Battery Question

[Roger Frazee]

I am preparing to show my 1963 Corvair Spyder at an upcoming National, and I am having difficulty finding a battery that has the look of the original. 

 

"Vintage" batteries are available for '65-'69 Corvairs but not for the early models.  There are not even fake tar-tops available for the size 51 battery that goes in early Corvairs.

 

My question is, will I lose points for a battery that doesn't look like the original, even though such a battery does not exist?

[Barney Eaton]

You will probable have point deduction for the incorrect battery.   However it is usually only 1 or 2 points

If you have everything else in top condition and other owners have the same battery issue then they will 

also have deductions.    I am unfamiliar with the CORSA judging points

[Oldsmobile 83]

Roger,

The total points for a battery is 5 points.  The AACA Judging Guidelines state this regarding the battery.  Thus, you would want a battery that is from the era of the vehicle. 

 

  

 

It might not be a bad idea to send a message to the AACA VP - Judging Jim Elliott to let him know what issues you have encountered and see if he has any insight.

Jim Elliott

VP - Judging

PO Box 723 Yorktown, VA 23692

 

Tim

[Barney Eaton]

with AACA judging,  would it be true if there was any sort of battery only 4 points would be deducted.... the only time 5 points would be deducted if there was no battery present. 

[John W. Harvey]

Roger, the information given by Barney is incorrect.  Guidelines are: maximum deduction if item is missing, non-authentic, or no longer fit for purpose intended.  Thus, wrong battery is a 5 point deduction.  You can email me at johnwharvey@comcast.net and I’ll give you my phone number so we can chat. 

[Roger Frazee]

I looked on Ebay and found reproduction yellow Delco battery caps and a Repro Delco battery decal.  Now I can make my own old-timey battery!

[John W. Harvey]

That is good news Roger!  Again, if you have any additional questions, please email me.

[Avanti Bill]

I got a correct battery for my 66 Corsa convertible from Battery Central Mall in VA.  It is an Optima battery in a correct case which I have had good luck with.  

 

https://batterycentralmall.com/

[Roger Frazee]

44 minutes ago, Avanti Bill said:

I got a correct battery for my 66 Corsa convertible from Battery Central Mall in VA.  It is an Optima battery in a correct case which I have had good luck with.  

 

https://batterycentralmall.com/

Yep, vintage batteries are available for late model Corvairs, but there are none available that fit early models.  

[ted sweet]

17 hours ago, Avanti Bill said:

I got a correct battery for my 66 Corsa convertible from Battery Central Mall in VA.  It is an Optima battery in a correct case which I have had good luck with.  

 

https://batterycentralmall.com/

likely still points off

[Avanti Bill]

Never had points deducted with these don't know why I would.  They are expensive but hold up well.  This is for a 65-66 Corvair.

Edited March 4 by Avanti Bill (see edit history)

[real61ss]

Be aware......these batteries are constructed as ordered so allow some time if you are preparing for a certain show. I ordered one from them about the first of the year and have not heard from them yet. They took my order and said they would contact me to access my credit card when they were ready to build the battery. He said at the time that they were several months behind. I'm hoping the hear from them this month

[Roger Frazee]

On 3/4/2024 at 8:28 AM, Avanti Bill said:

Never had points deducted with these don't know why I would.  They are expensive but hold up well.  This is for a 65-66 Corvair.

I just placed my order for this battery.  I hate that the correct Group 53 batteries are no longer available, so this will have to do.  Thanks to all for your help.

[1967 Red Deville]

Roger good luck going to the next national, I hope you have a great time, 

[West Peterson]

On 3/5/2024 at 10:48 AM, real61ss said:

Be aware......these batteries are constructed as ordered so allow some time if you are preparing for a certain show. I ordered one from them about the first of the year and have not heard from them yet. They took my order and said they would contact me to access my credit card when they were ready to build the battery. He said at the time that they were several months behind. I'm hoping the hear from them this month

I ordered one for my '70 Camaro back in November. At that time, they said six to eight months. I haven't heard an update since January.

[ted sweet]

did it ever come in?

[real61ss]

On 8/22/2024 at 6:11 PM, ted sweet said:

did it ever come in?

No sir, it was ordered in Jan., still on backorder. I called just last week, hoping to get it in time for Hershey. I don't think they are being made anymore.

[Corey V]

I ordered a battery for my 1966 Chevelle a year ago from the same place and still haven't received it yet.  I was told 6-9 months then but it's been a year.  They won't even respond to my emails anymore, I guess I just wait.  I'm using a battery topper for Hershey this year.  

[ted sweet]

if they noticed the topper you lost a bunch of points

[TAKerry]

I have been to several judging schools now, and it seems that in every one the topic of battery toppers comes up. I am under the impression that they are fine and there should be no point deductions. 

[EmTee]

I put one on my '64 Grand Prix and it's a big improvement over the plain modern battery.  From a couple feet away it looks pretty good.  Up close it is not fooling anyone, but is still better than the bare battery.

[ted sweet]

On 11/29/2024 at 7:28 PM, TAKerry said:

I have been to several judging schools now, and it seems that in every one the topic of battery toppers comes up. I am under the impression that they are fine and there should be no point deductions. 

totally differnt than what i was told

[TAKerry]

6 hours ago, ted sweet said:

totally differnt than what i was told

Have you attended the judging schools? I am 99.9% certain this subject has been talked about numerous times, each time the answer is the same. They are fine for judging and no points will be deducted.

[ted sweet]

explains why the reproduction battery business in reality a goner

[TAKerry]

I thought that I read someplace that there are actually only a couple of manufacturers for most of the new batteries being sold. Its surprising that more of the vintage style cannot be made. I am sure there is a market, albeit a small one but nonetheless still there. One of the problems is that it takes so long to get one. Like mentioned above I have a friend that bought one for his car and it took over a year to get it. I think the toppers are better than nothing but still leave a bit to be desired, and I have them on my cars! I ran into a fellow at the Camaro Nationals a couple of years ago that was carrying a vintage battery around like a pop bottle! I was impressed with first his strength, and the agility in how he was easily handling that thing. I had to approach and make a comment. Turns out it was an empty shell. He and a buddy were in the business at one time making these. It looked just like a vintage battery but was basically a plastic box to put a modern battery in. No one would ever know the difference. He said nobody bought any of them. I for a brief moment thought of approaching him to buy out his stock but thought better of it.

[real61ss]

On 10/3/2024 at 5:34 PM, real61ss said:

No sir, it was ordered in Jan., still on backorder. I called just last week, hoping to get it in time for Hershey. I don't think they are being made anymore.

I received a call from the Antique Battery people last week saying they were ready to produce my battery and needed my credit card info, we will see how long before i actually receive it.