Got a C2 battery question...

[Dave Suesz]

A friend of mine has a 66 327 car, Top Flite, and has a battery problem. He is on his second "Restoration Battery" sealed premium battery, neither of which has, or ever had, enough reliable power to insure the car would start without a "jump".

For the sake of reliability, he'd like to use something which works. It seems GM specifies a 24-7YR (or 24-6YR, or 24-5YR) battery for this car. Do these fit the tray and bracket of a 66? Are the terminals properly located? Is there some other Delco battery which fits better? Is there some non-Delco battery which would be a better choice? He'd even go for a Die-Hard if it would eliminate popping the hood for a jump just to get home.

[Joe L.]

Re: Got a C2 battery question...

Dave-----

I definitely concur that a restoration battery is not the way to go for a driven car. They may be fine for a "trailer queen" where reliability is a low priority and maximum judging points a high priority. For a driven car, though, RELIABILITY should always be of the highest priority. I can assure you that it is for me, anyway. I would not use a restoration battery in my cars.

As far as I know, the Delco group 24 batteries will fit perfectly for a mid-year and the terminal orientation is as-original. While I believe that a Delco group 78 DT (dual terminal) will also work ok, I'd still use the group 24 for a mid-year.

I'd use their "Professional" series batteries. I believe that these have the highest CCA. In fact, I'll soon be buying one of them (a group 78 or 78 DT) for the 69.

By the way, I like the 78 DT for a late 69-82. The top terminals can be used for easily keeping a charge maintainer on the battery and, if you ever need a jump start, they come in REAL handy. This is especially true for a 1969 with side terminal battery which has the battery terminals on the FORWARD side of the battery and VERY difficult to get a set of battery post clamps on.

[John H.]

Re: Got a C2 battery question...

Dave -

The Delco 24-7YR will fit fine, and the top terminals are properly configured; the one in my '67 has been there for six years. If you want reliability, put a REAL battery in the car.

[Dave Suesz]

Thanks! *NM*

[Paul L.]

Re: Got a C2 battery question... *NM*

[Paul L.]

Reliability - Use an Optima

False start on my initial reply. Sorry!

You really can't beat the Optima battery for reliability. Not correct but it never fails you.

[Paul L.]

Optima Specs *NM*

[Roy B.]

Re: Optima Specs "Paul"

Your right I've had the Optima in my 55 for 8 years now and still starts great and never worry about corrosion I have them in every car I own !