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Starting With The Battery...

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Ray Hogan, Aug 2, 2019.

  1. Aug 2, 2019
    Ray Hogan

    Ray Hogan Member

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    Nov 29, 2015
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    Jeep was little slow to start today, and by that I mean it “cranked” slower than I remembered. So, time to get busy learning this thing. Raised the hood, ha, looked at the battery ... Walmart, 650 cca, date sticker was 8/13, so I figure 6 years old. Put a charger on it and will see how it goes, I have to work the weekend anyway. Also, the PO had just “sat” the battery on the tray without anchoring it in any way, probably not good. I do have the holders, original I think. They are the two matching vertical side pieces and a half perimeter top bracket. The top bracket is too big for the current battery, probably why the PO didn’t work with it and threw it in the tool box with the jack. Anyway, my questions are ... does anyone know the dimensions of the original battery because i’d Like to reinstall the original holders, how many cca’s should I look for, are some batteries that much better or can I just continue with Walmart? Oh, this is my ‘63. Thanks, Ray.
     
  2. Aug 2, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    No recommendations on CCA or Brands but I believe that vehicle came with a group 24 size battery w/top posts. Very common size. mike
     
  3. Aug 2, 2019
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Also check for dirty or corroded connections.
     
  4. Aug 2, 2019
    65seejayfive

    65seejayfive Blazin’ new trails

    Pennsylvania
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    Apr 10, 2018
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    333
    Just replaced my battery earlier this year: 625CA and 500 CCA is plenty for my F134. Even in frigid temps I had no issues with it. I do, however, keep it on a battery maintainer over the winter.
     
    Beach66Bum likes this.
  5. Aug 2, 2019
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    I wouldn't count on a 6 year old battery very long. I think it would be worth it to go with a gel battery. I'm going to switch everything eventually to them. I get mine from Advance Auto Parts, but that's mainly because they're closer to me than WalMart.
     
  6. Aug 2, 2019
    Ray Hogan

    Ray Hogan Member

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  7. Aug 2, 2019
    Ray Hogan

    Ray Hogan Member

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    7D885F1F-B67C-4605-8040-CF1A6335CDE2.png This is the half perimeter top piece, has a “rubberized” coating to prevent shorting. The coating has chipped and cracked over time. Has anyone scraped and restored this piece, like “plastic-dipped” or something, or am I going too far in trying to keep the originality?
     
    Hellion likes this.
  8. Aug 2, 2019
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Seems to me it would be worth it to keep and restore the original. Plastic dip ought to work fine.
     
  9. Aug 2, 2019
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    Hey Ray, thanks for the link for the hold down. Didn't know those were available.
    Anyone have a source for the J hooks? I think they're actually more 'L' shaped.

    I agree with Glenn; re-dip it if needed or if the corrosion is getting a bit much.
     
  10. Aug 2, 2019
    mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Peninsula, Ohio
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    NAPA used to have the bolts.
     
  11. Aug 2, 2019
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    I understand agm (absorbent glass mat) batteries take a different charging cycle. The f-134 generator would not make sense to keep with one of those.

    Edit: Howard clarifies this on post 21.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2019
    Ray Hogan likes this.
  12. Aug 2, 2019
    Ray Hogan

    Ray Hogan Member

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    Hellion, I ran across those hooks at several of the willys vintage parts sets.
     
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  13. Aug 2, 2019
    Ray Hogan

    Ray Hogan Member

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    C6467029-3B49-41D8-9D06-6F276BE91BC3.png
     
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  14. Aug 2, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    I would not go exotic with the battery. Both the Napa and Walmart batteries have worked well for me. Walmart is cheaper. My brother likes Pep Boys batteries, but they are not as local to me. Use a good battery minder if you don't drive the Jeep at least every week, I'd think. Regular charging will extend battery life by years.

    Dorman has a bunch of different battery hold-down bolts. Dorman Products - Search Results Any parts store can get Dorman same or next day.

    Battery terminals and hold-down parts are the best use I have for my spray can of Fluid Film. Ace at preventing corrosion.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2019
    Hellion likes this.
  15. Aug 2, 2019
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    Average life expectancy for a 12V battery is 5 years or less...(?)

    I agree; just use the most basic, most cost effective lead-acid battery you can find.

    Someone here did a faux "vintage battery" topper on their battery to make it look
    circa 1950-1960. Looks really good under the hood in place of a gaudy modern
    battery...
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2021
    Beach66Bum and 65seejayfive like this.
  16. Aug 2, 2019
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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    or just take the stickers off. I was at the advance today and my jaw dropped when i saw the price of an optima red top. Last one i bought was like $115. and i thought i was splurging. Now they are double that and i hear they are junk. Lots of guys on the porsche site are going with cheap $20 lawn tractor batteries. They are small and light and work just as well as the expensive ones. But yeah id go with a cheap walmart battery they do just fine the last one i got for my cj5 lasted 10 years.
     
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  17. Aug 2, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    Just replaced my Optima red top AGM battery after 19 years of service. A lot of that time was on a battery maintainer.No different then any other battery to charge or maintain. New one was $225.00 divided by 19 = you do the math..........
     
    Glenn likes this.
  18. Aug 2, 2019
    Nebr1957CJ5

    Nebr1957CJ5 I will do it tomorrow

    Lincoln NE
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    While my jeep is still on 6v, I think the lesson still stands. Start with cleaning corrosion, then clean the starter itself. You can get brushes for it cheap enough if you need them, but simple cleaning goes a long way on the old equipment
     
  19. Aug 3, 2019
    Bearskin10

    Bearskin10 New Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Lakewood,CA
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    I hear Optima's just aren't the same since they moved there manufacturing to Mexico.
     
  20. Aug 3, 2019
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    That's quite impressive, lasting that long.
     
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