New battery

[Mad Mac]

My old 6-volt battery has reached the end of its life, so I need a new one for my '29 RPU. It is not clear from the writing on the old battery (see pic) what specifications I should ask for when buying a new one. So I am wondering what the forumers would recommend, as to optimum cold cranking amps etc.

Surprised that the search function didn't come up with much on this subject.

[jmeckel]

I installed an OPTIMA battery with the hold down sold by Synders. Works great.

[redmodelt]

You posted a photo of information for a 12 volt deep cycle battery not a 6 volt car battery. This type battery is generally used for back up power supply or something like an electric trolling motor not really a car battery but I guess it would work. They are made for deep discharge and still can be recharged. Is this is the battery that came out of your pickup? If it is then you need info on a 12 volt that will fit your battery box.

[J Franklin]

This may have been a test.

[GRutter]

Get a commercial "Interstate" brand battery, Size 1
6 volt. Perfect Fit.
Very pleased with this battery. 640 CCA
http://dealers.interstatebatteries.c...rcial_spec.pdf

[redmodelt]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I could be wrong but I am going by the 12DC as being a 12 volt battery? Most of the deep cycle batteries I have seen are 12 volt while that might be wrong on my part esp in other parts of the world.

[SeaSlugs]

what the heck is that battery out of??? 105 amp hours? google says its like a solar panel rechargable battery...

what you need to do is find out if someones converted your car to 12V or not first then we can help...

[Dollar Bill]

If you have the original 6 volt system on your car, you are looking for a replacement battery with the following specifications

• BCI Group Size:1
• Volts: 6
• Cranking Amps at 32 degrees F: 785
• Cold Cranking Amps at 0 degrees F: 640

Not sure what is available in NZ but I've had outstanding service from Deka brand batteries. Using a battery tender, it will last for 10-15 years.

AGM (gel cell) batteries seem to provide a longer/stronger charge if not maintained regularly. They also do not leak acid. They usually cost more than wet cell batteries but they are worthwhile in the long run.

I have a red Optima Battery that is still going strong after 17 years of service.

[1930-Pickup]

Originally Posted by GRutter

Get a commercial "Interstate" brand battery, Size 1
6 volt. Perfect Fit.
Very pleased with this battery. 640 CCA
http://dealers.interstatebatteries.c...rcial_spec.pdf

100% Agree.
I've used Interstate in ALL my vintage cars for decades.

[Bruce of MN]

This won't help you too much in NZ, but if you were over here --

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...al#post1364928

[Mad Mac]

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. The battery is definitely 6 volt and has given very good service for the last five years, but is now kaput. The truck has a 6-volt system. Confusion may have arisen because battery specifications in New Zealand appear to be different from those in USA (I thought they would be the same everywhere). Its clear from your replies that I should ask for 640 cold cranking amps. I don't know what "deep cycle" means, or whether that is necessary.
Mac

[Bruce Adams]

The label you posted is for a 12 volt battery.
Why do you say its 6 volts?
How many filler holes?
6 holes is a 12 volt battery.
Putting a 6 volt battery in a system rigged for 12 volts can result in a number of electrical performance problems, while putting a 12 volt battery in a system arranged for 6 volts can cause a lot of other over voltage poppings and such.
Volts are volts across the world, even down under, aren't they?
I use deep cycle batteries in my boats for domestic electricity. They are constructed to permit deep discharge and renewal, but not as quickly as in a starting battery, and are of limited capacity as a starting battery.

[J Franklin]

Mad Mac, post a photo of the whole battery top, it is cheap to do and will end all the confusion!

[Mad Mac]

OK - here is a pic of my battery. I am sure it is 6-volts, regardless of what the sticker says. Although I cannot imagine why the manufacturer put a 12-volt sticker on a 6-volt battery. If so, maybe all the other details on the sticker (deep cycle etc) are also wrong.
I am sure down-under volts are the same as USA volts
Mac

[oldforder]

Well for sure that picture is of a 6 volt battery. I would guess that either the sticker is the wrong one, or the 12 DC is just a part number or something.

[CWPASADENA]

I like Optma.

I have them in all 6 of my collector cars that are up and running.

They last a very long time. I got 12 years out of the last one I had to replace.

They also hold their charge a lot longer than a wet cell battery I have had a car sit for 6 months or longer and the Optma will still start it. I do not use trickle chargers but all my cars have good charging systems with voltage regulators.

I think it is cheaper in the long run to use Optma and get the extended life and other benefits from them.

Just my opinion,

Chris W.

[glenn in camino]

Originally Posted by jmeckel

I installed an OPTIMA battery with the hold down sold by Synders. Works great.

Optima batteries are great. I'd buy another one.

[eagle]

Here we have Fleet Farm stores that sell "Farm Rated" 6 volt batteries for $50. Very good batteries for cheap price...can't beat em with a stick!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by eagle

Here we have Fleet Farm stores that sell "Farm Rated" 6 volt batteries for $50. Very good batteries for cheap price...can't beat em with a stick!

I agree, and even when I don't treat the batteries as well as I should, they still give me about 12 or 13 years of good service.

[captndan]

Tractor Supply sells the same one. Only way to go IMHO.