Re: [FWDLK] Antique Car Batteries

Walter,

Since the original equipment battery in my 56 Dodge was from AutoLite, I bought an “AutoLite “ (made by Exide) battery from Car Quest. It is a modern sealed top post of the original size Group 24, so it fits the original battery hold-down frame nicely. It is all black with a large “AutoLite” label on the side. $69. 84 month warranty. They also have a 96 month warranty, but the side label is red; and the optional larger Group 27 size if you have that tray and hold-down.

Mine looks like this:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=EXI&MfrPartNumber=2484&PartType=5005&PTSet=A

I would consider a reproduction battery if I planned to put the car in a points-judged show and it was a contender for first place, where every point counted. But as Greg said, they don’t last. And removable caps tend to leak acid, which is why our cars had a rubber tray with drain tube under the battery.

I did buy reproduction battery cables from http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/ They are very correct with the correct square ends, but I got them an extra inch longer in case the battery terminals are not in the exact original location on the battery.

Dave Homstad

56 Dodge D500

-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List [mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Greg Filtz
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:07 AM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Antique Car Batteries

Walter,

I can give you my experience with batteries in my 1956 Dodge. I did purchase an "original" type battery from http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/ . The battery was just fine and got shipped with the acid in a seperate container. The script, size, terminals, tar top, etc. were correct for year of application. The battery required charging when the acid was added. They also have a choice of color for the caps on the top. They also have correct cables that can be purchased if needed. The battery I purchased lasted about two years. You may get better life then that if you use the car more regular then I do. I put the car away for the winter here in WI and keep the battery charged during that time. I think this may be hard on the battery. Also, there is some maintenance required to keep the acid up to level. In the end, I choose to put in a modern battery from "farm and fleet". This battery has lasted longer and was less expensive. To dress up this battery, I was able to remove the original label and replace it with a reproduction sticker available on ebay from time to time. The top doesn't look original but I am not that concerned about it. I know that there are also covers that can be purchased, but I seem to recall they did not look correct enough to justify going that direction.

Please email me back if you have additional questions.

Greg in WI
1956 Dodge Royal Lancer

Walter E. Landry wrote:

Anyone have suggestions on where to but an antique car battery for a 56 desoto firedome?

I have found several but am undecided on where to go with the old type of with a modern battery with a battery cover to make it look original.

Anyone have suggestions or experience in one or the other?

Thanks

Walter

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