Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

[Raymond R.]

I own a 1963 SWC. I purchased a maintenance free Restoration Battery in 2015. Along with the battery, I purchased a 2012 AGM BatteryMinder. When using the BatteryMinder, I never completely closed the hood. My thought was if there were any fumes from the battery, leaving the hood open would lessen the chance they would damage the car. Up until now, I never used a cover on the car. The car is garaged.
I recently had the car painted. I have ordered the flannel cover from Corvette America. Is there any issue with using the flannel cover with the BatteryMinder? As the battery is maintenance free, I do not think it gives off any fumes. If it did, my concern is that any fumes would be trapped under the cover and damage the area under the hood or the paint.
Does a maintenance free Restoration Battery give off fumes when it is connected to a 2012 AGM BatteryMinder? Is there any concern using the BatteryMinder with the car covered? Does it help if I leave the hood not closed all the way?
Please share your thoughts. Thanks for any advice.

[Harry S.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

I connect my BatteryMinder to my 63, close the hood, not latched, cover the car and let it sit all winter. The unit sites on a pad on the hood so I can see it. Never a problem. I do the same with my other two cars.

Question, why did you select the AGM model?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

I've used AGM minders on non-AGM batteries, and non-AGM minders on AGM batteries.
So far I have not seen much of a difference, although my (allegedly 2003) Optima still starts my Austin-Healey even though it's spent most of its life on a non-AGM charger.

I have never worried about outgassing with the BatteryMINDers or the CTEK charger.
Other makes/models I make no guarantee.

[Raymond R.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

Thanks for the prompt response, Harry. I previously used the BatteryMinder Plus. I purchased the AGM model from Restoration Battery. I did it at the same time I purchased the battery from them. My thought is that Restoration battery must have recommended the AGM model. The cost was $85.00.

[Raymond R.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

Thanks for your advice Patrick. I regret I do not know the difference between an AGM battery and a non-AGM battery. I think I just purchased the one recommended by Restoration Battery.

[Michael J.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

I have always used what Restoration Battery recommended for chargers, and none of mine have had any issues over the years.

[Harry S.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

I decided to look in my paper archives and found the doc. from Restoration Battery. It is an AGM battery and cautions against using a trickle charger.

[Raymond R.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

Thanks Michael.

[Raymond R.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

Thanks for the research, Harry. I went to my local auto parts store this afternoon. They explained the difference between an AGM and non-AGM battery. If you hadn't asked the question, I never would have know the difference.
Glad to learn you use the BatteryMinder with a car cover and have not had any issues. Now I won't worry so much, when I use mine.

[Michael H.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

I also have a Restoration battery with a AGM in it and it's going on 8 years old. I did buy there battery charger ( it has 3 different settings for charging different types of batteries ) and I've never had a problem charging my AGM or Lead Acid batteries with it. If I recall they would only warrant there battery up to 5 years only if you used there charger.

[James W.]

[Patrick H.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

I decided to look in my paper archives and found the doc. from Restoration Battery. It is an AGM battery and cautions against using a trickle charger.

I think a trickle charger is different from a Battery MINDer or CTEK.
Think of a generic 2A battery charger as a trickle charger.

Those are an accident waiting to happen if left on a battery.

[Ray G.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

Hello;
Since early 2019 we discovered Jim's Battery Mfg. (formerly Antique Auto Battery) started making the AGM batteries. With state of the art
manufacturing methods. We bought one for my C2
Also have an AGM battery in a C2 convertible, thats 3 years old.

Have AGM Batteries in other Chevrolet collector cars.

We use the chargers recommended for AGM batteries and have an AGM batteries 7 years old and still going.

Heat shortens battery life and the gas given off by charging batteries is dangerous.

Hope this helps
Ray

[Ed N.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

I would give the fresh paint at least three months before I start using a cover on it.

[Raymond R.]

Re: Restoration Battery - BatteryMinder 2012

Thanks Ed. I will take your advice. I will wait awhile before using the cover.