Group 1 batteries - 6 volt for the Model A

[Larry Jenkins]

How many different ones are offered out there? Source and pricing please?

Larry

[Tom Wesenberg]

Fleet Farm probably has the best price. A few years ago they were only about $30, but my friend bought one a few weeks ago and it was now $76.

There are only about 3 companies left in the U.S. that still manufacture batteries.

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Fleet Farm probably has the best price. A few years ago they were only about $30, but my friend bought one a few weeks ago and it was now $76.

There are only about 3 companies left in the U.S. that still manufacture batteries.

Thank you, Tom..

Our Blains Farm and Fleet here in Cedar Rapids has one on sale for $39.95 exchange. Their Blain Part Number 040573.

Is this one the same as the one your friend got?

Larry

[29er]

Interstate makes this 1-VHD 6-volt battery:

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/p...964-2147384903

I bought one 3 years ago and it's been reliable. But back then it was $78

Mike in Oregon

[Mitch//pa]

i am a interstate stocking dealer
i have great luck with them

[mshmodela]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...p?cm_vc=IOPDP1



Specification Description
BCI Group Size: 1
Brand: Exide
Cold Cranking Amps: 625
Cranking Amps: 750
Deep Cycle/Starting: Starting
Product Height: 8-5/8 in.
Product Length: 8-13/16 in.
Product Type: Tractor Batteries
Product Weight: 27 lb.
Product Width: 6-3/4 in.
Reserve Capacity: 160
Terminal Type: SAE
Terminal Voltage: 6 Volt
Warranty: 12-Month Limited
Manufacturer Part Number

[Beater]

I prefer AC delco

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Larry Jenkins

Thank you, Tom..

Our Blains Farm and Fleet here in Cedar Rapids has one on sale for $39.95 exchange. Their Blain Part Number 040573.

Is this one the same as the one your friend got?

Larry

I seem to recall it was made by Exide. That's all I know about it.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by 29er

Interstate makes this 1-VHD 6-volt battery:

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/p...964-2147384903

I bought one 3 years ago and it's been reliable. But back then it was $78

Mike in Oregon

I also use interstate batteries in both my Model A's and both of my tractors. Have had very good results. They seem to last a long time even though you don't use the rig every day. But I think I paid around $100 for the last one.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...p?cm_vc=IOPDP1



Specification Description
BCI Group Size: 1
Brand: Exide
Cold Cranking Amps: 625
Cranking Amps: 750
Deep Cycle/Starting: Starting
Product Height: 8-5/8 in.
Product Length: 8-13/16 in.
Product Type: Tractor Batteries
Product Weight: 27 lb.
Product Width: 6-3/4 in.
Reserve Capacity: 160
Terminal Type: SAE
Terminal Voltage: 6 Volt
Warranty: 12-Month Limited
Manufacturer Part Number

interstate is
640 CCA
800 CA

[KenCoupe]

I have an Optima 6 volt battery. It has been very reliable for me and the car starts up right away even if it has been sitting for a couple of weeks. However, I have read that some people have experienced problems with Optima recently.

[Mike V. Florida]

Ask for a Group 1 battery for 6 volts.

9 1/8 length, 7 1/8 width, 9 3/8 height

6v group 1 batteries are found by the following numbers;

NAPA - BAT 7244
Exide - 7200
Tractor supply - Com 1 HP (part number 0470506) I think.
Autozone - 1-6 volt
Ultrapower #901MF from Deka
interstate part # 1-VHD

[Larry Jenkins]

Great responses! Thank you!

Does anyone know the length; width and height of the original Model A Ford batteries?

Larry

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Johnson controls makes a good one. Available in the Nw thru les shaub tires.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Larry Jenkins

Great responses! Thank you!

Does anyone know the length; width and height of the original Model A Ford batteries?

Larry

Original Ford Battery Dimensions (at bottom):
Width: 7 1/8" to 7 1/4"
Length: 8 7/8" to 9"
Source: Restorer Mar/Apr 1992 Volume 36-6 page 13.

[Aok]

I have one from NAPA its about 4 years old and still holding charge well.

