I can't decide if I want an old repro Delco
battery or a new ac delco battery. Also can't decide on the tires. I don't need new tires but those polyglass tires might be kind of cool to have.

As far as the batteries are concerned I have had very good luck with the ones I have used, but other people have not been as fortunate. I had a repro Tar Top in my 64 goat for 3 years and a repro R59 in my 69 goat for 3 years, no trouble with either. You can also get a repro R59 "plastic top" which will fit over a modern battery and look correct.

I also ran repro Polyglas tires on the 69 goat for three years. Never had a problem with handling or traction. Certainly not radials but I didn't have any complaints. Also have the repro Polyglas on my current Chevelle. I should add that my classics usually only get about 500 to 1000 miles a year.

Hope this helps.



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ACES #4241, TC #947
69 SS Sedan (http://www.angelfire.com/rock/69ss)

They also make a repro R-59 heavy duty which has 750 cold cranking amps. I believe the standard R-59 repro only has 400 CCA. If you have a BB w/a little compression the 750 CCA would be nice. The 750 CCA are on sale by the manufacturer New Castle Mfg. Co. 1-800-622-6733 for $94. They come dry and you just add acid you can get at any auto parts store. These are top post batteries that use the spring ring cables.

[This message has been edited by Black LS-6 (edited 02-07-2001).]

I think Don made a valid point about actual mileage put on a car. For 1000 miles and under, I'd say go with the Polyglas, Wide Oval, etc. If you're doing a lot of driving, I'd lean towards a radial tire. I'd like to have the repops but the previous owner of my Chevelle put less than 500 miles on a set of BFG's he installed, so I'll use them for awhile.

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Dan Orgill

[This message has been edited by 4spdrat (edited 02-07-2001).]

I've gone through 3 of those 'high cranking' repro R59's. Just didn't last at all. The regular version gave me 4 years.
I plan on getting the plastic 'top' that fits on a normal battery. The repros make very expensive door stops.

I had those polyglas on my 67 when I bought it a few years ago and hated how it handled. I put BFG T/A's and it was like night and day. 2 years later I buy a 70SS that has the Wide Oval (factory correct)tires on them and once again the handling is not to my liking. BFG T/A are the order of business when it comes out of winter storage this year. Got my nickels saved already. Radials are the way to go if you are going to be taking the car out on the open road or highways.


Mytmouse

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67 SS396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi Butternut Yellow w/Black Vinyl (http://www.pascale.org/Muscle_Cars/Mytmouse/mytmouse.html)
68 RS Z/28 302 350+Hp? 4sp 4:10 Posi, Euro Red on Black (http://www.pascale.org/Muscle_Cars/Myts_Mouse/myts_mouse.html)
70 SS396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi, Black on Black (http://www.pascale.org/Muscle_Cars/Myt_70/myt_70.html)

Mytmouse A.K.A. Robert Stacho

[This message has been edited by Mytmouse (edited 02-08-2001).]

Coker Tire makes a radial in the original ply tire mold. They're expensive but the best of both worlds.

Rob,

I have the Polyglass Wide Ovals, not the ride of Radials but really not terrible. The car rides well and handles fine.

I also have the topper on a Delco maintenance free battery, it looks great, have already fooled a few people. Check my web page, you'll see the topper and the tires.

Rich

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70 SS - L34
Member # 442
www.chevelles.com/showroom/richr1 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/richr1)

http://www.my70ss.com

I bought my R-59 in 1990 and just ordered another one this week.They said 10 years is the life expectancy,an I agree.I'm going to give the dead R-59 to my friend so he can cut the top off and slip it over his Sears Die hard.
I too have the Firestone Wide Ovals and they work good for the few miles I drive a year.

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Rick Peters
NCOA#1670-ACES#175
1970...ON THE MOVE (http://community.webtv.net/rap3/1970ChevelleL78)