Battery for a 63 Corvette

[Lawrence E.]

Hello - I have a 63 Vette that needs a new battery. I've been told I need a tar top, top post, Delco brand battery. I've called around to a number of places without much luck. I would be very grateful if someone could provide specifics as it relates to the battery that is needed. thank you, Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Here is a place to look...http://www.restorationbattery.com/558dc12-tar.html

If you put in a current off the shelf Delco battery you will loose 12 points. I think the going cost is about $60.00. Tar Tops are going to cost your around $330.00 when your all done with shipping and tax. If you look at the cost per point during your restoration is the tar top worth it?

[Larry M.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Larry:

Restoration Battery advertises in the NCRS Driveline. That is who I use. You can also go directly to Antique Auto Battery. Google the name for contact info. This is for the high price $$$$ reproduction gel cell battery.

A lot of folks simply buy a current AC Delco replacement battery and take the points hit when judging. Even the $$$$ repro battery does not guarantee no deduction, as the judges are getting more detailed lately and are taking off points for the (almost) correct repro.

Check the archives for more details and information.

FWIW.

Larry

[Lawrence E.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Thanks Larry & Harry - The car is in a different location and hasn't been started in about a month & half so I'm really just trying to get "a battery" in it, to run it. If I were to go to an "auto-zone" or some place like that, what should I ask for? Also, when I was messing with the car a few weeks ago, I noticed the Expansion Container needs to be removed. Will a basic set of tools get the job done? Here is the current battery > will it do?

[Michael J.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

There was a good article on that in the Restorer, by Joe Calcagno, maybe somebody remembers the issue?

[Larry M.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Thanks Larry & Harry - The car is in a different location and hasn't been started in about a month & half so I'm really just trying to get "a battery" in it, to run it. If I were to go to an "auto-zone" or some place like that, what should I ask for? Also, when I was messing with the car a few weeks ago, I noticed the Expansion Container needs to be removed. Will a basic set of tools get the job done? thanks again, Larry

I believe that the battery is a Group 24 size. Ask for that. Physical dimensions should be 10-1/4 x 6-3/4 x 9 (or so). Must have top posts.

Basic hand tools should handle replacement, including the expansion tank. Some folks wrap the battery securely in plastic and then tilt it 90 degrees, and then lift it out. Plastic keeps any liquid acid contained. Gel cell batteries don't have this problem. Of course you can also move or remove the coolant expansion tank. My 1967 factory AC car as the battery on the other side with a removable access behind the front wheel....so I don't have this problem.

Larry

[Lawrence E.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Here's the current battery

[Cliff P.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Just got one from restoration battery. Total with shipping was 347.00 . phone # 513-574-4481. He will know just what ya need

Good luck

[Lawrence E.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Thank You Larry > I think that's exactly what I'm looking for ...

[Michael G.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Lowering the battery into that narrow space is always tricky. To insure that I don't drop it, I put a pile of shop rags on top of the battery tray, then lower the battery onto them, and turn it to the proper orientation. I then pull the rags out, one-by-one...

[Larry M.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Here's the current battery

The battery shown is a Group 56 battery, which I do not believe is correct for the car. It is slightly smaller than the Group 24 I mentioned above.

Larry

[Norm B.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

If you just want a replacement battery to be able to operate the car you want a Type 24. These used to be be very common but seem to be getting less so. A couple of our area chains that sell batteries show the Type 78 as a replacement but unfortunately they are not as tall so the hold down bracket cannot be tightened down snuggly. One place actually supplies a Type 78 with a spacer to go underneath it. Without a spacer I would suggest a short piece of 2x6 under the battery would serve the purpose. As for getting a modern sealed battery in and out, my experience is to just tip it on its end and pull it out. I have never lost any liquid in the short time it takes to do that.

Here is what I have done in the past;

Remove the brackets for the expansion tank.
Lift the tank up and towards the front of the car, there should be enough flex in your hose to do this.
Tie the tank in place with twine, I found the alternator bracket was a good place to tie it to.
Tip the battery up so that the end that was against the fender is now on the bottom.
Reach down and pull it up and out of the car.
A couple of cautions, make sure the exhaust manifold is not hot, wear gloves and long sleeves.

I always wondered how much fun this must have been in the days before sealed batteries.

[Joe R.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

I always wondered how much fun this must have been in the days before sealed batteries.[/QUOTE]


Norm,

That is why God invented toothpicks!

JR

[John D.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

Larry, My 63, the LWC had a tar top in it. Well it didn't have enough cranky power and was shot so I found an easy way to remove it without messing with the heater hoses, etc.
I did tie the expansion tank to the oil filler tube with a piece of rope. Since my car has hood blocks I removed the hood block closest to the battery.
Then I got a huge plastic bag and managed to man handle the heavy battery into the zip lock bag.
My son is almost 7Ft tall and works out every day. Can probably lift a SBC engine by himself.
So I called him and told him I wanted him to lift the battery out of the car. He lifted it like it was a toothpick. After he got past the fender he removed it vertically.
I am too weak for that.
AC Battery 24-60 for a driver and guy who doesn't care about getting wacked 12 points. Pull off the decals and forget about it.
Judging Reference manual explains the various deducts on the battery. Most of you know that.
Nothing worse for me that going to a local cruise in and seeing these gorgeous restored engine compartments featuring nice green, etc battery. Yuk.
Remember Tom Kobman is a long time NCRS member. He owns Restoration Battery. They don't come any nice than my/our friend Tom.
If I had planned on showing my 63 again (don't) then I would call Tom. Huge ad in "The Driveline". JD

[Michael J.]

Re: Battery for a 63 Corvette

I always wondered how much fun this must have been in the days before sealed batteries.

The Restorer article was just about all that. All the ways and gyrations to get plastic bags around the battery before tipping and lifting in and out. That must have been fun!