I need a new battery for my 12-volt system. I have a 235 in my '41 Coupe. What should be the cranking power in the battery? Thanks,

You may find a better solution by finding the problem that caused you to select a 12-volt system. A "well oiled" 6-volt system works extremely well.

To answer your specific question: Any 12-volt battery will function in your system and need not be a big jumbo, bad a**, battery.

a good 500 - 600 CA battery will be more than adequate for the 235. too often a mega battery is used trying to compensate for a weak starter. that only works for so long. I've used and sold just about every brand of battery (except the Optima) there is and my vote has to go to Delco. A little higher priced maybe but from personal experience the warranty return rate is excellent.

just my opinion
Dennis

I had an original equipment Delco in my S-10 blazer (side post)Was about 15 miles from civilization eating lunch, and when I went to restart the battery light came on. Checked every thing it look okay. Jiggled some wires got back in the Blazer and it started, beat it out of there, got home, lifted the hood and saw that the side post was about ready to fall out of the battery, a slight tug and out she comes. Since that time on a couple of forums I have read the same story over and over again.

I can vouch for that. The positive side terminal broke out on the battery in my S-10 Extreme. First clue was the ugly spot on the floor in the garage. The acid had run down the side of the inner pannel, onto the frame and surronding area. What a mess.

I just had a battery puff up and leak all over my engine compartment and side of motor and exhaust headers plus trashing the tray about two weeks ago.

I replaced it with a gel battery, it is cheaper in the long run (IMHO) then redoing the damage again of another leaking battery.

I had the same thing on my 95 half ton, the replacement battery was one with sideposts and also top posts. I couldn't get fire to ANYTHING but when I checked the battery (at the top post) it checked a full charge. after an hour of frustration, I did remove both cables from the sidepost and cleaned them put them back on, nothing. My voltmeter showed nothing on the sidepost and 13 volts on the top. I exchanged the battery for one in the other truck and everything was fine. The negative sidepost was parted inside the battery case.

I sold a 9" battery cable for a f**d one day. not much to go wrong with that, right? the customer brought it back stating it wouldn't work when installed. a check with a ohm meter showed the eye end wasn't connected to the clamp end. stripping the insulation I found an 1/8" gap in the conductor where the manufacturer evidently changed bulk rolls of copper. stuff happens. I put the cable in my collection along with the 2 Motorcraft plugs that failed to participate in the threading process. when that customer brought them back I looked at him and said "picky, picky, picky." with a smile of course.

Good 6v batteries are scarce. Just replaced one that lasted 35 months, and 3 weeks. It was a 36 month battery. It was fully charged (1260)on the hydrometer but only put out 4v on the meter. Any suggestions about good 6v batteries??

PDXjoe,

I've wondered that for years. is it that they are used sparingly and sit a lot? I'm hoping the new age battery maintainer I've got ordered will help. I keep one on my 71 Cutlass, the battery is more than 5 years old and still cranks the 455 without a problem. I put maybe 1,000 miles a year on it.

Dennis

Joe-
I use Farm & Fleet batteries in my 6 and 12 volt cars.The 6 volts are rated a commerical battery, have a one year warranty and usually last six or seven years.I never charge them during the winter,leave them in the car, but have them fully charged before storage.The 12 volts are middle priced versions, as the big cranking power is necessary and get equal results from them.The batteries are made by Johnson Controls - they make batteries fro many retailers, including Interstate.....See if there is a Farm store in your area and see if you can find out who makes their batteries.The six volts usually run about $35.00.

My last 6v battery was from Central Tractor Supply and lasted for 11 years. I always use a Battery Tender and a battery cut-out switch when it's in storage for more than a week or so and check the electrolyte level often. If the level is low, I always add distilled water - never tap water.

I also had a 14-year old 12v battery in my wife's '71 Olds Cutlass, which was also maintained the same way.

And yes, I'm a compulsive record keeper. I keep a record of evrything I bought for all of my cars, when & where it was purchased and the cost. :rolleyes:

-Bob