Warren F.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

I also had a Delco restoration battery and it did not hold a charge very long, was always having to put a charger on it before using vehicle. Changed to a Interstate Megatron and no more problems!

[Mike M.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

Jack: i've probably had 8 or 10 resto batteries over the last 20 years in my Duntov candidates and have found they are good for about 3 to 4 years. they don't have the cold cranking power that is available in the aftermarket. You're "clicking" problem doesn't sound like a "weak" battery if it'll start up after waiting a few seconds or minutes. sounds like a poor connection of battery cables or the rebuilt starter. also to be considered is the possibility that your mark 4 engine was just rebuilt and hasn't been "broken in" yet.good luck, mike

[Dick W.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

I have to agree with Doc McCagh. I have used Restoration Batteries for several years with no problems. '69 L/88, 66 425, 67 435, 63 FI, etc. Started cars fine. I would check for a bad ground or starter connection

[William C.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

I have 5+ years now on a restoration battery in my '62 Driver w/o problems, and in checking the CCA on the current New Castle Tar-tops they are way over the original specs. I'd look to the cables, connestions, or ground for the source of your trouble.

[Tony H.]

[Nicholas L.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

Do you have a battery disconnect installed? I put one on my 1960 Corvette this year and every once in a while I get that same click then it starts. I have to retighten the connection. Nick.

[Everett Ogilvie]

Agree With Mike...

I have resto batteries in two L72 cars (11:1 compression) and they start fine, even hot starts. Each is about 3 years old. Had a five year old resto battery in a small block and had no problems, but at five years it needed a charge when sitting for months at at time (what battery wouldn't in this circumstance?). If your car clicks once and the next time it turns over, it does not sound like a problem with the battery.

[James F.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" Jack

Jack,
Have your garage person remove the starter solenoid, carefully take the Bakelite back off, file clean the two copper bolt heads, and (most improtant) reverse the large steel disc. Put back together. Better yet if your garage person has a old copper disc laying around, use it instead of the steel. Copper was "CI ed" and replaced with steel years ago. It's possible to tell the starting difference between a clean steel disc and a clean copper one. I really think this is all you'll need to get started. Regards,

[Jim T.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

Lot of things to check with all the postings on your starting problem. If your solenoid was not a new one you could also turn the large battery connector bolt a 180 degrees and provide a new unused contact area. The large disc only makes contact with half of the head inside of the solenoid. There is also the replacement of the spring in the solenoid. This has helped some starters perform better. Don't know if GM still offers this spring anymore. Did you mechanic use a new Delco starter solenoid on your starter? Don't remember what years, but the big blocks in some Corvettes used an heat shield.

[Jack Katz]

Thanks everyone! I'll follow thru! *NM*

[Joseph S.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

Guys, I got 7 years 1995 to 2002 out of a restoration battery in a 67 435hp car. This was no trailer queen, used for cruise nights, backand forth to work, shows, club events ect., so this battery was well used and abused. Hot starts, cold starts were no problems. Treat it right and it will do the job just perfect. I do believe the current restoration battery specs are better than the original. I have a new resto battery ready for my next BB project.

[Donald M.]

Re: 67 "Restoration Battery" not enough power?

Joe, I agree with your opinion re: repro batt. I use a Delco Maint. Free (with all labels removed) and I usually get 5-7 yrs. out of it in my '67. However, more than one "old salt" car guy here in Fla. has told me that batteries and rubber components don't last as long as up north due to sun and excessive heat in summer. So far so good. a batt.disconnect switch is a must. Anyway, the only disadvantage of a repro batt. that I can see is that you get the "original" maintenance like having to add water, evaporation and gassing. I know maint. free is incorrect, but worth the few point hit in my case. Regards to wife and kids. Don