Batteries for 1971

[Charlie P.]

Assuming one is not-so-bright enough to inform a judge of the original equipment battery, which is the bigger potential deduction: (a)correct model R89S/detectable repro, or (b)incorrect optional model R89W/undetectable from original.

Also, are there differences between the products of the various battery suppliers, or do they all come from the same place?

THANKS MUCH.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Batteries for 1971

Charlie, go with the R89W.

It is impossible for anyone to determine your car didn't come with the optional heavy-duty battery without a tank sticker, original window sticker or some other order documents. Judges are fairly certain that all these R89Ws aren't original batteries, but unless they can cite some tip-off difference from the original, they have no case for deduction.

Now, if we could only get this kind of thinking for paint instead of this crutch of requesting the owner to provide a solvent or polish wipe.

I will probably go for New Castle's battery, although you can have Restoration date stamp the battery for you for extra cost. They also have the vented caps. I have to believe that New Castle is the original supplier for all the R89Ws; there doesn't seem like there would be enough market for two manufacturers.