Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

[Al C.]

The new Delco group 24 batteries fit very snugly in the 1958 battery holder, but the positive terminal cannot be pushed completely down for secure connection due to interference with the upper part of the battery holder.
And the aftemarket fake tar top won't fit because the new battery design has large rectangular cell-filler covers, whereas the old design was flat on top.

[Don H.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

Al
I cannot quite read what model that 24 series battery is, but it is the wrong one. You want the 24A, formerly called ACD24-60. It has the flat top you need, and will fit perfectly. You may need to spread your connector just a touch to fit all the way down on the post. See the 24A battery here.

http://www.batterysales.com/delco-60.cfm

[Al C.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

Dan - thanks.
Delco site has NO photo available. Your batterysales.com does not ship from FL to CA except in bulk. Trying to find Delco sources around here is a time-eater. Delco is not trying very hard these days.
The 24A has only 18 month warranty, then zilch.
The battery that I bought today is a 24PS (shop said that it replaced the old group 24 'Professional' 6-year). 30 months, then zilch !!!
Looking at http://www.acdelco.com/parts/warrant...y_warranty.pdf it appears that this new configuration started in March 2010.
Maybe it's time for NCRS to stop supporting this label.

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

This is what I do when using the group 24. This is for SAFETY, not for JUDGING. I'd prefer the deduct...... over an explosion.

First of all I modify the shield. The original shield has a rounded detent on it's inner frame to allow clearance to the original battery + post location. I don't know the exact dimensions, but it's quite obvious when you place the shield over present batteries, that it is not clearanced properly. I file or grind it to open up the clearance on the shield frame more to match the radius of the +post of the new battery.

I DO NOT use the 4 corner insulator/spacers on the battery. This keeps the shield lower over the battery to help the + cable clamp clear the shield.

I install the shield over the battery....VERY carefully as to not short the + to the shield to the -post. I then install a insulator over the + clamp cable end. Typically I use a sliced piece of rubber hose and tape it on the end. Then I attach the shield J bolt nuts, then the cables.

What I'm left with is a "almost' typically appearing battery installation, with some added safety features for sanity.

Rich
p.s. Yes it appears you need to open your + clamp substantially more, but be cautious of your clearance to the shield metal.

[Edward J.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

Al, what I have done to the current 24 group battery is to take a hake saw and just remove the battery handle and the overlapped ends and the battery hold down will fit, I have done this a few times for some of my 63 friends. without any problems. I am not sure about the topper fitting as 1958 hold downs maybe a different size.

[Al C.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

... be cautious of your clearance to the shield metal.

My problem is in the *vertical* direction, rather than the *horizontal*; the upper retainer does not sit down against the top of the new battery, preventing the positive cable from seating.

[John F.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

Back in July I purchased an ACDelco 24PG (professional gold) locally that has a flat top. Just found the battery on Amazon (with picture) for less than I paid!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008B66PH2?tag=hindugodshiva-20

[Al C.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

Back in July I purchased an ACDelco 24PG (professional gold) locally that has a flat top. Just found the battery on Amazon (with picture) for less than I paid!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ndugodshiva-20

Funny, but on that page I see a photo of battery with two rectangular 3-cell covers, and the excess structure on each end near the top for the carry strap ... and the page tells me it will not fit the 1958 Corvette.
Otherwise sounds like good price for an AGM battery ...
Also odd that it says dangerous shipping, as AGM usually is allowed.

[Al C.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

This new Delco has a massive amount of material for handle supports, that hold the 1958 battery retainer/heat shield up a full 1/2 inch above normal seated position. Thus the terminals lose 1/2 inch of effective length.
I am unwilling to perform that amount of surgery on a brand new item, expecting that the warranty would be instantly void.
(Turned out, my negative cable uses a green knob which magically fits anyway, leading me down the garden path - it was only at the final connection of positive, almost impossible to see tucked under the broad fender, that the truth spoke. And I could not really see what was the problem until I got the battery back out into the light.)

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

My problem is in the *vertical* direction, rather than the *horizontal*; the upper retainer does not sit down against the top of the new battery, preventing the positive cable from seating.

Al, yes it states it doesn't fit, but as with most Group 24 batteries today with the carry handles, they MUST be modified in order to use the original shields. That's why it states it won't. The base width and length will fit, but yes the top length will not. There is where it must be cut.

For every C1 restoration I perform, and for my own '59 Corvette, I buy a Group 24 and I modify it for "best fit". I've used Interstate, Napa, and a few others. Most must be cut. I do this regardless of warranty voiding or not.

I like the Delco for the "special" cars. That "AC Delco" label just looks better in the engine bay on those.

The Napa(I use their #7524) fits without cutting.....just remove the handle and it'll fit. The shield just clears the handle protrusions on the sides. As you can see I use the shield corner spacer pads on those as their profile allows it. The + cable is far above the shield, but I still like to add some insulation around the cable end. The clamp is just about flush with the post.

P1050011.jpgP1050012.jpgP1050013.jpgP1050014.jpgP1050015.jpg


The last time I had a battery replaced under warranty was probably 20 years ago, and the prorated amount was negligible.

To summarize, If you use a Delco 24 it must be cut. If you can live with a non Delco that doesn't need cutting, get yourself a Napa group 24.

Rich

[John F.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

Funny, but on that page I see a photo of battery with two rectangular 3-cell covers, and the excess structure on each end near the top for the carry strap ... and the page tells me it will not fit the 1958 Corvette.
Otherwise sounds like good price for an AGM battery ...
Also odd that it says dangerous shipping, as AGM usually is allowed.

[Al C.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

... If you use a Delco 24 it must be cut. ... Rich

I've been informed off-line by Don Hooper that the Delco 24A (formerly 60; size is Group 24) has no upper protrusions for handle, and no protruding top caps. Now to find one ...

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

I've been informed off-line by Don Hooper that the Delco 24A (formerly 60; size is Group 24) has no upper protrusions for handle, and no protruding top caps. Now to find one ...

Yup, Don's right, but it has a different and interesting "carrying feature".

Found it here....http://www.batterysales.com/delco-60.cfm


24A.jpg

[Kenneth F.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

The MT-24, 5 year Interstate fits a 1962, and a 1966 holder with no modification. Ken

[Christopher R.]

Re: Delco battery - new model does not fit in 1958 C1 battery holder

In addition to the "Professional" series, Delco also carries an "Advantage" series. The Advantage series is cheaper; has a lesser warranty; and, does not have a handle. See the AC Delco website for more information. Not all Delco retailers carry the Advantage series. When I bought an Advantage series Group 24 for my '62 in 2013, it fit the retainer and tray perfectly.