Delco Batteries

[Everett Ogilvie]

Well, the truck battery went away the other night. So I pulled the generic battery out of the Corvette and put it in the truck. After all it is brand new and works great in the truck. Now I want to get a Delco battery for the '66, which at least will be the correct brand, and the right configuration.

I used to sell batteries a long time ago, and what I think the car needs is a Group 24 battery. The group number specifies the dimensions and the post configuration. The Chev parts guy did not know what I was talking about but was able to find a part number he could order for a five year battery. It may or may not be a Group 24, and it may or may not be the right configuration. The price was ... high.

Anyone out there with knowledge of current Delco batteries, that are configured properly and with top posts only (not like current modern generic ones with both top and side posts)?

thanks, Everett

[Paul B.]

Re: Delco Batteries

Everett, just went to an AC Delco dealer for a battery for my '74 Corvette. This AC Delco parts dealer was able to get me a genuine Group 74 battery which also was not one of those "generic batteries" you mentioned. It is a correct AC Delco replacement(not one of those $195.00 repros) for my '74 Corvette. I had to wait three days, but he was able to get it.

[Paul B.]

Re: Delco Batteries

Everett, just went to an AC Delco dealer for a battery for my '74 Corvette. This AC Delco parts dealer was able to get me a genuine Group 74 battery which also was not one of those "generic batteries" you mentioned. It is a correct AC Delco replacement(not one of those $195.00 repros) for my '74 Corvette. I had to wait three days, but he was able to get it.

[Lou Lapham]

Re: Delco Batteries

Everett-I bought my 66 300 air roadster 5 years ago at Bloomington and it had a Delco Permacell 750,550 cca,group 24R,SKU 196657 battery in it.It still has the same battery today with no signs of giving up.It is a top post only that fits perfect in the tray.I would highly reccommend this unit if it's still availible.Regards,Lou

[Lou Lapham]

Re: Delco Batteries

Everett-I bought my 66 300 air roadster 5 years ago at Bloomington and it had a Delco Permacell 750,550 cca,group 24R,SKU 196657 battery in it.It still has the same battery today with no signs of giving up.It is a top post only that fits perfect in the tray.I would highly reccommend this unit if it's still availible.Regards,Lou

[Jack]

Re: Delco Batteries

Have 1965 with the same goal. High quality battery which has a an outward appearance similar to original. Went to Sears, bought the best "post only" battery with the correct external dimensions. Spray painted external case with several coats of "tar" like undercoating. At least the "DieHard" labels were no longer visible. When installed it appears similar to the old style but reasonably priced with loads of electrical reliability.

I have begun to notice between repro tires and batteries that although the things may look like the originals they clearly do not offer the original performance and reliability. "Fine" if I intend to store my Corvette in my living room but "not fine" for real life operation. Jack NCRS#896

[Jack]

Re: Delco Batteries

Have 1965 with the same goal. High quality battery which has a an outward appearance similar to original. Went to Sears, bought the best "post only" battery with the correct external dimensions. Spray painted external case with several coats of "tar" like undercoating. At least the "DieHard" labels were no longer visible. When installed it appears similar to the old style but reasonably priced with loads of electrical reliability.

I have begun to notice between repro tires and batteries that although the things may look like the originals they clearly do not offer the original performance and reliability. "Fine" if I intend to store my Corvette in my living room but "not fine" for real life operation. Jack NCRS#896

[Everett Ogilvie]

Re: Delco Batteries

Thanks for the responses. Finally found AC Delco web page and a phone number, and talked to a person who dug out an old catalog. It listed Group 24 batteries, with different warranty periods; 50, 60, 72 or 84 months. It used to be that the longer the warranty period, the greater the output of the battery. Next step is to contact local dealer and order one. Of course this modern battery won't look like the original, but at least the brand is correct.

[Everett Ogilvie]

Re: Delco Batteries

Thanks for the responses. Finally found AC Delco web page and a phone number, and talked to a person who dug out an old catalog. It listed Group 24 batteries, with different warranty periods; 50, 60, 72 or 84 months. It used to be that the longer the warranty period, the greater the output of the battery. Next step is to contact local dealer and order one. Of course this modern battery won't look like the original, but at least the brand is correct.

[Tom B.]

Good place to ask: Why not reproductions?

Gentlemen,

I'd like more info but is there that much "unreliability" or less value in the purchase of an "exact" reproduction battery? I'm not trying to argue for them, but would like to know if something other than "cost/expense" is the one (or only) reasons for not purchasing one.

I know that in comparison (just like tires are now: radials to bias-ply) that new development in batteries is superior to old. Still, I've purchased two "exact" reproduction batteries for two separate cars in the last 6 years and have failed to have any problems with them. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Good place to ask: Why not reproductions?

Gentlemen,

I'd like more info but is there that much "unreliability" or less value in the purchase of an "exact" reproduction battery? I'm not trying to argue for them, but would like to know if something other than "cost/expense" is the one (or only) reasons for not purchasing one.

I know that in comparison (just like tires are now: radials to bias-ply) that new development in batteries is superior to old. Still, I've purchased two "exact" reproduction batteries for two separate cars in the last 6 years and have failed to have any problems with them. Tom #24014

[Everett Ogilvie]

Re: Good place to ask: Why not reproductions?

This is a good question. I certainly would prefer the look of the original style battery. And I used to think they were just too much money but after getting a price quote on a modern Delco recently, well... the repro is only about twice as much. That is still a lot of money.

For me it would boil down to whether or not the repro battery has "modern technology inside". Have they improved the plates and the internal connections? If the repro battery would last as long and deliver as much current, both cold cranking and reserve, then I would be closer to buying one.

Anyone out there that can share any info on the construction of these batteries? If I could have my wish, I would have a perfect cosmetic repro, with modern gel deep cycle internals. Lots of our Corvettes sit extended periods of time, and deep cycle batteries are made to go down to zero stored energy and come back. As a matter of fact the more they are cycled, the better they perform. Just wishing out loud here.

[Everett Ogilvie]

Re: Good place to ask: Why not reproductions?

This is a good question. I certainly would prefer the look of the original style battery. And I used to think they were just too much money but after getting a price quote on a modern Delco recently, well... the repro is only about twice as much. That is still a lot of money.

For me it would boil down to whether or not the repro battery has "modern technology inside". Have they improved the plates and the internal connections? If the repro battery would last as long and deliver as much current, both cold cranking and reserve, then I would be closer to buying one.

Anyone out there that can share any info on the construction of these batteries? If I could have my wish, I would have a perfect cosmetic repro, with modern gel deep cycle internals. Lots of our Corvettes sit extended periods of time, and deep cycle batteries are made to go down to zero stored energy and come back. As a matter of fact the more they are cycled, the better they perform. Just wishing out loud here.

[Richard T.]

Re: Good place to ask: Why not reproductions?

As fas as cost of a repo battery goes if you look in this months Hemmings there is an ad from New Castle Battery Manufacturing Co. announcing a sale on all popular reproduction script batteries. I ordered an R-59 Delco with 750 cranking amps for $79.00. They also offer date coding for an additional $5.00. This cost is more than reasonable and they are licensed as a GM Restoration parts dealer. If needed their number is 1-800-622-6733

[Richard T.]

Re: Good place to ask: Why not reproductions?

As fas as cost of a repo battery goes if you look in this months Hemmings there is an ad from New Castle Battery Manufacturing Co. announcing a sale on all popular reproduction script batteries. I ordered an R-59 Delco with 750 cranking amps for $79.00. They also offer date coding for an additional $5.00. This cost is more than reasonable and they are licensed as a GM Restoration parts dealer. If needed their number is 1-800-622-6733