Source for a replacement AC/Delco battery for an '81 Corvette

[Michael J.]

Re: Source for a replacement AC/Delco battery for an '81 Corvette

Yes, I have known that only Antique Auto Battery does these. I have not had any problems getting Autolite ones for my Fords lately, but have not bought an AC/Delco reproduction in a while. Maybe I should have some spares.

[John D.]

Re: Source for a replacement AC/Delco battery for an '81 Corvette

Michael, If you can only find an AC battery of same size at least you could get about 50% credit. In the future the way things are going no one us will be able to have a correct battery.

[Michael J.]

Re: Source for a replacement AC/Delco battery for an '81 Corvette

Here is a good article on these illusive batteries:

http://www.81z28camaro.com/id11.html

[Patrick H.]

Re: Source for a replacement AC/Delco battery for an '81 Corvette

The 75 I currently have tightly fits in the compartment, an inch longer would make it very difficult to get in and out I think.

That's correct. The correct size is an absolute bear to install.
The only good thing is that the new gel mat batteries are a lot lighter than lead acid ones.

[Joe L.]

Re: Source for a replacement AC/Delco battery for an '81 Corvette

The 75 I currently have tightly fits in the compartment, an inch longer would make it very difficult to get in and out I think. The 75 I have has 700 CCA, as do the replacements. I will search around and see if I can find the Freedom II dimensions. The guys over on the Camaro and Firebird forums have been making their own replacements from old Freedom II cases with Optima batteries inside. But not sure I want to go there.

Michael-------


What are the dimensions of the 1981 battery compartment (length, width, height)?

[Michael J.]

Re: Source for a replacement AC/Delco battery for an '81 Corvette

11" long, 9 1/2" wide, 8 1/2" deep.

[Joe L.]

Re: Source for a replacement AC/Delco battery for an '81 Corvette

11" long, 9 1/2" wide, 8 1/2" deep.

Michael------

The dimensions of my 1969 battery box are as follows:

length (as measured at the opening)----------------12"

width (as measured at the opening)-----------------10"

height (as measured from the very-------------------9-1/2"
bottom of the box to the opening)

So, if we have measured the box in the same way, apparently the 1981 battery box is somewhat smaller than the 1969 (and other earlier C3).

[Michael J.]

Re: Source for a replacement AC/Delco battery for an '81 Corvette

I'm pretty sure they are smaller, remember the '81 was the first year for a maintenance free battery for a Corvette, the Freedom II, which was supposedly a big technological step forward for batteries.