Battery

[shaky]

Hi all,

There is a lot of information on leisure batteries, but what would folk suggest as a good main battery for a 1979 1600 Aircooled Devon?
I have a totally inadequate 26mh installed at the moment. The folks at Halfords looked at me as though I was daft as soon as I said "1979".

Thanks ,

Paul.

[kevtherev]

A UK code 096 fits nice
as long as you dont have a metal battery lid.

[Mocki]

correct battery is 065 .
and you still need to insulate the steel battery cover lids!!

[kevtherev]

the 096 offers more cranking amps than that little torch battery

[shaky]

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies, I think that I have a 036 battery in there. (A Hillman imp battery if I remember correctly). It turns it over (Just)!

Oh and I do have a metal battery cover.... With a nice sheet of rubber over the top!

Cheers for the replies.

Paul.

[California Dreamin]

The one you have isn't man enough. I think 62 amp/hour with 580 cold crank amps was standard so use that as the base line and anything bigger than that is a bonus.

Martin

[chriscburgess]

Can someone please explain the reference to insulating the metal battery lid please?

I assume you mean the one behind the drivers seat with a hinged lid?

[Hacksawbob]

Yes it will short the + and - terminals and there will be at best some sparks flying and melted metal, worst case fire explosion etc I fitted a terminal cover on my + terminal as well as the insulated underside just for belt and braces.

[chriscburgess]

Yes it will short the + and - terminals and there will be at best some sparks flying and melted metal, worst case fire explosion etc I fitted a terminal cover on my + terminal as well as the insulated underside just for belt and braces.

Thanks Hacksawbob. My battery is a tad lower than the lid so no problem so far but insulation seems a good idea.

[Red Westie]

A large piece of inner tube cut and glued to the underside of the battery box cover does the trick! But still fit the plastic positive terminal cover AS WELL.

Martin

[vanhatter]

Still learning the basics, so here's what probably is a stupid question:

Is it essential that the battery is covered by a lid? For instance, a previous owner installed new seats, which means that the cover won't fold down on the drivers side- I'm hoping this isn't a cause for concern!

Thanks!

[CovKid]

No, but the battery should have some kind of securing strap or bracket. Also if the terminals aren't covered in some way, the seat could short across the terminals - with potential damage to battery or even a fire.