I need to replace my battery and have been thinking going to the original look. It seems a delco R-59 battery is VERY spendy. Any suggestions on going with the R-59 battery topper and if so what battery? Does delco have a generic battery that someone has used that looks good with the topper or any other brand? What would you go with for a minimum of cold cranking amps for a 396? Thanks...Jon

I believe the correct battery size is a group 24...
Anyway,I got a replacement battery from the local parts store and added the topper and repro battery cables. I am very happy with the results
I would want at least a 700 CCA

I always thought the toppers looked cheesey. I recommend a correct battery from Restoration Battery. Give them a call and check out the web site. http://restorationbattery.com/ You cant beat the maintenance free from them. this is the product link http://restorationbattery.com/products.html


Rocky

$240 + shipping, ouch, I guess you get what yo pay for.

$240 + shipping, ouch, I guess you get what yo pay for.

For your car, I would go with the Restoration Battery. Obviously, your wallet speaks louder than any of us can, so go with your budget, first & foremost.

Depends on how original your car is under the hood but if it looks as nice as the exterior, I would spring for the Restoration Battery. A 69 L78 vert is a very desirable car and the $300 investment would just make it more so. Also I'm sure $300 is a drop in the bucket compared to what you've already got invested in her.

I bought the topper from Ground Up this spring for my 70. They were the cheapest. I bought an Interstate black flat top battery for about $78 and then put double sided sticky tape (like body shop uses) between the topper and the battery so the top would not slide around. Looks great IMO. I get compliments at the car shows I go to with how good it looks. I didn't want the hassle of the repro battery. Now I have the dependability of a new type battery with the looks of the original R-59. It was a win-win! Good luck with your choice. Tom. :yes:

I didn't want the hassle of the repro battery. Now I have the dependability of a new type battery with the looks of the original R-59. It was a win-win! Good luck with your choice. Tom. :yes:

What hassle would that be? The maintenance free batterys from Restoration battery are military spec batterys! They are built like the Optima style, this is per the owner.

I guess if your going to try to make something appear like something, you might as well buy the real thing. It always amazed me that folks spend the kind of money to make a sharp looking engine compartment, and then buy a fake battey top.

It was mentioned above, no one can speak for your wallet but you.


Rocky

Bought A Battery From Auto Zone Added The Topper Looks Great

I am currently using a Delco battery with a topper, purchased both many years ago.

I have just recently discovered the R59 reproduction maintenance free battery myself and was wondering how long has the maintenance free design been available, thanks.

FWIW,I have had good luck with the reproduction batteries.First one installed in my Chevelle in June 2000.Replaced it last year,pretty much because of age with another and it's doing fine and I drive my car a lot.:hurray:

I would go with the Restoration Battery and get it date coded also.:yes:

each is own...I have yet for someone to figure out I have a topper on mine.Plus,the repro battery cables really set it off. I get alot of compliments.