Converting a SB C2 Tar top or Restoration Battery to a modern battery

[Garry E.]

My SB C2 Restoration battery died today.... Two or three years ago, there was an article in Restorer about removing the dead "guts" of an original tar top or a Restoration battery and replacing them with a smaller, modern battery. Has anyone done this recently?

If so, what size/type of modern battery did you use? How much cranking power did you need (my engine is a 327/300 hp)? Any issues in doing this conversion?

Thanks!

Garry Eastwood

[Joseph L.]

Re: Converting a SB C2 Tar top or Restoration Battery to a modern battery

Hi Garry
Here is that article

Joe

[Garry E.]

Re: Converting a SB C2 Tar top or Restoration Battery to a modern battery

Thanks....!

[Michael H.]

Re: Converting a SB C2 Tar top or Restoration Battery to a modern battery

Gary I looked into doing this on my R59 restoration battery for my 67 and to put a new small AGM battery like the one that is in there it was going to cost over $200. I'm not sure if it's worth it as I can buy a AC Delco from Menards for about $100 and I should get 4-5 years out of it.

Mike

[Garry E.]

Re: Converting a SB C2 Tar top or Restoration Battery to a modern battery

Gary I looked into doing this on my R59 restoration battery for my 67 and to put a new small AGM battery like the one that is in there it was going to cost over $200. I'm not sure if it's worth it as I can buy a AC Delco from Menards for about $100 and I should get 4-5 years out of it.

Mike

I hear you...... It's just that I don't want to simply pitch that $350 Restoration battery..... and.... the Restoration battery in my '57 seems to be following course...... so..... I want to spend the time (and some $$) to try and preserve "the look' of the originals.....

[Michael J.]

Re: Converting a SB C2 Tar top or Restoration Battery to a modern battery

Yes, one of my Restoration batteries in my '64 exploded (stuck voltage regulator), but since it was the small one inside the case (and the case if quite tough), no damage was done inside my engine compartment. So that is an additional reason to use them again if possible. Steve Walker put a new small one inside mine and you could never tell it was replaced or had exploded......

[Scott S.]

Re: Converting a SB C2 Tar top or Restoration Battery to a modern battery

Be careful, since the author is from DOWN UNDER the polarity may be reversed?
Just Kidding