Correct battery for 1984 spider

[kauboi]

Hello, new here and trying to get the right battery for my 84 Azzurra. I searched but cant find what I need. It's mounted on the passenger side of the trunk and I cant find a battery that fits right and will allow the hold down piece to bolt down. The battery I have is about 9"X6.5"X6" , not including the terminals height. The width is the issue, as it sits on top of the captive nut. Can anyone with a Pininfarina tell me exactly what battery fits? Thanks for any help.

[4uall]

this might help

http://www.evalbum.com/2156

[kauboi]

this might help

http://www.evalbum.com/2156

I guess if I was building an electric spider, it might, but I'm not....

[4uall]

[vandor]

I don't know which battery it had originally. I mounted the battery in that corner on an earlier Spider and used a side-post battery, as the top post has the danger of arching against the fender. One can buy conversion-posts, to convert a side-post battery to use top-post type cables.

[dimitridodys]

Can a gel battery be mounted sideways? Being that they contain no liquid.

[KevAndAndi]

kauboi, here's a list of Interstate batteries with dimensions that may be helpful:

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cont ... tate_f.asp

I don't mean to highjack, but I'd be interested to hear what some folks here have to say about AGM or gel batteries in their Spiders. I was considering an AGM - an Optima - but my enthusiasm has waned.

#1, it appears that Optimas sometimes suffer early failure, which may have to do with (a) Optima's moving of their factory to Mexico, and/or (b) folks unwittingly damaging the battery in the way they discharge and/or charge it.

#2, I'm not so sure that an advanced battery like that is a good idea in an older car. As I understand it, cars with original equipment AGM batteries have precise voltage regulation that protects the AGM cells from damage. And I would be reluctant to use my Noco Genius G750 charger with an AGM, because although Noco claims it is safe to use with such batteries, the specs don't seem to conform with what I see on the Optima website. (There is another Noco charger that has a "Cold/AGM" mode and would probably be safer.)

I currently have a regular FLA Interstate battery in my trunk. My main concern is offgassing and corrosion (though there is currently no corrosion that I can see). I do keep the trunk ajar while the Spider sits unused and the float charger is plugged in. Perhaps simply a sealed FLA battery would be best? An FLA has the advantage of being cheaper and less finicky than an AGM. And a sealed FLA should not offgas unless it is put under stress. While the smaller size and high CCA ratings for the AGMs are attractive features, we don't drive our Spider in cold weather, and saving a few pounds doesn't seem to be worth the extra money. (I could stand to lose a few pounds on my body, instead.)

[baltobernie]

The width is the issue, as it sits on top of the captive nut.

I don't have your model, but it is reported that a size 86 battery is the correct size for your car. However, it is listed as 6-7/8" wide, same as the size 24 battery that earlier Spiders use, so maybe something else is going on with your particular vehicle. A photo would help.

On a related note; if I ever build another Spider, I'm going to put a size 66 in the trunk. A little longer than the 24, but it has an integral, external vent opening. This battery is used in the Lincoln LS and Jag S. They have trunk-mounted conventional batteries with a small tube venting to the bottom of the car. I bet the tube and grommet is available from Ford (or the crusher).

[kauboi]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I just went out and did some checking and found a reason for the problem I've been having, besides not knowing the correct battery for my car. The "ridge" portion of the battery that is supposed to slip under the bracket on the car, is bigger than the shape of the opening. I gained some clearance by bending the bracket. I'm guessing different battery makers have slightly different dimensions or the cars tray was bent, though it appeared not to be. Anyway, I got it in far enough for a bolt and washer to hold it down for now, while I wait to find the correct battery and hold down bracket

[txspider]

I have been using Optima in my' 77 and am only on the second one in 8 years. 1st one lasted over 6 years with no issues and that beats the 2-3 years out of a typical FLA type.

Mike in Houston

[KevAndAndi]

I have been using Optima in my' 77 and am only on the second one in 8 years. 1st one lasted over 6 years with no issues and that beats the 2-3 years out of a typical FLA type.

Mike in Houston

Mike, do you know if your latest one was made in the USA or Mexico?

[DieselSpider]

When I tried AGM it only lasted a little over a year in the Florida heat while a $95 flooded lead acid battery will last 5 years if used regularly and you stay away from the Walmart NeverStart batteries so the AGM with its extra $100 cost presented no real value for me.