[C26Pinelake]

In my opinion the 6volt battery at TSC is the best value. Bought one yesterday for $65.55 out the door, how can you go wrong? Wayne

[leo]

Why should most of the Tractor Supply battery reviews be negative? As Tom said there are only a few manufacturers making batteries so which one makes the Tractor Supply battery? I find it hard to believe only their battery would be bad.

[Indiana A. Lover]

I have a Tractor Supply 6 volt in my Farmall cub tractor 4 years, works great! Also have one in a 1941 Allis chalmers B it has been in it for 3 years still ok. I keep them in the basement during the winter on a battery tender. Don in Indiana. Larry we have Blains farm and Fleet in Watseka Il.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I've had real good luck with 6 volt batteries. In fact each one had far outlasted my 12 volt batteries. The one in my Model A came from a recycling yard more than 10 years ago and is doing fine. The Fleet Farm battery in my 1950 Studebaker was given to me as a core battery and is also more than 10 years old and doing fine.

[mike657894]

last 6v i bought was interstate. cost $150 that was in 12/11 it is junk now. that tractor supply sounds like a steel. i gave up on 6v because i wasn't paying 150 again .

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

When I had my shop, I was an Interstate Dealer & RARELY EVER had to warranty a battery.
Bill W.

[jrelliott]

One thing about most of the 6V batteries sold is that they have removable tops which can be removed to check the fluid level and replace the water as it evaporates or is boiled off from over charging. Checking the fluid level regularly and having a charging system that does not overcharge will make the batteries last a long time. A lot of batteries fail for lack of fluid in them especially here in the desert. 12V batteries that cannot have the tops of the cells removed to replace the water do not last very long in the desert.

[billwill]

Batteries made in China are a year or more old when you buy them Interstate is one of them.

[JD 1931]

Got mine at Sam's club, group 1, 6 volt....

[Mitch//pa]

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Originally Posted by mike657894

last 6v i bought was interstate. cost $150 that was in 12/11 it is junk now. that tractor supply sounds like a steel. i gave up on 6v because i wasn't paying 150 again .

sounds like you were ripped off

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by billwill

Batteries made in China are a year or more old when you buy them Interstate is one of them.

So the 1 year old Interstate 1 VHD I got in 2014 is what 2 years old... and frankly sucks... A least it was only $97... It will not fully charge and seems to hold one for about 1 week if I'm lucky... I suppose I should look at an optima...

[29er]

Originally Posted by billwill

Batteries made in China are a year or more old when you buy them Interstate is one of them.

The age of the battery you buy is indicated by a code that is found on the label of the battery itself. Here's how to decipher the code:


How Can I Tell My Batteries Age?

The age of a car battery is always stamped on a label which is normally located on the side of the battery. This label indicates when the battery was shipped from the manufacturer. Important battery information starts with 2 characters:

Letter - indicates which month the car battery was manufactured in (Example: A is January, B is February, C is March, etc)

Digit - indicates the year in which the battery was manufactured (Example: 9 for 1999, 0 for 2000, 1 for 2001, etc)

For example an automotive battery date code that starts with "B1" would be February, 2001.

[leo]

I'm still very puzzled by all the negative battery feedback. I sounds like 75% of Model A owners have bad batteries and the other 25% are A-OK. I've got an 6 year old NAPA battery that still takes a charge and now I'm afraid to replace it. I've been using a Battery Tender to charge it about every 2 months, don't leave it on all the time. Since I don't really have a clue as to the condition of the battery I would appreciate a little input on how to determine the real condition of a battery.

[Mitch//pa]

the 1-VHD cost me 64.95 cant beat that
if anyone needs one come get it

[leo]

I see some of the owners say the battery will not charge? What would cause a battery not to be chargeable?

[Mitch//pa]

i have found that most problems are caused by the model A owners themselves from overcharging and cooking the electrolyte out of the battery. once the top of the plates are exposed to air the battery at that point has taken a beating. on the other end of the spectrum an under charged battery will go dead.
the EVR is a good improvement to install
i use Tom's set up...

