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Discussion Topic:
Batteries
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jimlamarca |
07-06-2019 @ 11:55 AM
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Member
Posts: 30
Joined: Jun 2019
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Any one know what is the best 8-Volt battery charger and best supplier to get one. Thanks.
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ken ct. |
07-06-2019 @ 12:04 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1513
Joined: Jan 2010
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Forget it and stick to 6V,your only going to open up a can of worms. ken ct.
This message was edited by ken ct. on 7-6-19 @ 12:06 PM
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jimlamarca |
07-06-2019 @ 3:19 PM
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Member
Posts: 30
Joined: Jun 2019
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Thanks, Ken. I appreciate your advice, but unfortunately my 36 Ford already had an 8-volt battery when I bought it, so I want to use it. I understand it has downsides, but is supposed to provide more cranking power when started than a 6-volt.
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trjford8 |
07-07-2019 @ 8:30 AM
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Senior
Posts: 4232
Joined: Oct 2009
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Jim a properly installed and maintained 6 volt system will start an old Ford just fine. Most common problems with 6 volt systems is poor grounding or using the wrong gauge cables on the battery. An 8 volt battery is just a band aid on a system that needs some good maintenance/repair. If you are a V-8 Club member use your roster and call some of the members in your area regarding the starting issue and the 6 volt vs the 8 volt system. I think you will get some good advice and possibly determine why the prior owner put in the 8 volt battery. The solution to making the 6 volt system work properly may be just a phone call away.
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jimlamarca |
07-07-2019 @ 7:27 PM
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Member
Posts: 30
Joined: Jun 2019
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Thanks for your great advice trjford8. I will take you up on your suggestion by checking all the cables and grounding and cleaning all connections points. I might just remove the 8-volt battery and replace it with a new 6-volt. Any battery brand and type suggestions?
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Robert/Texas |
07-08-2019 @ 3:45 AM
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New Member
Posts: 108
Joined: Dec 2009
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I put a 6-volt Optima battery in my ’37 and used a fake cover that makes it look like a regular one. It only weighs around half as much as a group 2 battery. It cranks the engine noticeably faster and even though the car is seldom used, the battery stays fully charged. They seem to last around 10 years or so. They don’t leak acid, which is especially important for Fords with the batteries mounted on the firewall. The only negative that I see is that they are getting quite pricey.
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jimlamarca |
07-08-2019 @ 12:45 PM
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Member
Posts: 30
Joined: Jun 2019
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Thanks, Robert. Good suggestion. I'll look into it. Dealing with the 8-volt seems to be more trouble than it's worth.
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CharlieStephens |
07-08-2019 @ 1:44 PM
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Senior
Posts: 894
Joined: Oct 2009
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Remember your charging system may have tweaked for the 8 volt battery and you might need to untweak it (did I just invent a new word?) Charlie Stephens
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jimlamarca |
07-08-2019 @ 4:44 PM
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Member
Posts: 30
Joined: Jun 2019
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Robert, in checking the Optima line of 6-volt batteries, they have a confusing (to me) array of models. There's the Red Top Starting Battery, The Yellow Top Dual Purpose, and the Blue Top Starting and Deep Cycle, among others. I have a '36 Convertible. Which type do you find works best for you, and do you think it'll work for my car.
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Robert/Texas |
07-09-2019 @ 3:33 AM
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New Member
Posts: 108
Joined: Dec 2009
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Mine has a red top and I'm sure they would work in any 6-volt car but there could be a fitting problem. I also have them in 2 Model A's and a Model T. I bought all of them from Amazon. Robert
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