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Author
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Topic: I need a new battery but where and what should I look for
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 11-24-2004 07:51 AM
 
I didn��t want to highjack the post from 68 Coop so I��m starting this one. I need to get a new battery and stared think about how long has that battery been on the shelf. What is my best bet on not getting an old battery that has been sitting on the shelf for a couple of years? Also isn��t there some kind of rule of thumb in relation between cubic inches and the amount of cold cranking amps you need? I need one for my 68 coupe but I also need to get one for my 99 F150. My F150 will be 5 years old this weekend and its going to be sitting for a week and a half while I��m doing the Disney thing  with the family and I��m not sure the truck will start when I get back.------------------
Ed S. 68 S-code FB GT 4spd(now C6)/3.25 PS PDB
68 J-code(now 289) Cp Sprint"B" C4/3L00-9" PDB PS AC
99 F150 XLT Ext/cab, 4X4, 5.4L, 3L55
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 4511
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 11-24-2004 08:04 AM
Well, in terms of battery size, I started on this Stang thing with 2SM batteries and never had any joy, even though I don't run AC. I'm now committed to 3SM in everything - except the danged Camaro 'cos the battery tray is too small and I'm still having grief with that one.
I'm sure with your 390, a 3SM or '60s equivalent came as standard. I think the 2SMs were in straight sixes maybe.
I may be wrong, but I don't believe it matters how long a battery has been sitting on the shelf - if it's a wet battery anyway - 'cos they're dry until someone buys them and fills them up.
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 11-24-2004 08:10 AM
Many of the big discount stores like K-mart, Wall- Mart, Sam��s, BJ��S and Costco are ready to go and have the acid in them already.
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 4511
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 11-24-2004 08:12 AM
Unbelievable! You have a choice, I presume, so I'd give those guys a wide berth..
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-24-2004 09:16 AM
Optima brand at Sam's Club.
They have both ship and build dates stamped.------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
MCA member# 53321
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,& '04
First SS/MA in the TENS!
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28 The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
www.moneymakerracing.com
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68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 11-24-2004 01:02 PM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fastback68:
[B]Well, in terms of battery size, I started on this Stang thing with 2SM batteries and never had any joy, even though I don't run AC. I'm now committed to 3SM in everything Ed, sorry for doin this, but what does these #'s mean exactly??? ------------------
William 68 Coupe
Stock 289
Edelbrock 600/RPM Intake
Ignitor/Flamethrower
Thorley's with Da Bomb's
C4
2.79's out back(for now)
15"x7" AR ASTRO's(needin' new tires)
"Project Under Construction"
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 11-24-2004 01:25 PM
It must be some kind of metric thing
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68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 11-24-2004 01:55 PM
Thank you Sir.
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FoMoGo
Gearhead Posts: 153
From: Motor City USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 11-24-2004 02:06 PM
1968 Mustang small block uses a Group 24 battery, big block uses a Group 27 battery. Both are available at NAPA, Sears, & Carquest.
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 11-24-2004 03:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Moneymaker:
Optima brand at Sam's Club.
They have both ship and build dates stamped.
I'll have to check them out.
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 4511
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 11-24-2004 06:08 PM
Wow, here's a great resource ...
http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq.htm
It includes shelf life for batteries sold dry and wet.
I was trying to find out what system 2SM, 3SM etc. is but no joy yet. Group 24, 27 etc. are a North American thing.[This message has been edited by Fastback68 (edited 11-24-2004).]
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FoMoGo
Gearhead Posts: 153
From: Motor City USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 11-24-2004 07:07 PM
Why are you worried about shelf life? The manufactures warranty starts the day you purchase the battery not from the date the battery was made.
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-24-2004 07:20 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Moneymaker:
Optima brand at Sam's Club.
They have both ship and build dates stamped.
I agree with Alex, and another big selling point for Optima batteries is that because they are totally sealed gel batteries, they don't outgas corrosive gas all over your car's engine compartment or trunk. I'm debating whether to buy one of those or one of those new gel filled Autolite Stay-fil batteries. I think I'll let the CCA decide, because the heavy duty starter on my 10.7:1 Cleveland likes the amps. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-24-2004 08:10 PM
quote:
Originally posted by FoMoGo:
1968 Mustang small block uses a Group 24 battery, big block uses a Group 27 battery. Both are available at NAPA, Sears, & Carquest.
Actually a group 22 was standard.
24F was optional with A/C.  ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
MCA member# 53321
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,& '04
First SS/MA in the TENS!
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28 The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
www.moneymakerracing.com
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68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 11-24-2004 09:01 PM
Well, let me be the dummy here and ask, what are you guys talking about with the #'s 22 and 24, AND, which should I ask for?------------------
William 68 Coupe
Stock 289
Edelbrock 600/RPM Intake
Ignitor/Flamethrower
Thorley's with Da Bomb's
C4
2.79's out back(for now)
15"x7" AR ASTRO's(needin' new tires)
"Project Under Construction"
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Dobermanalley
Journeyman Posts: 71
From: Gilbert,Az
Registered: Mar 2004
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posted 11-24-2004 09:17 PM
I put a new battery in my '73 last weekend. 24F size was standard but the repro battery tray fit the larger 27F. I used the Diehard International 27F made for the newer E class Mercedes. Now I can skip the mini starter because the engine starts with a bump on the ignition switch. Not bad for a 11:1 cleveland.Lesson is get the most powerful that fits in the tray.
