Obviously, frame-off restos are not cheap, but we all manage to find ways to alleviate a few bucks here and there, whether it's by doing something yourself, re-using an old part, or by saying the heck with it just putting up with something that works, but may not meet our personal standards.

Case in point for me right now:

I need to get a battery, so I was looking at a maint. free unit from Restoration Battery, at $240.00.

With s/h ( USPS ), exchange & duties, I'm looking at about $450.00 for a freakin' battery! That's a tough one to swallow, even if this were the last item needed on my car, which it is not. I'm really thinking about just using a Delco battery with the repro battery topper and be done with it. It'll probably cost under $200 to do it that way.

My car isn't a matching numbers car, and while it will be nice when it's done, it won't even be close to a car like Bill Rose's, Albert Galdi's or a Mike Crown.

I have enough other stuff on the car that I can't skimp on ( like chrome ) so I don't think I'm committing any unpardonable sin here by going with a cheaper solution that most people aren't going to notice.

Just venting.

Buy a $59 WalMart battery and use it until everything else on the car is done. Then, if $$$ permits, spring for something that looks authentic.

I've got WalMat batteries in three of my vehicles. The price is right and they are good quality.

Dan

I might suggest something that you already know.. but still ...

Did you ask if any of the BATTERY suppliers would be at a SHOW anywhere near you in the near future? or will you be attending a Show where they might be?

You could save money with an in person pick up.

If that option is a No go.. I guess I would say.. do what ya gotta do... BUT if that battery can wait... let it wait and use a cheap repro. to get by.. just don't end up buying a topper and spending half the money, only to later still buy the Maint. Free good one... then you are in BIG Money.

Personally, I do not like those toppers at all.. they just look cheesy to me..

That said, No, you won't be black balled or snickered at if you make cuts where you need to make cuts...;)

Other comments welcome.

Mike

I hear ya Dan. Fortunately I travel a fair bit to some friends in Syracuse, NY and have my stuff shipped to one of them and bring it back myself. Saves a lot on the "cross border" shipping. That's what I did with my new R59 a few years ago.

I still have the Battery Topper I used previously and you are more than welcome to it if that is how you want to go for the short term. It's in fairly decent shape. You pay the shipping and it's yours.

I am not the most "fanatical" guy on here when it comes to absolute correctness. However, if a part needs replacing or upgrading I try to get the proper piece. But, it will not happen that way at the expense of breaking the bank. I've had my car over eight years and still have a list of stuff I want to do. I try to do a few things every year within a certain budget. If there's no money right now then it has to wait. Probably a lot of guys feel the same way.

I'm not in a resto situation, more of a "phantom", but that said, I want to make it look as right as I can within reason. Mine is a toy, I don't need to drive it, so if something is broken it can sit until funds become available to do the job right.

In your case I would have to agree with Mike and get a useable battery for now. Once the project is complete, you can then decide whether you want to spend the big bucks on a reprodution battery.

I put an Interstate in mine last year, and hated the atrocious flourescent green top, so I taped it off and painted it black.

Devin

As other have said Dan. You can use a cheap battery, or an older battery for now, and get the resto battery when the car is done. Maybe it will be easier to spend the cash on the battery, when the car is finished, and your not spending the money on other parts at the same time.

Another idea: some of us will be coming to the Niagara show. Either myself of someone else could get the battery and bring it to the show. At least the shipping would be reasonable. I'm gonna be buying the maintenance free battery for my car, sometime before the summer. I could buy 2 and get it to the niagara show.

I use a battery topper on a generic group 25 parts store battery (900 CCA's)
It doesn't look too cheesy with the repro battery cables IMHO ;)
If I had a higher caliber car that I put less miles on and didn't drag race once in awhile ;) .....I would go for one of the new repros...peoples jaw drop as it is when they see my car in the staging lanes :D

Dan,
What Bill said! If you are sure about coming to the Can Am show, someonbe could get your battery and bring it to the show. I'm planning on going to the spring Carlisle event and could get it for you there and bring it along in July. For now, I think the others have covered it. Don't sweat it for now, just put in something so it will start.

