Australian Chevrolet 216 engine owners

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

Hello Tony and Paul,
In my ignorance I thought I was asking a really simple question.

I just thought I was just asking for a battery so it would help my truck make vroom vroom noises again – looks like there are as many varieties of batteries as there is types of milk for sale.

Well no one can say that you don’t learn something every time you visit MLU or work on an old military truck!

Thanks for your help – I do appreciate it– just takes a while to get over the feeling of “I just wanted some milk which tastes like real milk”

Kind Regards
Lionel

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.

6 volt batteries are not that common these days, although Deep-cycle ones are available for Golf Buggies. Deep-Cycle batteries are not ideal as cranking batts for a daily driver, but might have advantages for a vintage truck that gets driven every 2 months.

Take the sizes and rating in to your Auto Elec and find out what he can get.