Source for 6V MGB batteries

Hi -

I have a 65 B w/ two 6v batteries, and they are all done. The ones in the car were from Interstate (I know that they don't manufacture them), and have the number "4223" stamped in the bottom. These are particularly nice because they are made exactly for old B's, fit perfectly, and are a relatively modern battery - unfortunately, Interstate doesn't seem to be able to locate them anymore.

I've looked around, but I can't find a good source for batteries that fit nicely. Moss Motors offers a tar-top, but I want to avoid them because of the exposed cell connectors on top (too dangerous when charging, etc.)

If anybody knows of a good manufacturer and part no., I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks! Joe

Joe,
You might try some place like Batteries Plus, if you have those in NJ. Unless you need to keep the originalilty, though, I'd suggest you switch to a single Group 26 12-volt....

Why use 2 6V batteries when there are 12V batteries around? Seems like you are asking for troubles down the road when one fails. Double the connections to corrode, double the possible trouble points to maintain

Double expense too. I'd go with the group 26.

Joe- Go with one 12 volt located behind passenger seat and get a liner for the other hole. It's a handy place to store tools, a quart of oil and or spare parts.

If you have heard these arguments and for whatever reason decide you wish to remain original you may find the batteries at some NAPA stores, they can get them from some of thier warehouses. They are still made by Interstate and can be had via them and some Sears stores still have them.

Thanks all! Sounds like a heavy chorus for the single Group 26 (whatever that is) 12v, though I was thinking of staying original. The idea of filling in the spare battery compartment with a liner and using it for tool storage is a great idea, though, so maybe I will go that way.

Is anyone aware of anyone that makes an extension cable arrangement to allow for hooking up a battery tender without having to take off the battery compartment cover?

Joe

Joe,
Group numbers are the standardised way the Battery Council International (BCI) identifies the dimensions of a battery. (Oddly enough, these "International" number seem to be used only in the US...) You should be able to go to any parts store and say you want a Group 26 battery, and the counterperson should know exactly what you want. (Although they'll usually ask you what kind of car you have so that they can confirm the number -- tell them it's for a non-original application... Sometimes they'll also ask if you want a 26 or a 26R -- the R means "reversed posts." You want a 26.)

Here's a chart to the sizes:
http://www.rtpnet.org/~teaa/bcigroup.html

HTH!

Thanks to all that answered! Very helpful!

When I bought a new group 26 there was some extra plastic on the bottom of the case, which I trimmed down. Made it a little easier of a fit.
Just make sure you don't cut the case.

This is obvious, but keep the strap on the battery too, the battery that had been in the car previously didn't have one and made it a pain in the ass to get it out.

My '73 has 2 old 6Vs. If I put one 12V in, how do I hook it up? Just put on 2 of the wires from the old 6Vs, or all 4 on the one battery?
Thanks...I'm not up on the electrical stuff yet.

Bill,
Have a look here:
http://www.mgbexperience.com/electrical/conversion.html

HTH!

HELP!!!!

HOW DO I SWITCH FROM THE 2 6 VOLTS BATTERIES TO A 12V (GROUP 26) WHAT I NEED TO DO?????

http://www.mossmotors.com/forum/forums/thread/1734.aspx

I will chime in to say that there is no practical reason to keep twin 6v batteries. I have no idea why the Brits did for so long - maybe they had a lot of 6v batteries to get rid of?

Other than a Concours competition, there are no advantages. It is true that two 6v batteries will have more current capacity than a single 12v battery - basically there is more volume and more plate area. But, since Group 26 12v batteries happily crank big V8 engines, there is no problem for our little 4 cylinders.