Which make of battery?...

[Gordon Hunter]

I now need new batteries for both my Amazon and my P1800. I have only ever used 2nd hand ones from cars I have broken up (must be the Scotsman in me), but after a spate of battery-less parts cars and two knackered batteries, its time to splash out.

I know that SC classics do a great 'period' style rubber battery (looks like it would crank the Titanic).
I'm not too fussed about originality, so wouldn't mind trying a more modern kind. I would however like something without garish advertising stickers (i.e. kwik fit!) plastered all over it and with the battery posts in a sympathetic place.

I know the P1800 has a huge battery tray, but I would like eventually to upgrade to dual circuit brakes, so need to leave room for the servo mounting bracket.

Would love to hear what other club members use and and would be happy to recommend.

Many thanks,

Gordon

[TerryInWales]

I've got Varta batteries on both cars. Came highly recommeded by our local diesel specialist. Still going strong well over 2 years later. I took the Varta off the 740 I sold to go on my new XC. No problems so far.

[Gordon Hunter]

Thanks Terry,

I've actually got a huge Varta spare battery for my 940TD. Didn't think of using it for the P1800 though as it wouldn't leave any room for the brake convertion. Guess it'll see me through until I decide on a new one.

Gordon

[222s]

Whatever Bosch battery that is suitible for a 240 (as specced by Halfords' catalogue thingy) fits nicely in my Amazon. I'll try to remember to check what model it is tomorrow. The battery terminals are also in the right place, so the wiring isn't up against the bonnet hinges. I only fitted it recently, so can't say how long it lasts, but it's predecessor was the Halfords equivalent, which lasted for 4 years before one of the cells went duff.

[kevinbis]

This place makes batteries opposite where I work.

http://www.linconbatteries.co.uk/home.html

They make the classic styles.
I have had a very good service from them as well as many others in our firm.
I believe they can post them dry with acid seperate for you to put in yourself.
Prices have seamed competative for normal batteries but dont know about classic styles.

[simon2]

Hello, for the past four years or so, I have always fitted Unipart Samson batteries both to my own cars and to other people's cars I sometimes work on. I have found them to be very reliable and until very recently, they offered a "lifetime guarantee" on their premium batteries - i.e. as long as you owned the car, the battery was guaranteed provided the car in question was in their current catalogue. They have recently changed this to a 4 year guarantee. This was a very popular option for owners of many modern classics !

The important thing with batteries is not the physical size of the case but the weight, because within the same case the battery maker can place different quantities of plates and acid. Generally, the heavier the battery, the more power it will be holding.

It is also worthwhile remembering that modern batteries are primarily designed for everyday running conditions, where they have a whacking alternator output refreshing the battery nearly every day and therefore smaller batteries tend to be fitted for an equivalent engine size, if comparing a new car to an older car.

When choosing a battery for an older car, especially if it is used infrequently, it is important to select one with the highest reserve capacity and cold start rating you can afford as this will mean you can leave the car and be reasonably assured it will start even after longish periods of storage.

It also means that if you have the misfortune to need to to crank the engine a lot after some unforseen happening, there is plenty of battery power to do so, or indeed to help another motorist when their lesser vehicle requires assistance!

[classicswede]

Try your stealer. If you haggle you should get a good price out of them.

[kev240]

Replaced the original battery from my 940 with another VOLVO battery after 13 years constant use, seem like good value to me !

[222s]

Originally Posted by 222s

Whatever Bosch battery that is suitible for a 240 (as specced by Halfords' catalogue thingy) fits nicely in my Amazon. I'll try to remember to check what model it is tomorrow. The battery terminals are also in the right place, so the wiring isn't up against the bonnet hinges. I only fitted it recently, so can't say how long it lasts, but it's predecessor was the Halfords equivalent, which lasted for 4 years before one of the cells went duff.

Finally got round to this

It's a Bosch & has the following numbers on it (in order):

7AA 683
12V 70Ah 570A (EN)
570 138 057

[222s]

Piccies in situ (apologies for the quality):