REPRO. BATTERYS

[Mike L.]

Has anyone heard of a good repro. battery company? and how would this be with NCRS judgeing? Would there be full loss of points? Thanks

[Tom B.]

Re: REPRO. BATTERYS

Mike,

I've used Retoration Battery out of Cincinnati, Ohio with good results. They are one of our supporters and advertize in the NCRS Driveline. Their number is 513-451-1038. Battery topics come around on a timely basis and more references and opinions can be found in the Archives.

Also, I'll go out on a limb and say that a reproduction battery will probably be the most favorable "point-wise" for judging purposes, that is, nothing short of a working original (if that's even still possible). TBarr #24014

[Juliet P.]

Re: REPRO. BATTERYS

It all depends on what you want. Personally I refuse to spend upwards of $200 for a lousy repro battery which I have to add water to and isn't going to last all that long anyways! I DRIVE my corvette when ever I can! For me the better decision was to loose some points, but still keep some by purchasing a "current replacement" AC Delco battery with the correct configuration. For my 1970 that was an AC Delco battery with ONLY REAR terminals, and not the AC Delco ones with BOTH top & rear terminals (incorrect configuration). These can be had for about $70. If you're really squeezing out the last few points you may have no option but to go for the repro ones. I canned that idea for me & my corvette for a "usable item" given the current budget. Who knows though, maybe in 5 years I just may be eating my own words and actually go out to buy a "show" battery... and just put the other one in to drive it anywhere other than to get it judged. ~Juliet

[Chuck G.]

Re: REPRO. BATTERYS

I've had very good luck with Dave Lane's batteries. He's out of Hudson, Ohio. Never ordered via mail...always see him at Carlisle. The one in my 69 has been there for 2 1/2 years without problems...the one in my 63 has been there for at least 6 years with no problems. In my opinion, the currently available repro batteries are far superior to the ones available 15 years ago. I believe that his batteries cost approximately $130.00. I've never lost a battery "point" at NCRS events. Chuck

[Juliet P.]

Well EAT my words now!

Chuck, For around $130 I might even have to EAT my own words now! You sure do know all the secrets to this hobby! At that price, I'll certainly eat them before I get the car judged again! What a deal! :-) ~Juliet

[Tony H.]

Re: REPRO. BATTERYS

My battery for the 1970 LS-5 (heavy duty battery) was about $200. Haven't lost any points either on judging and the battery has worked well for over a year. I purchased mine from the outfit in Cinci which advertises in the Driveline. Both places mentioned in the previous posts were about equivalent in price for the whole lineup of batteries. I just happened to have one of the more expensive batteries! You can even get them date coded for a small fee.

[Everett Ogilvie]

Re: Well EAT my words now!

I went down this path myself and eventually got the repro battery for my '66. Note that they are shipped dry, so you have to buy a gallon of sulfuric, so by the time you pay battery shipping and acid cost, you might have about $160 invested. And, the batteries are upgraded internally and I have heard of some of them lasting 5 years. The best part of all though, is how wonderful they look in your engine compartment.

[Tony H.]

Local Truck Battery Shop for Dry Shipped Batteries

When I ordered/received my reproduction battery for my 1970 BB, I had the battery filled at a local truck battery outlet where they service bvatteries for trucks and other vehicles. They filled the battery right there in there shop and asked that I put $5 in their donation jar for local children charities.