Australian Chevrolet 216 engine owners

[Lionelgee]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

The number of plates refers to the lead plates in each shell. You can see from the pic of the top of my Batt, there are 3 cells in a 6v batt. Each cell produces about 2.2v, so a 6v batt actully puts out 6.6v, while a 12v batt will have 6 cells producing 13.2v. The number of cells in a given case size will limit the number of plates able to fit into the cell. In 12v batts, 9 or 11 plates are standard, with truck and 4wd ones going up to 13, 15, or 17 plates as Heavy Duty. 6v batts have more generous cell sizes, so around 15 plates is standard, with some being 17 or 19. Superior cells to a 12v battery.

The Group refers to the dimensions of the battery, and this can affect you in two ways. The dimensions of the battery can determine the cca and A/H rating and the wrong choice could mean insufficient reserve. Also if you truck retains it's original battery box and hold-down bracket, a different size may not physically fit or the terminals may be in the wrong place (or even short out on bodywork). A Group 1 will fit into a Group 2 box, but might not be enough power, while a Group 2 will be more than sufficient for Group 1 needs, but could be too big to fit in the space provided.

You would be more than welcome to use a Ford 6v battery, but it is a Group 2 size (2HF), which is 10 1/4" x 7 1/4" x 9 1/2" and turns out a respectable 875cca (all the better to turn all 8 cyls, count 'em!) This of course sits perfectly in the original Batt box with the original hold-down clamp.

G'day Tony,

As both my trucks have just about no remnant of where the battery box was the size of it is not really an issue anymore. The idea of having plenty of juice to turn reluctant engine and being able to put a decent load on the battery makes getting a Group 2 size (2HF) sound good. Do any come without that F-word written on the side?

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Lionelgee;

Do any come without that F-word written on the side?

Kind Regards
Lionel

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but You should call your local Auto Electrician and see what he can get in stock.

[Lionelgee]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but You should call your local Auto Electrician and see what he can get in stock.

G'day YES, YOU DID TONY.

And guess what I HAVE BEEN to an auto electrican and I was shown two batteries and told about another possible one. I was given a choice between "that one there," or "that one there" and "not sure about if I can still get the other one which is not here."

HENCE my reason for posting on MLU. This is despite my giving the make model year engine capacity and voltage of my truck.

OKAY and I only wanted milk that tastes like real milk....

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Lionelgee]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but You should call your local Auto Electrician and see what he can get in stock.

G'day Tony,

I readily admit to knowing Jack Shit about somethings. So to get the right information I did go to a supposed qualified person and I was left far from satisfied with the result. That is why I posted a message to people who have been doing this stuff for years and actually have batteries they are happy with. So as I result I posted a question on this glorious site.

Kind Regards
Lionel

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

My late father-in-law used to drive up to an agricultural shop and buy tractor batteries for his cars. Are there any 6v agricultural batteries available still?

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by David_Hayward

My late father-in-law used to drive up to an agricultural shop and buy tractor batteries. Are there any 6v .... batteries available still?

Precisely. Things do go out of production. It is irrelevant to say that Mr A uses "Brand X, model Y" if they are no longer available from a supplier. In the past 10 years (admittedly long in the life of a battery), so many suppliers have discontinued lines or even gone out of business altogether, while new Chinese brands have appeared. For someone to say "I have had great results from this battery" means little if that battery can no longer be found. Lionel, your choices are limited by what you can actually buy today. You might find that plain milk is no longer available.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/prod03.htm sell Chevrolet batteries in all three types (they used Group 1 and 2) from 1929 to 1953, with the 'DELCO' brand name. I wonder if they have an Aussie distributor (excuse pun)? Otherwise, just in case you have not tried them, I wonder if these people can help?

http://www.chevparts.com.au/home.htm

[Paul Singleton]

My brother purchased a 1953 Chevy today and towed it home. He drove down to the local auto supply (an AC Delco dealer) and purchased a new 6 volt battery and a set of ignition points. I was shocked that he came home with the parts! I had no idea that parts would be so easy to get.

Paul