Dan,
What Bill said! If you are sure about coming to the Can Am show, someonbe could get your battery and bring it to the show. I'm planning on going to the spring Carlisle event and could get it for you there and bring it along in July. For now, I think the others have covered it. Don't sweat it for now, just put in something so it will start.

I definitely need something to start the car, as my engine builder told me to run the motor for about 10 minutes once a week over the winter. The engine has about 1 hr. and 400 feet on it. If it had been driven 500 miles or so, my builder would just have me let it sit. I'll be at the show for sure, whether the car makes it is still up in the air, but I'll be there!

Dan when I got my R59 battery from the place it cost me around $265.00 with the shipping and its also date coded.
It is also the maintenance free battery, money well spent and looks great.
I was also in the same boat as you with my windshield because mine was a clear one and it cost me $500.00 with the shipping and I could have bought a tinted one installed for $225.00. Again I am glad I spent the $$ and bought the clear windshield.:yes:

I search and search until I find a steal :)

My cars aren't of the caliper of which you speak either,;) the 66 had the Delco tartop when I got it and I bought the maintanence free R59 for the 69 and I hear all kinds of comments about the batteries when @ shows.
If you have to hold off for now... so be it, but I'd make the invesment when I could :thumbsup:

Well, I have a obsessive compulsive disorder where if there is something that isn't correct, it eats at me and i obsess over it. A trait that's going to cost me an easy $10,000 detailing this Corvette, and cost me over a $7,000 loss when i sold the Chevelle.

My vote is for shopping around, but getting the correct battery.

Doing otherwise will still cost you the price of the battery, plus the cost of whatever you went with initially and pulled out later after it ate at you and you had to swap it.

The correct battery and cables is a detail that will seperate you from the majority at the local shows and cruise in's.

I know your not doing a nut and bolt correct restoration, but the correct batery and cables is just a really nice detail that's worth the extra cost, and really seperates the quality level of detailing at the local shows.

It's a no-brainer at a national level type show, but it will really seperate the car at your local Burger Joint Cruise in's.

Gotta do it right Dano! :thumbsup: It's just too large of a detail to overlook.

IMHO and experience,if you have some non stock items (intake,headers) a battery topper and the correct cables isn't going to offend anyone :D At this point,the "purists" or anal critics all ready wrote you off because of the non stock items and the less educated have no clue on the difference between the topper and the correct battery.

first of all hello, first time posting; long time reader. i have a few different types of cars all gm of course and have yoused the reproduction batteries. love the look but i also drive my cars 1k miles a year or so. they do go bad even with battery tenders. i had two of them only last two year. they sure do look pretty setting on the shelf though. so now i use regular battery's with a topper and a good warranty. a topper looks alot better at a show than a jump start! just something to think about. love this sight. 69396ss love the corvette! i have a 70 t-top. some corvette people do turn there own wrenches.

Dan, is that a lot of money for a battery, yes it is! But I can guarantee you WILL be satisfied with it.


Rocky

This is a very well timed thread. I actually had to go out & buy a new battery today. I am in the same boat Dan, as I could not justify spending $260 for an R-59 battery. I have decided to go the route of a generic AC-Delco battery & the R-59 topper.

Easier said than done. Simply trying to find a new AC-Delco battery is a chore in itself. None of the local auto parts carry them. Then I tried the chain stores; no dice. Even some of the local Chevy dealers had problems locating them. Finally the third Chevy dealer was able to get one for me.

Sometimes you have to set some limitations on exactly how much $$$ you can continue to spend on your hobby. No shame in that, at least not where I sit. You guys that have endless streams of cash to spend on every conceivable detail, more power to you. :thumbsup:

I can't relate since my worry is rust even though it isn't nearly as bad as much of what I see on the forums. My (today's) thought is that its simply impossible to stop or completely remove rust on these cars, so there's no sense in spending big bucks on paint. With that said, the battery point becomes moot.

Since mine's a former field (66/V8/PG/12 bolt (I think)) Malibu I guess it matters less. Sort of like saving a half dead mutt dog from the side of the road.

I think I'll try to do right by the car but it won't be original or anywhere near on my watch.