[jrelliott]

From the comments, a lot of people are having trouble with batteries. I am like Tom in MN in that batteries seem to last for quite a while for me. You must check the fluid levels regularly and top off if low with distilled water(NO TAP WATER). You can check the charge by getting a hydrometer that is used to check the specific gravity of the charge in each cell. Have not looked for one in years and do not know if they are still available in parts stores. Put in a double plastic bag after using as Sulphuric Acid will eat just about anything. With regular maintenance 6V batteries that have removable tops should last beyond the warranty. If you do have a weak battery in an emergency can put an aspirin in each low cell and will bring it back for a while.

[v bogart]

I use nothing but DEKA http://www.dekabatteries.com/ made in PA. excellent service.

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by v bogart

I use nothing but DEKA http://www.dekabatteries.com/ made in PA. excellent service.

http://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com...Flyer-0010.pdf


Looks like they make a 6V group 1

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

http://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com...Flyer-0010.pdf


Looks like they make a 6V group 1

Thanks Mike, that's the company I was trying to think of that made the battery in my Model A. Working fine and I bought it from a recycling yard more than 10 years ago.

[Henry's Lady's Man]

Thanks, Mike.
I believe I have the same battery as the DEKA, with a different label: "AUTOCRAFT Farm & Truck" with exact same CCA and CA specs and same dimensions as their group 1 6V.
I've got no idea how old it is, as it came with the car 18 months ago and works just fine! -Chuck

[Mike V. Florida]

From what I can find, 6v group 1 batteries are found by the following numbers;

NAPA - BAT 7244
Exide - 7200
Tractor supply - Com 1 HP (part number 0470506) I think.
Autozone - 1-6 volt
Ultrapower #901MF from Deka
interstate part # 1-VHD
Duracell Commercial 1 Sams club

[Dollar Bill]

I've had very good longevity from Deka batteries. They are carried locally by Oreilly Auto Parts

[leo]

Deka may make a great battery but if you go to their site looking for a local dealer and the 901MF battery or any 6 volt battery you get forwarded to the Federal Battery site. There you find out that there are no distributors within 1000 km(?) of New Jersey where I happen to be (hey, no snickering out there).

[bambooboy]

Originally Posted by jrelliott

From the comments, a lot of people are having trouble with batteries. I am like Tom in MN in that batteries seem to last for quite a while for me. You must check the fluid levels regularly and top off if low with distilled water(NO TAP WATER). You can check the charge by getting a hydrometer that is used to check the specific gravity of the charge in each cell. Have not looked for one in years and do not know if they are still available in parts stores. Put in a double plastic bag after using as Sulphuric Acid will eat just about anything. With regular maintenance 6V batteries that have removable tops should last beyond the warranty. If you do have a weak battery in an emergency can put an aspirin in each low cell and will bring it back for a while.

will baby aspirins work? always carry,but for other reasons. tom

[Dollar Bill]

Originally Posted by leo

Deka may make a great battery but if you go to their site looking for a local dealer and the 901MF battery or any 6 volt battery you get forwarded to the Federal Battery site. There you find out that there are no distributors within 1000 km(?) of New Jersey where I happen to be (hey, no snickering out there).

Do you have an Oreilly Auto Parts nearby?

[leo]

None in New Jersey (oh stop laughing).

[Kenjt]

How often should the water in the battery be checked?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Kenjt

How often should the water in the battery be checked?

That depends on the charge rate and temperature. High temps and higher charge rates will require the cells to be filled more often.
I use an electronic voltage regulator and only checked the water in the spring.

[Aretino]

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Rural King $65

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by Larry Jenkins

Thank you, Tom..

Our Blains Farm and Fleet here in Cedar Rapids has one on sale for $39.95 exchange. Their Blain Part Number 040573.

Is this one the same as the one your friend got?

Larry

For 40 dollars buy it ! Hope you’re not waiting for something cheaper!

[mgambuzza]

My local battery wholesaler occasionally has factory blems and I was able to find one brand new for $55. Cranks great so far 10 months after I purchased it and cranks far superior to the one that came with the car.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by McMimmcs

For 40 dollars buy it ! Hope you’re not waiting for something cheaper!

That post was from 11/14/2015.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Kenjt

How often should the water in the battery be checked?

My local auto electric guru and battery supplier says you should never have to check or add water to modern batteries, even group 1 6V. His advice: Keep the batteries charged and run them for their warranteed time. He’s the professional. I trust him.

