Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

[Sean S.]

[Joe L.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

I need to replace the battery on a 1968 L79 convertible. 1968 has the top terminals. I was thinking about going with an AC Delco. Doing an internet search, it looks like my choices are:
24P red 18 month,
24PS sliver 30 month,
24PG gold 42 month,
24-5yr 60 month.
Do these appear to be the correct, current offerings for a ‘68? Any particular recommendations?
I was planning on going to my local Chevrolet dealer. What should I expect to pay? Or is there a better place to purchase?

She’s a nice driver, with air conditioning. Still needs a little work, but hope to have her out and about soon.

Thanks,
Sean

Sean------


I don't think the 24-5YR is available anymore. I recommend the 24PG. I use the Delco Gold-series batteries, myself.

I should have mentioned, most batteries on the market today are manufactured by only a handful of companies, Johnson Controls and Exide being the big two. However, that does not mean that they make them all the same. I prefer Delco. Among other reasons, a Delco battery just "seems right" for a Corvette. Find a local Delco dealer to get your best price.

[Michael H.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

If you have a Menards near you they carry A/C Delco batteries at a good price.

Mike

[Sean S.]

[Sean S.]

[Mark E.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

For an occasional driver, I used to use ACDelco. Then I discovered I could get a battery with similar specs and a comparable if not better warranty for less money from Walmart.

For example, their best battery for your car, the Everstart MAXX is 700 CCA, has a 3 year full replacement warranty (not prorated) and cost $120.

Whatever you choose, check the date code and don't be bashful rejecting an old stock. A fresh battery will last longer.

[Terry M.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

For my driver vehicles (including the 2008 Z06) I use East Penn Battery -- Deka Brand. East Penn is the only battery manufacturer left in the USA. One has to ask how important "Made in the USA" is. I have had great success with these batteries and I am supporting my country..

Where to get them:

http://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com/contact/where-to-buy/?division=186

[Joe L.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

For an occasional driver, I used to use ACDelco. Then I discovered I could get a battery with similar specs and a comparable if not better warranty for less money from Walmart.

For example, their best battery for your car, the Everstart MAXX is 700 CCA, has a 3 year full replacement warranty (not prorated) and cost $120.

Whatever you choose, check the date code and don't be bashful rejecting an old stock. A fresh battery will last longer.

Mark------

The Delco 24PG battery has 700 CCA and a 42 month free replacement warranty. My local AC Delco dealer sells this battery for $110.

[Richard G.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

PG is Delco speak for Professional Grade.

Off topic (2006 Corvette) I need a new batter for it.
I just checked with the local NAPA and it was $180.00 for their best battery.
I never call the local Chevrolet dealer but they are the only Delco dealer near me.
Their price was 125 for the 90PS battery.
I was amazed at the decent dealer pricing.

I like Delco batteries. Typically get 6 or 7 years out of them..
The current battery (Non-Delco) lasted 4.
Rick

[Tom R.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

Well I happen to be in Melrose Park IL (Chicago area) and went to Menard's yesterday. The Delco computer catalog did not pull up a part number for a 1978 Corvette but I saw what could be the correct battery...side post and 670 CCa. This AM I looked at the Delco online catalog and found the 78 VPG, or the gold side post with 800 CCA...the one Joe described above. Returned to the Menard's online battery catalog but it continued to not show a part number for a 78 Corvette. They do show a 78A with the 670 CCA which is probably close for $104.00. It's a 36 month battery but the AC Delco online catalog does not show this battery for a 78 Corvette.

I see online a 78 VPG goes for $149.00 which is the pricing my local auto service center quoted when I asked about availability. I prefer the extended warranty because these sit for years on the trickle charger.

[Mark E.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

Mark------

The Delco 24PG battery has 700 CCA and a 42 month free replacement warranty. My local AC Delco dealer sells this battery for $110.

I looked at the receipt for my 4 year old Walmart battery. $52 plus tax.

Since then, it looks like the price more than doubled.

The battery continues to work fine, with long stretches of nonuse. Bit it's less compelling with the price change.

[Sean S.]

[Michael H.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

Sean,

Duracell automotive batteries from my local Batteries & Bulbs store are made by East Penn as well. I bought one of there AGM batteries for my 02 corvette.

Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

East Penn makes most (can’t say all, likely) of the AGM batteries that you can buy under a variety of brands.
Look at the East Penn website, then check the offerings from your local parts store. The case is exactly the same.

I bought rebranded East Penn AGM batteries for my 2008 Corvette and most recently my 2013 GMC truck.

[Joe L.]

Re: Battery Recommendation 1968 L79

It’s been 6 months since I posed the question.

I pretty much had my mind made up that I wanted an AC/Delco battery. Purchased the 24PG through my local Chevy dealer. It’s been great so far, and as Joe said...it just seems right for a Corvette.

BTW, I did search for it through Menard’s without luck, so just bit the bullet and went with my dealer. I don’t have the receipt in front of me as I type this, but cost was about $150.

Something else I learned, these batteries are NOT labeled with the month/year of manufacture. I’m not sure if there is a way to decode (there is a serial number) the date. I was told to hold onto the receipt for warranty purposes. I put my own month/year label on the battery so I would remember.

As Terry pointed out, East Penn is the only domestic manufacturer of batteries. I am very much a “Made In USA” guy, and considered an East Penn, but the closest dealer in the St. Louis area was over an hour away from my home. And, since I really wanted an AC/Delco, I went with the 24PG.

Fast forward to today. The battery was dying in my daily driver, a Pontiac Firebird. I probably would have purchased another AC/Delco, but I wanted to change it today, and I had to wait a day for the Corvette battery to get to the Chevy dealer. So, I thought I’d look online and see who had what, compare CCA, CA, and RP, and check prices.

What I discovered was the NAPA Legend. The premium model is 690 CCA, 850 CA, and 95 RP at $148 with a $20 rebate. The other option isthe professional model, having 650 CCA, 800 CA, and 90 RP at $125 with a $10 rebate. The “kicker” is both batteries are manufactured by East Penn. Proudly made in USA.

With a difference of only $23, and $10 more in rebate $, I purchased the premium model. Bought on the NAPA website and picked up at my local NAPA store (dropped off my core at the same time).

BTW, the NAPA/East Penn battery for my Firebird is a side post, and it was in stock. My Corvette is a top post. The NAPA battery is available as a top post, albeit $10 more, and a day wait.

I’m still happy I purchased the AC/Delco for the Corvette. Wouldn’t have changed my mind. But Terry got me thinking about the East Penn, and I was pretty excited to purchase one for my daily. Will see how they compare. Wanted to let others know about the NAPA battery as an option for their Corvette or other vehicle.

God Bless The United States!

Cheers!
Sean

Sean------


Yes, Delco batteries do have an encoded date of manufacture. It can be decoded as follows:

The warranty date code is located on the top label of the battery. The first character is either a P or S. The next two digits determine the month, the third digit is year and the fourth digit indicates the manufacturing plant. For example, P 097N means the battery was made in September 2017.

If a battery failure and warranty claim occurs, the battery's in-service period is determined by a Delco dealer as follows:

1) The in-service date is considered the date of sale if the owner has the original receipt;

2) If the owner does not have the receipt, then the date of manufacture is used as the in-service date.

Obviously, for warranty purposes, it's to the owner's advantage to have the original receipt. The Delco Gold series batteries have a 42 month free replacement warranty. If a battery fails within the 42 month period, the owner gets a new battery and the 42 month "time clock" starts clicking again.