It's your car. Period. You're the only one who needs to live with it. If you have to have the battery, you'll find a way to get it.

I can't afford anything near a concours resto. Plus, if I could afford it and did do it, I'd be afraid to drive the car. What's the fun in that? I'm leery of driving the thing as it is with all the lousy drivers out there. :mad: Since I don't have the original PG, I can't say it's a matching numbers car anyway. Plus, I have the "low-power" and "undesirable" 325-horse 396, so why bother?

I'm refurbing as many of the factory parts as possible and trying to make it look cosmetically close to a new '66. But, I like the sound and look of headers, so fugeddabout manifolds, stock exhaust, etc. I can't really justify the cost of finding the "correct" parts, anyway.

Poly control arm bushings? Yes. Electronic ignition? Yes. Halogen headlights? Check. Quick-ratio steering box? Later.

$260+ for a repro battery that won't last and I've gotta buy another one in 2 years? No thanks. :noway: Topper and a modern battery :thumbsup:; function is preferable to form in this case, for me anyway.

I guess you'd call mine a resto-mod/driver ... :D

I was just thinking foundation of the car. Trying to save the car. trying to stop rust

It's fairly simple. You spend to your budget than multiply by four. It's working for me.
Mine is not a Bill Rose car but it's close enough for me. Isn't that what it is all about anyway. By the way, buy the $300 battery, it looks so good in the engine compartment.

My two coppers:

One thing about Perfection as another member put it, but in a C/O way. It can never be achieved no matter how hard you try, for if you attempt it, you're Project will never be completed. However, if it were me, I'd pop for the "correct" battery, besides it'll stimulate our economy.


Respectfully,
John R.

WE are Talking about the Maint. Free batteries guys are we not??.. not the old style pour in the acid type...so I'm not sure the trickle chargers and buying a new one every year or two applies any longer?

Again, I speak only for myself.. but my 66 Maint. Free Tar Top is now about three years old.. and as most of you know.. gets little use... I do not use a trickle charger.. and for the most part the car is under cover.. summer and winter.. but I uncovered it recently when a fellow member was in the area and wanted to see it.. Started right up... and had been sitting a good two montsh before that... so, again, just a reminder, we are talking about Maint. Free batteries I think... should last as long as any over the counter battery in my opinion.

But that's not the question at hand... I still say, do what you can when you can, just don't spend money Twice!

NOS parts are just way to pricey and more difficult to obtain. Sometimes I wish I didn't know so much about correct parts and just finish the car and enjoy it. Then then investment, quality of restoration, and attention to details come to mind and you go back to tracking correct dated parts. Unfortunately at one point reality$$$ and priorities kick in and wake you up.:yes:

WE are Talking about the Maint. Free batteries guys are we not??.. not the old style pour in the acid type...so I'm not sure the trickle chargers and buying a new one every year or two applies any longer?

Again, I speak only for myself.. but my 66 Maint. Free Tar Top is now about three years old.. and as most of you know.. gets little use... I do not use a trickle charger.. and for the most part the car is under cover.. summer and winter.. but I uncovered it recently when a fellow member was in the area and wanted to see it.. Started right up... and had been sitting a good two montsh before that... so, again, just a reminder, we are talking about Maint. Free batteries I think... should last as long as any over the counter battery in my opinion.

But that's not the question at hand... I still say, do what you can when you can, just don't spend money Twice!


I have the exact same battery that mike has, My car on the other hand get driven a lot in the summer, a Red Hot Kansas Summer Just ask anyone who's ever been to our ACES regional in August. Heat is the biggest killer of battery's and mine has been going strong for about 3 years.

If the car set for six days or six weeks or three months in the winter, it starts up just like it was when brand new.

I know every one is different, but I can't imagine when we spend the kind of money we do on parts to build these cars, are you really going to be happy with a fake battery top, because the only people you fool are the ones who don't know anything about these cars to begin with. But bottom line is you got to do what makes you and your pocket book happy

Rocky

I have ( 2 ) of these maint. free batterys. One in my 70, a side post and R59 in my 67. I'm sort of lucky I live local and Tom at Restoration Battery has dropped them off to me. I lost a cell in the one in my 70 over last winter..less than a year old. I called Tom told him what had happened, he didn't have a replacement for me but gave me a loaner till mine came in. What kind of service is that ??? I'd call it great. Dan, I plan on coming to the Maryland show next summer with my 67, if by any chance you are going to be at that show, I could bring it to you and you could take it back home with you. Just an offer and food for thought. That would give you some time.

