Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



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#487968 12/23/23 03:39 PM
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Bertus Offline OP
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Eight volt batteries previously mentioned in these forums. Are they available? Recommended?


1932 Chev 5 Window Coupe
Bertus #487970 12/23/23 03:59 PM
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Not recommended. Fix any issues that make you want one.


J Franklin
Bertus #487971 12/23/23 04:04 PM
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iagree What issues are making you want one?


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1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
Bertus #487975 12/23/23 04:17 PM
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J Franklin - nuff said - thanks.
No real issues. Just comments about some of the bulbs being too dim.


1932 Chev 5 Window Coupe
Bertus #487976 12/23/23 05:01 PM
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Depending on the bulb there may be brighter options.


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Bertus #487979 12/23/23 10:26 PM
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Not sure what vehicle you have. Most 6 volt systems operate at about 7.5 volts when the generator is working properly.

In order to properly charge an 8 volt battery the system needs to operate at over 9 volts. That is pretty hard on 6 volt bulbs.

Tiny is correct that there are some higher candlepower 6 volt bulbs readily available.


Rusty

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Bertus #487989 12/24/23 05:40 PM
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stay 6v :)
previous owner of my 1929 did 8v battery, was great for starting but if you left electronics as they were you had to charge battery every few times as generator would not charge it as set. and as Rusty noted if you bumped it up to be able to charge it you would typically blow out the bulbs or have to put an inline insulator/ voltage reducer for them. owner said he ran it with all lights on and never an issue, but always had lights on :!

i swapped 8v out for an optima red 6v. and that thing is a beast, it spins harder than the 8v and charges fine on the stock system. it also last a lot longer then a typical lead acid. cost a little more but worth every penny.

i also recently swapped out most of hte incandescent for LEDS and much brighter. you can get the LEDS in the same K rating so they have that warm yellow glow !!


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Bertus #487994 12/25/23 04:04 AM
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My experience with LED headlights is not printable, most other lights convert quite well.
Tony


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I read your post about the Optima battery install and how great it works. I've been a fan of Optima for a long while and think they're great. I saw several Optima 6 volt options, just wondered which one you are using. I also read there's a cover for the Optima that makes it look vintage...do you know what that is? Thanks in advance.

Jerry


A long time Chevy lover. First car 54 chevy Bel Air, second car 1955 Delray. Current Chevys 2023 Camaro, 1955 210 Delray (show car), a 2020 Chevy BoltEV and most recent purchase, 1941 Chevy Special Deluxe.
Bertus #488765 01/15/24 09:20 PM
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There is only 1 6v Optima out there, not sure what options you saw ??

https://www.optimabatteries.com/products/redtop-6v



as for covers, we were just talking bout this in another section of the VCCA

Originally Posted by BearsFan315
The covers are still out there, but have to see if it suits and fits your application !! do a google, siri, apple search for: 6v Optima Battery Case

i just use a strap to hold it in my 1929, this is the 6v Optima Red top of course, they are thin vs standard 6v. it has to sit at an angle as the Optima is longer than a stock 6v.


few that came up when i did the search

they make a hold down clamp for them, here is one: https://optimatrays.com/products/6v-rigid-clamp-tray

here is an empty case you can drop it in (have to verify fitment of case to your application): https://www.tartopper.com/product/optima-six-volt-coming-in-september-2018/

here is ebay for other style: https://www.ebay.com/itm/364680870445?hash=item54e8ac7a2d:g:tRwAAOSwqu9UzxkP

Willard Case: https://g518parts.com/?product=willard-battery-case


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Bertus #488772 01/16/24 08:12 AM
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The Optima red Top 6 volt is the only way to go. The starter in my 32 spins the engine over like the 12 volt in my newer cars. Early last year last year after 11 years I replaced the first Optima with a new one. The Optima's cost about twice as much as a traditional 6 V but they last twice as long. Best upgrade I ever did.

Bertus #488781 01/16/24 11:28 AM
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I guess I'll have to be the devil's advocate. I'm personally not a big fan of the Optima. I bought one soon after I obtained my 38. It did OK cranking the car but I had nothing to compare it to. When it was 4-5 years old I arrived at a fall tour and when I went to unload the 38 from the trailer it was dead. Dead as dead can be. I put a house brand 6v from a near by parts house in the car to get me through the tour. Although it was just a bit over half the rated CCA as the Optima it cranked just as well. I got about 5 years out of it. IMHO, if you have properly sized cables with clean connections you don't need a battery that puts out ten times the amps your car actually uses. I have other places to use that money.


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Bertus #488808 01/16/24 08:25 PM
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It's nice to "Spin" the Engine like a 12 volt but if the Engine is properly tuned it does not have to spin long or fast. I've started my Engines with 12 volt battery charger but there is no need if it's "Tuned" correctly. And it doesn't make since to spend twice as much for a battery that lasts twice as long. Maybe if it lasted three or four times longer, but not twice. Just a thought.

Last edited by Jonjet; 01/16/24 08:25 PM.

Jon T.

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