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I65Stang
Gearhead Posts: 6792
From: Sacramento, CA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 11-24-2004 09:32 PM
Most batteries have a sticker on the side that say when they were produced. It's either a month and year or its a code that is a combination of a letter and a number. The number is the last digit of the year and the letter is the month (ie A=Jan, B=Feb ... L (or M depending on the brand)=Dec). So a 4A or A4 (doesnt matter which way) was produced Jan '04. Looking at this is handy as it will matter to your warrantee if you lose the receipt (Sears will warranty Diehards without a receipt and so will other places warranty their batteries). Just get the highest letter you can find. I have run a Group 24 in the '65 without a problem. Optima's are extremely nice but pricey. My bro runs two yellow tops (with a custom made alternator) in his Jeep (competition stereo system). ------------------
Tim M&M Member #35
1965 Mustang coupe, 200 I6, Holley 2300, Clifford header, true duals w/ 26" Smithys
1988 Mustang GT AOD vert, 15.810 @ 88.871 mph 100% stock w/ no traction
1991 Ford Festiva, 30+ mpg, enough said
https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/I65Stang.html
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68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 11-24-2004 09:43 PM
Well, I just bought a red top for 150 at the Zone, and it starts the car with no problem. Timing is off, but it fired up on the 3rd try this time.------------------
William 68 Coupe
Stock 289
Edelbrock 600/RPM Intake
Ignitor/Flamethrower
Thorley's with Da Bomb's
C4
2.79's out back(for now)
15"x7" AR ASTRO's(needin' new tires)
"Project Under Construction"
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 11-24-2004 09:57 PM
quote:
Originally posted by I65Stang:
Here we go! This is what I was looking for! I just don't want the hassle of having to go back and get an exchange. I've had the Diehards only last me a couple of years and I've also had Sears loose my battery once while it was being checked out. [This message has been edited by 68 S-code GT (edited 11-24-2004).]
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Toronado3800
Gearhead Posts: 1163
From: St. Louis, MO
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 11-25-2004 01:18 AM
I just buy big Diehards because I used to know Sears was an easy warranty claim three years down the road.By the way, if Road Hazard costs extra when I buy my tires I only get it on one.
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 12-29-2004 10:34 PM
I finally got a battery for my truck today and saw something funny with the date. It��s dated that it was made in December of 2004 and that it was shipped in January of 2005.  Today is the 29th of December and its still 2004! Do you think I have to worry about it or should I bring it back to Wall-mart? I got a hold of one of the Goobs that worked there and he didn��t understand what I was talking about.------------------
Ed S. 68 S-code FB GT 4spd(now C6)/3.25 PS PDB
68 J-code(now 289) Cp Sprint"B" C4/3L00-9" PDB PS AC
99 F150 XLT Ext/cab, 4X4, 5.4L, 3L55
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 12-29-2004 11:19 PM
Wal-Mart has a better return policy than Sears on batteries. I wouldn't worry about it.------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
MCA member# 53321
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,& '04
First SS/MA in the TENS!
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28 The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
www.moneymakerracing.com
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 12-30-2004 10:19 AM
It does have a three year replacement warranty and I forget what the length of the prorated one is so it sounds good. I only have one other problem and that��s with the color, its bright yellow.
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bob6364
Gearhead Posts: 447
From: griswold,ct usa MCA#59447
Registered: Dec 2004
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posted 12-30-2004 11:39 PM
Optima Brand all the way... we have one laying on its side in my cousins turbo'd Ford Focus...no other way to mount it because of all the stuff he has under the hood.Including about 70 pounds of stereo stuff, looks like something NASA built in there.
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horseballz
Gearhead Posts: 296
From: LasVegas,NV
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 12-31-2004 11:46 PM
OPTIMA FOR CLASSIC CARS ALWAYS!!
The last thing you want to have to do is replace your battery/inner fender apron due to seepage from a cheap battery or dribbling caused by an overly ambitious voltage regulator. That area is hidden under the battery tray and you may not notice it until it's too late.  Trust me on this one and please don't ask how I know. All that said, for P.O.S. daily drivers or other late model stuff that you are not in love with, I have had great luck with Delco "maintenance free" batteries. I've had several 72 month units that lasted twice the length of the warranty. Of course, keeping your vehcle well tuned so that it rarely takes more than a bump to start goes a long way for battery life.
Sorry for the long post, but I've been so busy that I've not been able to participate here lately and I really miss all of you folks.  It came out like a flood.Gene
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FoMoGo
Gearhead Posts: 153
From: Motor City USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 01-01-2005 03:00 PM
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lyle29464
Gearhead Posts: 1026
From: Mt. Pleasant S.C.
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 01-02-2005 09:42 AM
Put in the largest battery tray that will fit . Get the heaviest battery you can find you will be happy. ------------------
69 vert warm 429 3:55 9" pl 40's flowmasters 4 disks 15" cragars
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xaeubanks
Gearhead Posts: 215
From: Huntsville, Alabama, USA
Registered: Dec 2004
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posted 01-02-2005 10:11 AM
Optima is the way to go------------------
1967 Mustang coupe
2003 Mustang conv.
Will race for food
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FoMoGo
Gearhead Posts: 153
From: Motor City USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 01-02-2005 11:53 AM
All this  over a battery...............
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 01-02-2005 12:28 PM
It��s over Johnny!
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