Which Varta battery for a 3500S ('73)?

[thob]

I actually had this one for the last 6 years, seems it died today:
> 556 401 048 | VARTA® Batteries

Capacity: 56 Ah
CCA: 480 A
Width: 175 mm
Length: 242 mm
Height: 190 mm


But what about this one:
> 570 413 063 | VARTA® Batteries

Capacity: 70 Ah
CCA: 630 A
Width: 175 mm
Length: 261 mm
Height: 220 mm

 

[thob]

I think I go for this one

Model: 560 127 054
Capacity: 60 Ah
CCA: 540 A
Width: 175 mm
Length: 242 mm
Height: 190 mm
Short Code: D43
UK Code: 077

 

[thamesroverp6]

Hi guys, not that I have looked at your posts,but I understand (when I worked at Repco Auto Store) buying a sealed battery
(calcium coated plates) was not the correct battery for older cars. The reason being they require a higher voltage to fully charge them.
Alternators in modern cars can do this, older cars can not.

 

[thob]

OK, so what do you suggest?

 

[ButterFingers]

that's an interesting comment regarding sealed battery's and calcium coated plates.
Did not know about the calcium coated plates thing.
My car and I expect many others of the seventies have alternators so I assume that sealed battery's were OK.....or not?
Peter

 

[thamesroverp6]

here in NZ we have Century branded batteries (among others) which I have in mine.
Its the right size (physically) and has the terminals in the correct place.
It is just a lead lead acid battery (not the calcium lead acid battery) of which has caps you unscrew to maintain the
electrolyte levels in each cell.
The specs : Model 46
CCA 410
My car is standard 3500 and is all I have ever needed, with just stock standard accessories and a subwoofer amplifier and head unit.
BTW a 8 inch sub will fit in the factory fitted hole in the back parcel shelf. Gives quality sound to the front door speakers!
I guess the biggest you can fit the better giving bigger cranking amps (CCA), will give you longer amp hours as well, but not a sealed unit.
Sealed units (calcium ones) do work, but life expectancy is shortened, as an auto battery should be kept topped up (fully charged),
unlike a deep cycle battery which is made for discharge/charge cycles.
hope this helps

 

[thamesroverp6]

Hi Peter, my understanding was up till about 1976 there abouts alternators weren't high output ones requiring lead lead acid batteries.

 

[thamesroverp6]

oh calcium lead acid batteries required higher voltage from the alternator to break through the calcium plates to charge them.
No maintanence being the reason for the "new" type battery.
So when purchasing a charger, at least nowadays, you get a charger that is switchable depending on the type of battery your charging , to optimise the charge cycle/voltage.

 

[thob]

I had this one for 6 years (is it a calcium one?)

 

[thamesroverp6]

I tried to do a little homework to find out if it is a calcium type, but cant confirm either way.
It is classed as being suitable for older cars requiring minimal electrical draws.

 

[thob]

Great thanks,

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

Hi Thob,

I can't help but notice that you have not fitted the bracket and retainers that prevent your battery from moving. Did your Rover not come with them?

Ron.

 

[thob]

Hi Ron, it actually came without it but I got myself a used one. But somehow it doesn't fit. Is a moving battery an issue; it would move only a bit as it sits very tight.

 

[harveyp6]

it actually came without a bracket and retainers, but I got myself a used one. But somehow it doesn't fit.

Period batteries were flat topped so the bracket sat all around the edge without problems, the raised section on your battery prevents that.

 

[thob]

I fitted this D39 from Varta, and it's ok, now I need a new alternator