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69 Vette - Battery Recommendations

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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 12:12 AM
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Default 69 Vette - Battery Recommendations

Hello Group,

I have the following Corvette:

1969 CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE, L46 350/350, Matching Nos, M-20 4-Spd, LeMans Blue/Black, A/C, 3.36 Posi, PS, PB, Tilt/tele.

My battery is finally gone dead, the one that's in the car now is one of those NCRS Original replacement batteries that the previous owner installed many years ago (top posts).

I wish to upgrade to a good-Quality, Long-lasting, Good Amperage Battery. My corvette is mostly OEM EXCEPT for an extremely nice Custom Installed Stereo Sound System w/ Custom Sub-woofer and JL Amplifiers.

I wish to get a good quality battery (top post) that will replace the one in the 69 vette and be a better amperage and higher quality battery. I kept the battery on a trickle charger while stored in the garage. Finally quit taking a charge. I also have a quick-disconnect switch on the battery.

What Recommendations have others used in their C3???

TIA,

Danny
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 01:03 AM
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I have sold Excide batteries for several years and have them in all my vehicles. Very rarely have any ajustments/warranties. I always get the 1000 amp batteries for my stuff.

http://www.exideworld.com/products/t...utomotive.html
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 09:05 AM
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I install exide orbital (agm) batteries in everything I own. They are pricey but will never leak. They have top and side post so they fit many cars. Dave
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 09:32 AM
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Odyssey AGM - no contest - spins my 427-400 like a 4 cylinder

24PC1500T has correct top terminal config and fits in batt box mounts properly. 4yr unconditional (no pro-rate) replacement warranty.

Last edited by Capella; Feb 7, 2009 at 11:38 AM.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 05:51 PM
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About a year ago Consumer Reports did a test on auto batteries. Their top two were the NAPA Gold and the Wal Mart Maxx. I don't believe any brand tested poorly but those two stood out from the rest.

Unfortunately they did not test batteries like the Optima which are a different technology and it would have been nice to see how they would have tested out in comparison.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Capella
Odyssey AGM - no contest - spins my 427-400 like a 4 cylinder

24PC1500T has correct top terminal config and fits in batt box mounts properly. 4yr unconditional (no pro-rate) replacement warranty.
These replies are exactly what I am looking for. "Thank you" so much for this info. I especially like the replies such as the one above that gives me the .....Model # of the battery and the info about correct fit and terminal type. This way I will be able to call around and see who has the exact battery in my area and I know from your experience that it will fit well in my battery box in my (1969) C3. (350/350)

I'd like to start shopping for a battery next week, so any more input on Battery replacement for a C3 would be very helpful.

Please include MAKE, MODEL and any info to your CORRECT FIT and TERMINAL type (top needed) info.... I do want to put my "cut-off" switch back on the new Battery.

The Battery thats in there now is one of those NCRS (replica of original 69 battery) and it's finally gone and will not hold a charge over time well. I'd like a better battery any how to handle the powerful custom stereo I have installed. Other than that it's pretty much Stock.

TIA - Danny
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 10:48 PM
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For a top terminal battery, the correct size is a Group 24. For a side terminal battery, the size is Group 74.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 10:58 PM
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BTW, What trickle charger would you recommend? I have a "Guest 2602 Battery Pal Maintenance Charge - 15702" trickle charger that I have been using for $34 and wondering if I should get something better while I'm getting the new Battery?

http://www.boatersmarinesupply.com/m...?m7:item=15702
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 11:01 PM
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Unless you have a parasitic load when the key is off, you won't need a trickle charger with the Odyssey. They have a 3yr shelf life (nearly non-existent self discharge rate). We use them in race cars and boats that are stored for long periods of time and they always fire right up at the beggining of the season. They also have great high current flow characteristics.
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 02:04 AM
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I bought a couple of these one for my car one for my boat. Affordable and has worked well for years now.

Rob

http://www.lectriclimited.com/batter...loat%20Charger
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 12:50 PM
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When I bought my '81 five years ago it had an Optima red top in it that was not new. Since then, every other vehicle I own has had it's battery replaced, but the Optima shows no signs of weakening. I'm sold!

God bless, Sensei
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 04:13 PM
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I'm still looking for Good Battery replacement recommendations for my 69 Vette? It may not get driven for several months at a time and the battery thats it in now is not holding a charge very well.

As of now I am leaning towards the "Odyssey AGM" or "Exide Orbital AGM" (Group 24 - top post) Battery...But still looking for more comments/advise/either on these batteries or others.

Also thinking of upgrading from my "Guest 2602 Battery Pal Maintenance Charge - 15702" trickle charger to possibly a "Deltran SuperSmart Battery Tender Plus" or "Battery Butler"...

etech152

~
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 04:42 PM
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The Battery Tender Plus is excellent. You won't go wrong buying it...no matter what battery you decide to buy.
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Roughrider
The Battery Tender Plus is excellent. You won't go wrong buying it...no matter what battery you decide to buy.
Thanks! That's good info to know.

Now if I can just make up my mind on a good battery, I'll be set...

Any more recommendations anyone?




TIA

~

Last edited by etech152; Feb 10, 2009 at 08:52 PM. Reason: Mispelling
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 10:07 PM
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I put an Optima battery in mine after I bought it, and the battery that was in it was fairly new too. I like the Optima, and I don't like any acid fumes right behind me.
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 10:26 PM
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I put an optima red top in mine. the car can sit for months with the clock running and never had a problem starting the car.
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 10:43 PM
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Optima red is a very good battery. However, I use Interstate, which is no slouch either.
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To 69 Vette - Battery Recommendations

Old Feb 10, 2009 | 10:59 PM
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Ok, After MUCH research online, I have ordered a Battery Tender Plus, it is the:

Deltran SuperSmart Battery Tender Plus 12-Volt 1.25 AMP Battery Charger
http://www.amazon.com/Deltran-SuperS...4319730&sr=8-1

Amazon.com price $42.23 (FREE Shipping)


I'm still open to a good Battery Replacement for my 69 Conv. I am enjoying all the posts from everyone. YOUR OPINIONS AND COMMENTS ARE VERY HELPFUL...

Here are the (3) Battery Choices I am leaning towards so far, I require (Group 24) Top post - Exact Fit, and will use a Battery Tender Plus on it while stored and covered in the Garage:

-Optima Red Top
-Odyssey AGM
-Exide Orbital AGM

Which one would YOU choose?



~
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 11:02 PM
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I vote optima red top. The catalog # that fits your car is opt8004-003
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 400hp427vette
I vote optima red top. The catalog # that fits your car is opt8004-003

Thank you VERY much for this info! The reviews on the Optima Red Top Batteries are impressive and the price looks good as well.

A few Questions: The part number you gave me of #8004-003 is that the exact fit (Group 24 TOP POST) for the 69 vette? Just wanted to double-check if I decide to order the Optima Red Top. BTW, What year is your vette? Is this the same #8004-003 Optima Red Top Battery that you have in your vette?

I will be installing my Quick-Disconnect (Battery On/off switch - round Green **** you twist) Adaptor on the Battery and will use the Battery Tender Plus on it while parked in Garage.



Thanks In Advance (TIA) for all comments.

~

Last edited by etech152; Feb 10, 2009 at 11:46 PM. Reason: typo
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