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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154 |
Hi,
I have a 1954 chevy bel air original 6 cylinder. It has been converted to 12 volts.
What size battery would you recommend for this car? Cold cranking amps, etc.
My battery died on me tonight, It has been on a charger a few times over the last month. My charging system is functioning correctly.
Thanks.
Last edited by DSVW; 11/17/20 10:25 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,894
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,894 |
I always buy the biggest battery that will physically fit with the highest CCA rating. Gives a bit of a margin in cold weather and the battery has an easier life overall.
I just bought a 1000 CCA tonight at Costco to replace the original 550CCA in this small car. Costco has a good battery and warranty and they do not make you match the battery size you carried in. Very convenient. Measure the current battery and the space around and above it and then head to Costco with your measuring tape and notes.
1938 Canadian Pontiac Business Coupe (aka a 1938 Chevy Coupe with Pontiac shaped front sheet metal - almost all Chevy!)
1975 4-speed L82 Vette
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 327 Likes: 1
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 327 Likes: 1 |
That's suspicious., disconnect the battery after the next drive and see how it is
There's no reason to need a charge unless you have some sort of parasitic load draining the battery when the car is parked.
You can check this with a mulltimeter set for high current and connected between battery + and the end of the cable, which you have taken loose.
DO NOT hit the starter, or you'll fry the meter.
A fraction of an amp of parasitic load can kill the battery over time.
If you think there is something, disconnect the battery after the next drive and see how it does in a few days.
How do you know the charging system is OK?
Full charge voltage should be about 14V, depending on temperature.
As advised, the battery should be the biggest you can fit in the tray.
WILSON
Wilson
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,295 Likes: 2
ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,295 Likes: 2 |
I always buy the biggest battery that will physically fit with the highest CCA rating. Gives a bit of a margin in cold weather and the battery has an easier life overall.
I just bought a 1000 CCA tonight at Costco to replace the original 550CCA in this small car. Costco has a good battery and warranty and they do not make you match the battery size you carried in. Very convenient. Measure the current battery and the space around and above it and then head to Costco with your measuring tape and notes. That's suspicious., disconnect the battery after the next drive and see how it is
There's no reason to need a charge unless you have some sort of parasitic load draining the battery when the car is parked.
You can check this with a mulltimeter set for high current and connected between battery + and the end of the cable, which you have taken loose.
DO NOT hit the starter, or you'll fry the meter.
A fraction of an amp of parasitic load can kill the battery over time.
If you think there is something, disconnect the battery after the next drive and see how it does in a few days.
How do you know the charging system is OK?
Full charge voltage should be about 14V, depending on temperature.
As advised, the battery should be the biggest you can fit in the tray.
WILSON I fully agree , in this case bigger is better ! 
p.k.
1956 BEL AIR 2 DOOR HARDTOP
I've spent most of my money on Booze,Women and mechanical things. The rest I just Wasted........
Remember , I'm not Always Right. But I'm Never Wrong !
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,884 Likes: 12
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,884 Likes: 12 |
The higher the CCA, the better off you are.
Jon T.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
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ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99 |
Is there any indication how old the battery is?
I agree with the simple checks that others have suggested.
If you are just driving short trips every couple of weeks that will not allow the generator to recharge the battery adequately. As you drive watch the ammeter. The charge rate should drop back to just above 0 when the battery is close to fully charged.
Remember that as a battery ages the capacity diminishes. So fully charged new battery has a lot more stored energy than one that is 5 years old.
Rusty
VCCA #44680
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
Modern batteries can go bad without warning. The battery in my pickup went fully dead with no warning. I was delivering meals for the local feed the needy program, stopped by the senior center to drop off my container and returned to a dead battery. Completely dead. There was no slow cranking or other warning signs before hand.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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