Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

[Joe M.]

After 3 years of use, the repro tar top battery in my 1960 died and will not accept a charge. I know that it is built with an AGM-type battery inside the repro plastic shell.

Has anyone ever successfully opened up the repro battery case to access the AGM battery? I would like to replace the AGM battery. I don't know if the AGM battery was dropped in from the top and the top sealed to the shell or inserted from the bottom and a bottom plate sealed to the shell.

[Jim D.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

Unfortunately, the AGM battery that is used in that tar top is specially made by Odyssey for Antique battery and is not available to the general public. It's odd that it only lasted 3 years. Do you use the correct battery charger? Odyssey batteries are designed to last 10+ years if maintained correctly. I have two of them that are over 5 years old with no problems.

[Jim D.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

I forgot to add - several years ago I had a problem with one and it turned out the cable inside the battery that connects the Odyssey battery to the posts came loose. Antique Battery paid the shipping both ways for the replacement but I had to wait until they received new cases. I was told that when they open them up to find the problem, it destroys the case.

[Jim S.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

After 3 years of use, the repro tar top battery in my 1960 died and will not accept a charge. I know that it is built with an AGM-type battery inside the repro plastic shell.

Has anyone ever successfully opened up the repro battery case to access the AGM battery? I would like to replace the AGM battery. I don't know if the AGM battery was dropped in from the top and the top sealed to the shell or inserted from the bottom and a bottom plate sealed to the shell.

They can be opened and a replacement battery can be installed. Bring measurements to a battery supply firm that sells AGM batteries. In order to reach the cable connection, the case must be opened from the top. It is a VERY messy job with an angle grinder. If you cut along the side near the top, the battery hold down frame will 'hide' the cut. (Did I say that it is a MESSY job?)

[Michael J.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

Hearing all that, I think I would just buy a new one.

[Joe M.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

Jim, I checked my receipt and I purchased the battery from Antique Battery in Jan. 2012. I used a Battery Minder Plus on it when the car was not used for extended periods of time. I have a battery charger that has an AGM setting on it and it starts to charge, then shuts off. The battery shows to have 8.5 volts in it. Maybe the voltage is too low for my "smart" charger to charge.

Since I no longer go through Flight judging, not willing to part with $300 for a new one. I have a 5 year old Walmart battery in it now that is cranking it just fine.

[Edward B.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

Perhaps your "Antique" battery is one of those that has to be charged in parallel with a conventional battery so as to trick your charging unit to perform past its automatic shut off point? http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/interio...a-agm-battery/

[Joe M.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

That is what I am trying now.

[Joe M.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

Good news. Using a fully charged 12V battery connected in parallel to the repro battery fooled my "smart" charger and allowed it to charge the repro battery. Full charge required several hours, but this morning, it was at 13.2V. Problem solved.

There are chargers on the market that are supposedly smart enough to charge an AGM battery when other chargers (like mine) will not do so.

[Michael J.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

That's good news. Now you just have to figure out why your Battery MINDer Plus let it get so discharged to begin with. Maybe it malfunctioned?

[Jim D.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

Both Antique Battery and Odyssey recommend using an Odyssey Charger designed specifically for these batteries.That's what I use with no issues - http://www.odysseybattery.com/chargers.aspx

[Michael J.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

Both Antique Battery and Odyssey recommend using an Odyssey Charger designed specifically for these batteries.That's what I use with no issues - http://www.odysseybattery.com/chargers.aspx

They do now, but not that long ago, maybe 3-4 years, they were recommending the Battery MINDer Plus, that is the reason I bought mine back then. I have also used them (4) trouble free, except for one unit that went out and would not keep the battery charged. I also bought 3 Odyssey Ultimizers for the recent batteries I ordered from them, as they were recommended. One of those also went out and wouldn't keep the battery charged, so I'm not sure anything is totally reliable. I just ordered a new battery for my '64, when it comes I am curious what they recommend now.

[James B.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

They do now, but not that long ago, maybe 3-4 years, they were recommending the Battery MINDer Plus, that is the reason I bought mine back then. I have also used them (4) trouble free, except for one unit that went out and would not keep the battery charged. I also bought 3 Odyssey Ultimizers for the recent batteries I ordered from them, as they were recommended. One of those also went out and wouldn't keep the battery charged, so I'm not sure anything is totally reliable. I just ordered a new battery for my '64, when it comes I am curious what they recommend now.

I'm also curious what they now recommend. Please let us know what you find out. Thanks, Michael.

[Jim D.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

They do now, but not that long ago, maybe 3-4 years, they were recommending the Battery MINDer Plus, that is the reason I bought mine back then. I have also used them (4) trouble free, except for one unit that went out and would not keep the battery charged. I also bought 3 Odyssey Ultimizers for the recent batteries I ordered from them, as they were recommended. One of those also went out and wouldn't keep the battery charged, so I'm not sure anything is totally reliable. I just ordered a new battery for my '64, when it comes I am curious what they recommend now.

Was it Antique Battery that recommended the Battery Minder? I've always gone with the recommendation of the manufacturer of the battery and they have always said to use the Ultimizer. In fact, when I had the loose connection issue, Antique Battery asked what charger I use. I told them a 25 amp Ultimizer and they told me that was the problem and that I "cooked" the battery because the charger was too big. No warranty. I tried to explain their error in thinking about charger ratings to no avail so I had Bruce Essig from Odyssey call them and straighten them out. They then covered the battery.

[Michael J.]

Re: Repro Tar Top Battery "Repair"

Yes, I have only bought one from Restoration Battery, until my new one comes any day now, I hope.