C1 - '62 Battery

[Donald B.]

I need to change my battery and was curious what you think of the "standard" replacement batteries (available from Corvette Central, Paragon, Restoration Battery, et.al) versus the maintainence free battery (available from Restoration Battery)?

The price difference is about $75 - about $160 for the "Standard" and about $230 for the "Maintainence Free".

Thanks

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 - '62 Battery

For about $50, you can get a battery locally. The size is a group 24. Any battery from a major manufacturer is going to be good. There's only 2 or 3 manufacturers that make all the batteries. You'll get a warranty that'll be good locally. For my '62, I looked for one where the case was black, and the only markings and labels on it were in the form of stickers. Peel off those stickers, and you've got a plain black battery that won't stand out in your engine compartment. Mistreat it, and instead of lasting 7 or 8 years, it'll only last 6. Every 6 years you'll need to buy a new battery for $50.

If you really want to get fancy, put one of those "toppers" on it that look like the original battery.

If you buy a Delco battery, you don't lose as many judging points as with another brand. Delcos are also excellent batteries. With them, you'd leave the labels on.