WE are Talking about the Maint. Free batteries guys are we not??.. not the old style pour in the acid type...so I'm not sure the trickle chargers and buying a new one every year or two applies any longer?

Again, I speak only for myself.. but my 66 Maint. Free Tar Top is now about three years old.. and as most of you know.. gets little use... I do not use a trickle charger.. and for the most part the car is under cover.. summer and winter.. but I uncovered it recently when a fellow member was in the area and wanted to see it.. Started right up... and had been sitting a good two montsh before that... so, again, just a reminder, we are talking about Maint. Free batteries I think... should last as long as any over the counter battery in my opinion.

But that's not the question at hand... I still say, do what you can when you can, just don't spend money Twice!

I have the exact same battery that mike has, My car on the other hand get driven a lot in the summer, a Red Hot Kansas Summer Just ask anyone who's ever been to our ACES regional in August. Heat is the biggest killer of battery's and mine has been going strong for about 3 years.

If the car set for six days or six weeks or three months in the winter, it starts up just like it was when brand new.

I know every one is different, but I can't imagine when we spend the kind of money we do on parts to build these cars, are you really going to be happy with a fake battery top, because the only people you fool are the ones who don't know anything about these cars to begin with. But bottom line is you got to do what makes you and your pocket book happy

Rocky
I have the same version as these guys..... except it's not a maintanence free, :noway: it's got over three years into service, never seen a battery tender and fires right up after a few cold months of storage.:thumbsup:
So... they do have some durability to them.:yes:

What battery would have been in a 70 chevelle in 1975? I think the restoration battery is a want item during a resto. Not a must. A year or 2 later you can make this decision. If you need to sell in a pinch, will the buyer not buy it because of a missing reproduction battery?

If your car is not going to be a factory restoration and more of a modified car. Then a good battery is all you need IMO. Maybe not a cheap brand but a good quality brand is just fine. But it would certainly look out of place in a stock restored car.

If its not numbers matching then i say go with a optima red top. The point when enough is enough is nice looking original parts with little or no wear if possible. And only if it's super rare and a bargain. I know your thinking yeah right but i still run into great deals.

First off, thank you everyone for all the offers of sending me parts or picking up my battery for me, it's all much appreciated:thumbsup::yes:.

I went into Walmart today ( man, I hate that place ) to look at their batteries. The one that wouls suit my needs is $85.00 + tax ( let's say almost $100 ). I couldn't pull the trigger on buying it, as others have said, I'll be paying twice if I go with the repro battery, which despite my bitching, I still do want.

I may just knuckle under and order the damn thing:(. If I wait to see Bill or George in the Falls in July and they bring me a battery, I'll still need something in the meantime, so the money I save on s/h would be spent now buying the temporary battery.

Decisions, decisions...:clonk:

Just too much fun working on these old heaps, huh Dan!!

It's only Money right Dan!! l:)

[quote=steve's black 67;2074933]first of all hello, first time posting; long time reader.[quote]


:waving: Welcome to Team Chevelle Steve!!!

Just too much fun working on these old heaps, huh Dan!!

Not recently...:noway:

It's only Money right Dan!! l:)

Yup, just in short supply, as usual:rolleyes:

Trying to stick with a plan and overall theme without changing things midstream has been the hardest part. Had to learn to ignore the money end of it as long as it comes out right. On the tail end or at least its nearing...Very very fortunate that years ago had the foresight to get most the parts in advance back when money was flowing or this would never get done.

Keep on it. It takes time, money patience, and patience. Dig into it, get it done .Dont let it sit around for years like I did.
Good luck!

Dan,did you get those Judge pics?

Dan,did you get those Judge pics?

Chris, yes I did! They are just awesome!:yes::thumbsup::)

I tried to e-mail you at your e-mail address but it got bounced back...

