buckybadger45

Hi all, I'm looking for a battery for my 1966 coupe, 327/300, no AC. The car was NCRS about 15 years ago and currently has a lead acid reproduction in it. The car will not be judged again but I'd at least like to keep the look of the original. I've come across two companies with a web search, Jim's Battery Manufacturing (formerly Antique Auto Battery) and Battery Central Mall. They both seem to have reproduction look batteries, black caps yellow lettering etc. although they are AGM style, that look identical to the original equipment. Has anyone had any dealings with either of these companies? Information on Antique Auto battery has been mixed and I have not been able to find anything about Battery Central. Thanks for your comments.

gilbybarr

You may want to stay with true repro batteries, but just as an aside, I went with a "topper" repro (mock up plate that just goes over a conventional battery for my '65....I just buy a good battery with the right post orientation and swap it out each time I get a new battery. Not going to fool NCRS by any means, but does keep "the look" without the expense (and short life span) of the actual repro versions. Cant remember the source, but I'm sure you can find via google search. Just a thought. See photo.....

Bluestripe67

Getting a quality battery and putting the fake top on is smart money in your case. The money saved from an over priced reproduction battery can be used to fill the tank on that '66 and drive the wheels off of it. Dennis

buckybadger45

I priced out a replacement battery today at the shop that works on my car. It's an Interstate. I also found "toppers" from Ecklers and Mid-America, there may be others. That's what I'm going to do. Saves about $200. Thanks for the advice and the picture.

buckybadger45

Thanks. See post above, I'm going with a replacement as you suggested and am forgetting the reproduction.

corvetteed

That $200 savings is impressive. Well done!

Boyan

I used to be a dealer for Antique Auto Battery. They had 2 versions for Corvettes. Lead acid and AGM. The AGM hidden inside a reproduction case was excellent. Mine is 13 years old and still going. I think the company restructured, but should be same.

AlHewitt

I have a couple of the Antique Battery series reproductions that I bought several years ago at $250 each. These are, I believe, Optimal batteries in a tar top Delco looking construction and they are the look of factory original. Where you are getting a $200 savings is my question? Maybe the price of the original look-a-like has gone up, just sayin... Al

buckybadger45

Al, Thanks for the response. The quotes that I got for the reproduction batteries both off of their website and over the phone were $280 plus $46 shipping from one and $339 shipping included from the other. They were both AGM type. I checked with my repair shop and he said he would not be able to buy them any cheaper than I could and he would charge $30 to install. The non-reproduction battery was $140 and the topper was $25 so installed the savings would be either $186 or $199 (I rounded the savings). There may be other sellers of reproduction batteries out there that are cheaper.