What battery (brand/size; 800+ cca) have you found to be the most dependable/longest lasting, for your '70-'72 Skylark/GS/455's? I just installed 2 WalMart batteries, in 2 vehicles, both on the same day, and only 1 year later, neither battery will start either vehicle, without having to charge/boost the batteries, first!:rant:
I have a Carquest battery in mine, was there when I bought the car in '02. Don't know the date code or size but it hasn't failed me yet. The best way to keep a battery is to exercise it on a regular basis. I replace quite a few UPS Inverters for a national retail chain here in Canada. Problem #1 far out weighs any other issues is the lack of use. Look for a battery with virgin lead, pricey, but very well made.
I guess I'm trying to find 1 battery that will last 5 years, instead of having to warranty/exchange 5 batteries, if they only last 1 year... I'm kind of interested in the Optima batteries, as I've read good things about them.o No:
I have a friend who is the manager at a local Advance Auto Parts, I just talked to him about batteries. He stocks and sells Optima batteries so I ask him his thoughts on batteries in general. He says Optima is the best longest lasting batteries he has ever sold, he's been doing this all his life and he is in his 60s. FWIW. My next battery will be an Optima. I actually have one on my trailer now, was there when I bought the trailer, it seems to stay charged better than the regular ones, compared to the last trailer which had a large deep cycle battery.
If your batteries only last a year, something is very wrong. There aren't that many car battery manufacturers in the United States. I have a Walmart battery in my GS. I have had it for about 3 years, and it cranks the engine over every time. Most of the store name batteries are made by one or 2 manufacturers. As long as the size and capacity are right, you should have no problem with getting 5 years out of them. If you do not plan to drive a car for months, it is a good idea to disconnect the negative side. That is what I do.
The WalMart battery is made by Johnson Controls which is one of the best. Keep a trickle charger on it.
The only problem with Optimas is they really don't like accidental full discharges. I think they actually get damaged and won't, thereafter, take a full charge. Mine seems to only get up to 11.6+/- volts. It's the second time I've seen this in two batterys. Other than that, they are very lightweight, seem long lived. I like having a "dry" battery in there.
for something easy to get localy I've been happy with advance autos autocraft platnium batteries in several cars that i've owned.. for a really good batter that you plan to run music/sub, or other electrical strains...electric fans,e-fuel pump, electric gauges etc get an odyssey battery!
i use the ac delco nad the battery is 8 years old and still going. i do, in the winter, connect it to a battery tender. sounds like u have something slowly draining the battery.
Its hard to beat an Optima (except price wise...) I had one in a lifted Jeep that I off-roaded and street drove alot, and it was great. Its been in that Jeep for everybit of 5 years (actually I think more) and is still goin strong (I know the current owner and its still in it)
Optama for years of use But the reality is batterys are only made by 2 or 3 different companys , to different speces Yes . i have got what we are useing right now Interstate a new battery and in 2 days was no good battery had bad cells , they sulfate , just sitting , But Here in south florida if you get 2-3 years from a battery you did good , At work we have tryed all different Brands of batterys , you name it we have used it , on our fleet veh, If you get a delco stay away from the 7yr ,better off with a 5 or 6 yr stay away from Deka ,got only 1 year from most of them , otherwise I think Its a personal Choice , and what you can and want to afford,
Adding EDTA to the battery will delay, prevent, and in some cases, reverse the sulfation process that occurs over time.
Heres my 2 cents. It took 25 years of having all brands of batteries to see a trend. The one brand of battery that consistently lasts 7-8 years for me is Delco. I didn't even keep them charged if the car was stored over the winter.....though I do now. My lawn tractor has a Delco battery and its 10 years old and still going as of last month when I put the mower away. Lawn mower batteries take a beating. It sits all winter and I never put a trickle charger on it. Another thing about Delcos is I've never had terminals corrode because they don't seem to seep acid around the terminals as easy as others. So because of these situations where they were neglected and still functioned for years on a consistent basis is what has sold me. Who knows though if the ones they make today will be as good. o No:
As I understand it, Interstate is one of the few brands that rotate their stock constantly so the batteries in the store are always fresh. Anyone know differently? Maybe it depends on the local rep? - Bill
I have used the correct reproduction batteries and they have lasted 7 years. Priey but look better than new ones with poppy colors.
The Motorcraft battery in my 1999 F150 lasted 10 years....:TU: I have had great luck with Optima batteries in my classic cars.
I try and find a black one that my battery topper fits on! I think the one in my 70 GS is an Exide. been in there since 2004. The 71 has a Delco. I cant remember when I put it in.....15 years ago maybe? o No: And my Motorcrafy in my 98 E-150 I got rid of this past spring was the original battery. 160k+ mikes and 12 years old !
