New Battery - Any Suggestions as to Model/Spec

[vincenth]

My old battery in my '71traveller has died a death from old age. Does anybody have any suggestions as to what make/model of battery I should get because there seem to be so many variations - startup power in Amps, sealed maintenance free, calcium etc etc. Prices vary from £40 to well over £120.

I have reasonably good trade motor parts outlet near me and a Hal****s as well if I'm desperate or mad.

Also, when storing my car for long periods of time (few weeks maybe) should I fit a battery cut off switch like this.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BATTERY-CUT-OFF-S ... 53e0292fdd


Thanks.

[kittyfell]

Just nip down to the Trade place and ask them for a battery same as you have. Don't be conned into anything fancy. Make sure the terminals are at the back, so there is no risk of the clamp bar shorting out on the non-earth terminal. For storing I use the solar panel from Maplins to keep the battery topped up. It's about 1.5 watts and is on 'offer' at the moment at £9.99. It's great!

[dalebrignall]

the battery you want is 038 you can get thease anywhere,get one with a long guarentee .

[LouiseM]

Also, when storing my car for long periods of time (few weeks maybe) should I fit a battery cut off switch

If you're just leaving the car for a few weeks there shouldn't be in any need. I've got a heavy duty battery with a 3 year guarantee - cost around £45 - and have had no problems starting my car even when it has been sat for up to 3 months at a time.

[aupickup]

halfords batteries are actually quite favourably priced
i have theirs all the time and with 3 year quarentees

[MarkyB]

A cut out switch worked wonders on my car.
If money is no object I've heard very good reports about Optima batteries. Top end of the price range, but they tend to last over 10 years in old Mercedes according to some American fans, and fair weather motorcyclists in this country.

[mike.perry]

Fit the largest battery which will fit in the tray. The terminal positions will depend on whether the car is pos or neg earth so that they are the correct way round when at the back.

[hotrodder13]

Fit the largest battery which will fit in the tray. The terminal positions will depend on whether the car is pos or neg earth so that they are the correct way round when at the back.

i had a caravan battery for a while just about fit but now it hits my heater valve

[mike.perry]

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My solution to that problem with a 1275.

[kittyfell]

There really is NO need to fit a large battery. I say fit the smallest, less weight to carry around.

[M25VAN]

If you want larger than normal an 063 type fits in well and has larger capacity than the 038. Also the poles are the right way round if you have changed to negative earth. Try looking on a battery website to see what types and sizes will fit, this one lets you type in the size you want and tells you batteries that will fit.
http://www.ukbatteries.co.uk/
I've had Halfords batteries before as well and they have been good.

[bmcecosse]

If you have access to Macro - they do an excellent range of batteries at very good prices. No need for a 'large' battery - my TR7 with 2 litre engine starts just fine and it has a very small battery.