VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 What battery for a '39 Master Deluxe

I'm restoring my 1939 Master Deluxe and am considering a new 6V battery. I'm not thinking of showing it so am not concerned that it be a reproduction Delco (I read some negative comments about the Cold Cranking output of these). What's the "current" thinking (recommendation) for "the best" 6V???? I live in a cold climate. Thanks to all in advance. I'm more than happy you're all out there.
Best wishes,
Chuck

Garbo:

If you want to keep 'these guys' happy I suggest you buy any old 'generic' six volt battery. Weigh the CCA vs the price and get the deal that's best for you / your application.

Lotsa places sell them, including 'farm supply-type' stores.

I'd buy a Delco, whether or not I was going to have MY car judged. I'm not suggesting YOU buy a Delco. I'm just saying that's what I'D DO! It just looks better. But, believe me, this will get all kinds of whining and complaining etc. etc.

Bill.

When you purchase a 6 volt battery, the battery should have at least 600 to 650 CCA's. Some dudes are using the Optmia battery and I think that it has somewhere around 850 CCA's. :eek:

I purchase my 6 volt batteries from our local Farm & Fleet store.Have three of them in service at the present time.Their batteries are made by Johnson Controll - which is here in Milwaukee.They make at least 60% of the replacement batteries.The cost in the $30.00 range and I replace them every 6 or 7 years wether they need it or not.The 1937-39 cars originally used a group 2 battery.That size is no longer made and I use the common group 1 which is a little taller and not quite as long.I forget how many amps the produce but they turn over a hot engine well....never tried it at 20 below as the cars are summer toys.TRhey are rated at 575 COLD CRANKING AMPS
NO TO BE CONFUSED WITH cranking amps.

I wouldn't bother investing in a Delco -as it looks nothing like the original and isn't even made by Delco(not refering to the "reproduction" Delco) - just the one sold by a Delco dealer.

I have used a NAPA battery in my 38 Master with good results. Mac

I have used Western Auto batteries for years. The last one I bought was called "Tough One". Western Auto does not make their own batteries but only sell them. The Western Auto Store here closed last year. I don't know if they were bought out and closed all stores or not. I'll have to find a new supplier.
Get a battery that fits your frame (if you have one) and a lot of CCA Cold Cranking Amps. Like Chevgene said 600 to 650 is a good range.
Make sure your cables are "big" and good condition and keep them clean. The old Chevys treat you good if you treat them good.
Good Luck JIM

Chuck, Auto Zone still carries 6-v batteries close to the Group 1 size. There should be a store in Golden. Ron

last year, the auto zone batteries were in the $30-40 range, but were only 450 cca's...maybe what they stock varies from store to store, or by region?..

the napa #nbr7244 I bought was 600cca, but cost more...


epi

A 450 CCA battery is too small. I wouldn't waste the money.

I put the 6 volt Optima red top battery in my '50 a year ago. You can use the stock battery holder. The battery sits diagonally on the rectangular tray. I am hoping it will last more than the 5 years the Delco did.

I currently have some off-beat generic 6 volt 650 CCA battery in my '51 Chevy. It is a one year battery and it was installed way back in 1998, and after seven years the battery is still going strong! Not bad for a cheap one year battery!!

The '37 - '39 cars use a lower battery that a
group one. You need to modify the holder under
the floor. As I remember, those cars used a group 2L. Just looked at a friend's '37 and
somehow he shoe horned an Optima into an old
Chevrolet Logo battery group one and it looks
like original. He modified the support to add
and inch or so for floorboard clearance. Les
Schwab stores carry a good Group one battery, but
be sure it's fresh...

Be careful not to get a VW battery. They will fail sooner. Also connect the ground to transmission, not frame. Or the starter will ground thru the metal fuel line.
I lengthen the metal battery case and use Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries. They are available from your local EV owners inexpensively when they go for a new set. 9 years isn't bad for a $10 battery.
You can call your old Chev a "Hybrid" cuz it will travel about a half block on the starter motor.

Thanks to all you all you guys (too numerous to mention, but you know who you are) Now I'm really confused! Just kidding...Terrific info based on experience...what more could you ask for???
Best wishes to all, Chuck

Is the battery in a 1939 sed. under the pass. floorboard? If so it is not a bad idea to put a plastic cover over the positive battery terminal so it does not short. Mac

Thanks Mac, good idea!
Garbo