Club 80-90 Forums

Just to let others know in case they try this idea too:

I thought I'd replace my original battery [1.9 petrol engine] for a beefier 096:

I bought a new Lucas UK code 096 that should fit snugly in the battery box, replacing the rather weedy looking 067
Here's it's specification:
LUCAS 096 Battery
Voltage: 12 Volts Capacity: 70Ah
CCA: 750 SAE Length: 278 mm /Width: 175 mm /Height: 190 mm Weight: 19 kg Guarantee: 3 Years

And guess what, it DOES NOT fit I did check with the supplier before I parted with my money to confirm it was a UK spec one, and it was, but its 15mm or so too tall so the drivers seat wont go back enough and as I'm over 6' theres no way I can live with the seat in midget mode

Oh well, back to the drawing board. Anyone fancy a shiny new 096 battery

I have recently purchased an 80ah battery to replace my small 65ah one, and it too is 190mm tall, and yes, I went by the above quote too, however, I can just manage to get my passenger seat to slide over the unclipped battery cover, but not happy stressing/flexing the metal hinge.

What I plan on doing is drilling the rivets, and then fitting a 8mm spacer bar along the length of the hinge, and then reattaching the lid with self tappers.

Yeah, it's a real bummer, but there you are.

I think I'll re-locate this one into the little cupboard behind the drivers seat and use it as my leisure battery and start again with a 175 mm tall one, of the highest capacity I can find.

If it wasn't for the work involved, I'd even contemplate fitting in the engine compartment instead. Probably work better too, with a shorter live cable? Too much ag though I think

You live and learn, eh?

I have three 096 batteries and they all measure 175mm in height... (three years old)
perhaps the spec has changed?

here's more confusion then

Exide premium 096..

12V, 72A/h, 720CCA

280L x 175W x 175H x 175TH (mm)

I think the code has changed to 100
this is the same size as my 096 and the one above

Varta 100 (E9)

Varta Black 680CCA Battery

Part Number: 100 (57044)

Short Code: E9

Capacity (c20): 700Ah

CCA (EN): 640A

Dimensions (mm): 278 long x 175 wide x 175 high

I've just fitted a Lucas Premium with a 100 code, fits like a glove.

It's a shame about that 096 being too tall and anything anybody is going to say now will be 'in hindsight' unfortunately I know I'm right is saying nearly all suppliers/manufacturers websites have the dimensions listed for their batteries....this could have been avoided... sorry.

Martin

Kev...I've just done a little browsing myself looking at 096 batteries from Bosch/Varta/Exide & Lucas and by and large they are all too tall 190mm. The 100 size definitely relates to batteries standing at just 175mm..with power around the 70 - 74ah (630 - 700 CCA) which is ideal, again I looked at several brands with this code.
I think we should be very wary about recommending the 096 size given the findings..please check for yourself.

Martin

Thanks for the replies guys.

Might be a good idea to put something in the Wiki to let everyone know that 175mm is the MAX height to go into our petrol vans?
E D I T: If its going underneath the standard factory seat without a swivel mechanism.

What about my thinking of putting it in the rear, could that be a runner do you think?

Probably easier to just get another correct size one though perhaps?

Doug.

California Dreamin wrote:..please check for yourself.

Martin

er... I did and I posted my findings
and I checked my local battery man ..There again an 096 was 175mm... as are mine

I bought an 096 from advice on here. It appears now, this advice is ambiguous.

190 mm is the limit on batteries, some conversions won't take this without a swivel seat.

I think the lesson here is measure the dang thing before you buy it.
Or choose the 100 which is not to be ambiguous.

I will go on Wiki and make amendments.

Martin

Measure twice fit once

096 Bosch i fitted last week seams decant.

I ordered an 096 as per kevs advice.
I noticed a descrepancy in the sizing on the site I bought it.
Some of them were 195 high, but I saw one that was 175 high.
I bought that one, luckily.

kevtherev wrote:I think the lesson here is measure the dang thing before you buy it.

Aye, I think some battery sizings are a bit of a guideline - the manufacturers don't expect, it seems, every last millimetre to be crucial. It's not just the height for us that's a problem - my last car was a "proper" Saab 900 turbo - and the width is _really_ key, otherwise the battery is pressed hard into the heat shield for the turbo. Some people get around that by removing the heatshield...