Battery Replacement

[CurtEgerer]

I need new batteries. I've searched the battery threads here and on Pelican and haven't found what I need. I've got a 71 with dual batteries. I simply want to buy new batteries that will slide into the stock boxes, connect the existing terminals and drive away. I can't find any that fit! The current batteries are Deka 239's (cca 245). They worked great for +6 years. I talked to the rep today and he said they quit making them. They are 8" long x 6.75" deep x 7" tall (with posts) - 1/4 inch larger in any dimension and it won't fit! I don't really want to go the Optima/Odyssey/Whatever route. The Optimas I looked at won't fit anyway, without butchering the boxes.

Any suggestions?

[jayzoll]

Interstate makes some that slide right in to my '73 (or at least they did a year ago). The local Firestone shop two blocks from my office had two in stock at a pretty reasonable price. I can check on the model number if you need it.

[gymmoe]

Paul knows where you can get some german gel filled batteries,I think theh are called SONNENSCHEIN,but they are not cheap about $500.00 for a pair,when I say Paul I mean PWD72S

[pwd72s]

Curt, I've been running them for years. Currently, I'm running Sonnenschein A-200 dryfit, with a part # of 081-90640. But, I understand they have been "upgraded" to a higher a/h rating, and a new number. They are $pendy, but they also are the EXACT size of the original batteries, plus being gel-cell, no acid spills or carpet rotting fumes to worry about. The current source I have heard for them is in Florida...Lauderdale battery & alternator. 954-525-5557. They also have a website, but I don't have the link...sorry.

[CurtEgerer]

Very good! Thanks guys.

[JCR]

Curt, I'm very happy with my Odyssey battery. Great quality, slides right in. In fact, I'm a bit baffled why Optimas are recommended so often with this one out there?

Got mine at Batteries Plus for about $170.00, and it didn't have that silly graphic on the side. You don't need 2, but you could if you want to.

[911pcars]

The Odyssey seems to do the job for many folks. It's pretty light. Here's a rough comparison:

Odyssey
CCA: about 200
Weight: about 15 lbs.
Cost: $170 (your quote)

Optima
CCA: about 800
Weight: about 35 lbs
Cost: $100 (MSRP is about $130)

Not sure about the longevity of the Odyssey. With any battery, that depends on the number of cycles (discharge/charge) it goes through during its lifetime. If you operate in sub-freezing climates, I would go with the higher CCAs. Not that this is typical; my Optima just died, but it was good for 9 years. YMMV.

The Sonnenschein battery seems to look most period correct, but @ $250 ea. and with factory-type specs (?) this may only attract those who want an original look. I understand a couple of Miata batteries accomplish the same thing. Perhaps these are the Interstate batteries suggested by Jayzoll.

Some of these may or may not be sealed batteries. I would suggest any chosen battery be fully sealed to reduce the chance of battery acid (liquid or gas) destroying the chassis.

Sherwood

[pwd72s]

Agreed Sherwood...I went for the Sonnenscheins, a pair of them, just for the original look. the perfect fit. Even the moulded rubber bits Porsche supplied with the originals, to cover the + posts fit perfectly! I'm on my 2nd set...the first lasted about 7 years...I run optima in both our domestic irons...and your 9 year life span seems about right.

[gymmoe]

pwd72s,is the reason the german sonnenschein cost so much ($250 per) because of the euro dollar to us dollar and anybody with german contacts or in germany for that matter find a source for getting these batteries any cheaper,since we have members and non-members on this board from all over the world?????

[pwd72s]

I'll agree that the price is crazy when compared with other batteries. But since I buy only one pair every 7 years or so, I just considered it part of the "P" tax. I have a friend in Germany, but I suspect with the weight of them, it would cost a ton to ask him to mail them over here...