recouping battery points

[Stephen W.]

'66 327-350 'Vert #1241-- I got "std. deduct" for service replacement battery= -12 pts. NOS or recond. original lead-acid batteries are probably too expensive for me. There's a guy out there (restorationbattery.com) who makes a "dead accurate" repro, with real tar and date-coded, but it's a gel battery internally. Anyone know if I would get full vs. partial points for this (it's fairly expensive at $350 delivered), or is it still a "service replacement" and subject to a 12 point deduction also (I don't need a new battery, just points toward potential Duntov)



thanks

[Michael J.]

Re: recouping battery points

The batteries sold by Restoration Battery (made by Antique Auto Battery) usually carry a 7-9 point deduction, IIRC. Pretty expensive way to get a few points, IMO.

[Michael G.]

Re: recouping battery points

The real tar top lead-acid batteries are available, but they're really heavy and they tend to quickly corrode everything around them, so I wouldn't use one.

The gel version, sold by Restoration Battery, (the one that has real tar on the top and is dated) should probably not be detectable without taking off a battery cap, though I'm sure the judge will probably know its not a real lead-acid tar top by the lack of acid damage in the area. I'd be surprised if you got any points off with one of those, I didn't...

I you buy one, follow the instructions about charging, as they are very sensitive to damage by excess voltage (don't ask me how I know this).

[Pat M.]

Re: recouping battery points

(I don't need a new battery, just points toward potential Duntov)

It is a lot of money per point saved, but you'll be surprised (perhaps shocked) at how many unexpected points you'll lose at any given meet, especially at a National. Lord knows I lost way more than I thought I would en route to my Duntov. Is saving $350 worth potentially losing the Duntov, and all the expenses incurred going to that meet? I'd want every point I can get. JMHO

[Michael J.]

Re: recouping battery points

Here is a recent thread about the same issue, just in case you spend for that battery, don't assume you will have no deductions. My Restoration Battery (properly date and plant coded) had 9 points deducted at a regional.
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...ration+battery

[Rob M.]

Re: recouping battery points

Here is a recent thread about the same issue, just in case you spend for that battery, don't assume you will have no deductions. My Restoration Battery (properly date and plant coded) had 9 points deducted at a regional.

I'm curious, based on what did they deduced. Is the appearance not dead on? I'm sure judges are not allowed to poke in the tar or take a cap of to judge...

[Michael J.]

Re: recouping battery points

Rob, my judging sheet says: -9 Standard deduction "Conf". IIRC the explanation was that the case "looks" NTFP, too shiny and obviously hard plastic, not the hard, dull, rubbery material it should be. He also mentioned the "lip" on the edge. This was 3 years ago, maybe they make them better today? When I bought it from Restoration Battery, they assure me it was dead on, that is why I caution people. I have heard of 7 points deducted, as in the attached thread, and no points, it depends on the judges I think.

[Rob M.]

Re: recouping battery points

Rob, my judging sheet says: -9 Standard deduction "Conf". IIRC the explanation was that the case "looks" NTFP, too shiny and obviously hard plastic, not the hard, dull, rubbery material it should be. He also mentioned the "lip" on the edge. This was 3 years ago, maybe they make them better today? When I bought it from Restoration Battery, they assure me it was dead on, that is why I caution people. I have heard of 7 points deducted, as in the attached thread, and no points, it depends on the judges I think.

Sounds harsh to me, I don't have the score sheets at hand so I don't know the total to gain for a battery but if only Conf is wrong then that would lead to 36 points or so for all four (or even 45 when 5 sections apply) was wrong. Still some bit of the configuration must have been right, caps, parts of the casing, terminals, etc.

[Michael G.]

Re: recouping battery points

The old hard plastic fake "tar" is too shiny and is too perfect, with no dust, bugs, and/or stray screws half submerged in the goo. Its easy to spot without getting your finger stuck in it. The latest battery with gooey tar on top is much better. Dated, with the right caps, I couldn't tell it from the real (dead) one I have. I didn't lose any points on the repro at nationals this year, so it must be pretty good (or I got lucky).

[Michael J.]

Re: recouping battery points

Actually, it was pretty harsh. The battery is only 25 originality points anyway. But it was my first regional, I was afraid to ask or question anything, but it seems the judges were really dumping on my '67 L71 Rally Red coupe in many categories. I have heard from many members that cars like that are fair game for such things. After the judging retreat and some judging schools, next time I will be much more "inquisitive" about such things.