[Mister Moose]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

My local auto electric guru and battery supplier says you should never have to check or add water to modern batteries, even group 1 6V. His advice: Keep the batteries charged and run them for their warranteed time. He’s the professional. I trust him.

I don't think this is good advice. Electrolyte will slowly boil off or evaporate, especially with a Generator that is set such that it overcharges a little on longer trips. There really isn't any such thing as a 'modern' lead acid battery. Leaving out gel and AGM, all they can do is design the case to have more electrolyte. Plate and insulator construction has been around for decades.

There's a lot to know about lead acid batteries. Most last long enough if they aren't abused such that delving into all the intricacies is beyond most people's interest. So here's a few quick points:

Low electrolyte is bad and can lead to permanent damage.
Deeply discharging is bad, and will limit the battery's life.
Leaving a battery uncharged for any period of time is bad, this will also limit life and capacity.
Overcharging is bad, it boils off electrolyte. (OK, it's not really boiling, it's gassing)
There are only 3 battery manufacturers in the US. Many brands are just contracted and re-labeled.
Lead is expensive. Better batteries weigh more.
Batteries are like mattresses. It's important what's inside, but you can't see it.
Voltage only reliably indicates state of charge if allowed to rest for 24 hours with zero discharge.
Specific Gravity is always a good indication of state of charge when corrected for temperature.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Mister Moose

I don't think this is good advice. Electrolyte will slowly boil off or evaporate, especially with a Generator that is set such that it overcharges a little on longer trips. There really isn't any such thing as a 'modern' lead acid battery. Leaving out gel and AGM, all they can do is design the case to have more electrolyte. Plate and insulator construction has been around for decades.

There's a lot to know about lead acid batteries. Most last long enough if they aren't abused such that delving into all the intricacies is beyond most people's interest. So here's a few quick points:

Low electrolyte is bad and can lead to permanent damage.
Deeply discharging is bad, and will limit the battery's life.
Leaving a battery uncharged for any period of time is bad, this will also limit life and capacity.
Overcharging is bad, it boils off electrolyte. (OK, it's not really boiling, it's gassing)
There are only 3 battery manufacturers in the US. Many brands are just contracted and re-labeled.
Lead is expensive. Better batteries weigh more.
Batteries are like mattresses. It's important what's inside, but you can't see it.
Voltage only reliably indicates state of charge if allowed to rest for 24 hours with zero discharge.
Specific Gravity is always a good indication of state of charge when corrected for temperature.

Thanks. I’ll have a discussion with him with your info.

[Robert/Texas]

I’m 87 years old and I have 2 Model T’s, 2 Model A’s and 2 early V8’s. None are show cars and they don’t get driven much these days. All six have Optima batteries and they never need any attention and the cars start right up with them. Given my experience with Tractor Supply batteries in the past I feel that I have saved money in spite of the Optima’s cost.

[Mister Moose]

Originally Posted by Robert/Texas

All six have Optima batteries and they never need any attention and the cars start right up with them.

Optima is an AGM battery - Absorbent Glass Mat. The electrolyte is in gel form, and not liquid as in traditional lead acid batteries. The plates are spiral. They have significantly different properties, in charging profiles, electrolyte migration, and gassing. In short, they take more neglect and recover better. They last longer. Optima's 6 volt also has more oomph, at 800CCA vs the usual 640. Probably has more capacity (Amp-hours) as well.

Note that if you have dead battery issues and you have an as yet undiscovered current leak in your wiring, no battery will fix your problem.

[fundytides]

I have good luck with NAPA batteries in my Model A, T and John Deere. I usually go to a NAPA store in a farming community about an hour away. My theory is that the have a lot more turnover in 6 volt batteries than the stores in the urban area where I live. Follows that the batteries should be fresher. Plus the know what I am talking about when I say "Group 1 6 volt". One of the clerks at a local auto parts/hardware store couldn't sell me one because he couldn't find my Model A in his listings. Turns out they had 2 in stock when an older/more knowledgeable clerk happened along.

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by Bob C

That post was from 11/14/2015.

sorry didn’t realize the thread was six years old.