Chris, yes I did! They are just awesome!:yes::thumbsup::)

I tried to e-mail you at your e-mail address but it got bounced back...

I got some pics of the latest project..I'll email them to you :)

Well, it looks like I'll get what I want, but manage to spend a little less. Karbelt Speed & Custom in Pickering, Ontario carries the batteries, and I've ordered one. It looks like I'll save over $100, likely a little more. I'll have it by Thursday.

It's about a 45 minute drive to get there, but at least I won't have to worry about shipping damage or inconvenience another member here to get it.

That's Great News!!!

very nice, Dan! Getting c-l-o-s-e-r.

Well, after all my bellyaching, here's my $350.00 battery:o. Still expensive, but it's correct and I saved a little bit by finding a vendor up here:yes:.

nice :thumbsup:

nice :thumbsup:

That's exactly what my wallet said when the $350.00 had to to be pried out with a set of vice grips.....:D

See? Looks good Dan. That's just too big of a detail to go with an incorrect Service replacement.

This Vette I picked up is a very late production car (last day), with some parts not being reproduced and many Corvette specific casting numbers with only a small window of correct dating for my application.

As an example of a couple recently explored:

Correct NOS fan shroud $675
Correct Alternator $500 with bare casings without internals reaching $300.
Reproduction Chrome Ignition shielding $500 a set.
Reproduction Side exhaust Shielding $2200 a set, with mufflers and mounting hardware bringing up towards $3000

With the NCRS crowd being numbers driven and all fighting over rare original parts and correctly detailed reproductions, the vendors take advantage of the scenario and drive the pricing through the roof and place a premium on anything labeled Corvette.

If there's any consolation it's that the battery is hidden. :D

I havent even started tear down yet however and am already tormenting over the financial "line in the sand".

The $3000 side pipes however, are already in transit. :cool:

Sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet.

Now, ARE YOU SURE.. that red plastic Tag should be on there??? I tell the 66 owners to Get Rid of it! but this aint no 66 either..

Glad you got it.. it is a VERY BIG Detail to leave out.

Now, ARE YOU SURE.. that red plastic Tag should be on there???.

Correctomundo there Mr. Mystery!

I've mentioned this a few times, the latest being for Brad with that newly restored 69 ragger - "Get rid of that Red and White tag". It was on there from the manufacturer, but was not on the car when leaving the Assembly Plant.

Now, on another note Dan, with all this newfound money you have maybe you could float me a small loan :yes:

Now, ARE YOU SURE.. that red plastic Tag should be on there??? I tell the 66 owners to Get Rid of it! but this aint no 66 either..

Glad you got it.. it is a VERY BIG Detail to leave out.

Wasn't sure, so I left it on, figuring some eagle eye like Don would blast me, then I'd remove it!:D

Correctomundo there Mr. Mystery!

I've mentioned this a few times, the latest being for Brad with that newly restored 69 ragger - "Get rid of that Red and White tag". It was on there from the manufacturer, but was not on the car when leaving the Assembly Plant.

Now, on another note Dan, with all this newfound money you have maybe you could float me a small loan :yes:

The newfound money has been newly spent, see pic of expensive battery above.:)

Dan,

Now all is said and done, the battery is in place, are you not glad that you got what you did, instead if a inexpensive battery with a fake top?


Rocky

Dan,

Now all is said and done, the battery is in place, are you not glad that you got what you did, instead if a inexpensive battery with a fake top?


Rocky

Looks wise, absolutely:yes:. My butt still hurts from the hit in my wallethttp://www.clipartof.com/images/thumbnail/2050.gif (http://www.clipartof.com/details/emoticon/2050.html).

Yes, I'm a cheapskate:D.

I said the heck with it and went with the Yellow Optima in my trunk with a 2 second disconnect. I am all about things that can make my car better but am not tied up into the all original thing, dont get me wrong, i love cars that are all original but i tent to prefer mine the other way. I am happy my body is all original. the rest I play with to a point. I want quality so I can still run the piss out of it and have fun and not worry about things breaking.

That is one sweet looking battery dan.:thumbsup: 350.00 Ouch! Still pricy though.:yes: