Battery question

[Jeffrey S.]

Hello all. Can anyone tell me the differences between an R59 battery and an R59S? I know that my early '69 requires an R59S, according to the TIM & JG, but I have an opportunity to purchase an almost new reproduction R59 at a very reasonable price. I have the correct caps and hoses but would like to know the differences between the two since I will have the car judged this spring. Thanks all for your help.
Jeff

[William C.]

Re: Battery question

I believe the "S" designates a side-terminal battery where the R-59 is a top post design.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Battery question

Bill:
Thanks very much for the quick response. I'm not sure that this is correct because Restoration Battery lists '68 to mid '69 as having the R59S (as well as other sources)and '67 as having the R59. Maybe I'm misreading something and you are correct. It would be great since the battery available to me is a very good deal. Thanks again.
Any other input would be great.
Jeff

[Chuck S.]

Re: Battery question

Jeff, on the later batteries (R79, R89), the "S" suffix designates the standard duty battery. In 70, the standard battery was R89S, and the heavy duty option battery was R89W. Check the 69 TIM&JG for the exact battery application...some sources say the R59 was used through May 69 and the R89 used from June through end of model year (and later years).

If the battery is in new condition and has never been charged, and your car was built before June (verify R59 is correct in TIM&JG), and the price is good, I would go for it. Even if you later find its not right for your car, I don't think you'll have any trouble unloading it in the future if you haven't charged it.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Battery question

Jeff --Aside from the top/side post issue, internally, the R59S has 13 plates per cell (vs 11 for the R59); hence more cranking power, although the same length/width/height. [from Delco Test Specs DR-324S-2, Rev 1-1-68].