Here's the place to chat about all things classic. Also includes a feedback forum where you can communicate directly with the editorial team - don't hold back, they'd love to know what they're doing right (or wrong of course!)
mach1rob wrote:Why would a carrying handle be that important? Surely once it's fitted you won't need to carry it ;) Yes they're handy for the odd times you need to move it, but the lack of one isn't a problem, I managed to carry it from the shop to the car, then from the car to the garage to fit it all without the aid of a handle.
I forever seem to be "borrowing" a battery out of one vehicle to start another, etc. And as the battery in the Rover P6 sits low in and tight in its box, it's a real pain to remove without a handle (or bit of rope or old seatbelt...). Same with the Land Rover as it needs to be lifted quite high to clear the wing.
But that's just my winge, I accept that we don't all have the same priorities.
I bought a 12 volt battery for my Willys MB from Battery Distribution Group. There are depots around the country. Mine jeep is a 12 volt Willys converted in 1947.There is a depot near to Westgate Classics in Aldridge.I went in gave them the dimensions I needed L x W x H and the guy punched it up on the screen and came up with a battery within 5mm of what I wanted. "Is it cash mate?" was the question. "Yes, if I've got enough on me." was my reply. "£40-00 quid mate." Deal done!
I tore off the self adhesive labels and printed my own with 'Auto-Lite USA' onto photographic paper. Three coats of clear laquer and stuck on with PVA adhesive and then another coat of clear laquer to seal it. The battery has a hold down frame that has a piece of 6mm ply inset that covers the battery top. All my vehicles have batteries from the same source.
In the end i went for a modern varta battery. Fed up of looking at classic looking batterys as the price seemed to be high with a lower spec.
Got the biggest battery i could fit in the space, 5 year warrantee and a good price, im thinking its better to have reliability than looking good sometimes in life...lol