Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

[Michael J.]

I know this can be done, as I have seen it a few times, but I can't find any information on who might be able to do it. I have an original old, side post Delco, it is a goner but the case, stickers, caps, are all in like new shape, does anyone take these batteries and install a new one inside and put it back together so it looks good? This is a model and year Restoration Batteries does not do, I asked them first. Thanks.

[Gary J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

There was an article in The Restorer Magazine on this subject, maybe Vinnie can supply a link

[Michael J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Thanks Gary, I think I remember glancing at that, maybe Vinnie can find it. But I am not sure I could ever undertake something like that, so am hoping someone knows someone who has done it and want to take it on.

[Edward J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Mike the issue is summer of 2011.I am not sure if there are others, but seem to remember another one using a smaller battery with in the case.

[Paul J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Mike, the article was excellent. Restorer magazines are available at the store on DVD, but they're classified by years, so Vinnie might have to tell you which set it's on.

As for difficulty, it's not that hard. I would think that most people on this forum could handle it.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Here's a link, 2 separate articles, black on white and white on black

https://www.ncrs.org/restorer/Battery%20conversion.pdf

[Michael J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Thanks Vinnie, and Paul, I'll take a look but am always afraid of cutting open old batteries. I'll see what kind of saws and tools it takes.

[Edward J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Mike be sure to take some photos if you decide to under take. Side post batteries may require a different attack. a battery such as group 51 from a Honda may retro fit into the bigger case It depends weather or not the pos. and neg. terminals are on the same sides.

[Michael J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Thank Ed, I will do that, and also since this is for a Bowtie judged car, I may see if the dead original battery, if jumped by my power pack, will run the car long enough so I can drive it off the trailer and onto the judging field. No Ops in Bowtie, so all I need to do is get it in, I understand even pushing it on is allowed, it doesn't have to run, but I would like for it to.

[Edward J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Mike as long as the alternator is charging I would think it will stay running , but I would try it with the battery pack installed, also they are making a smaller jump pak that will fit into the battery box,its a neat little unit. I keep this is my driver just in case, if you want a pick send me a PM with your email or IPhone #

[Michael J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Thanks Ed, will do.

[Edward J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Mike you have mail. Charge it (model #pp15) Its on Amazon. should fit into battery box, its size is 7 x 3 1/4 inchs.

[Mike E.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

If it is not THE original installed in the car at St Louis, it will not make any difference for bow tie judging unless you are dishonest about it.

[Michael J.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

If it is not THE original installed in the car at St Louis, it will not make any difference for bow tie judging unless you are dishonest about it.

Well, since the car has already been judged at chapter and regional with a Bowtie sign-off with a replacement Delco in it and passed Ops, it is impossible to lie about it.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Refurbishing an old battery with a new one

Well, since the car has already been judged at chapter and regional with a Bowtie sign-off with a replacement Delco in it and passed Ops, it is impossible to lie about it.

As you know, no Ops for Bowtie judging. And, losing one line item for the battery won't hurt the car.
I'd just display it along with the car, leaving the working one inside the car and functional.