Anyone have any experience with this company?

[UmmYeahOk]

https://www.antiqueautobattery.com/

Looks like one of those old fashioned "call em up and pay by phone" places. How archaic! Before I ask them the same questions, I wanted to know if anyones used them before and how they felt about them and the product.

Im not sure if I am actually buying a lucas battery or not. To be honest, due to lucus's history, I really dont care if its a dressed up Duralast. I definitely dont wanna spend more than I would on an Optima battery. Not sure how one would go about shipping something like that, considering that its hazardous materials and heavy. So considering shipping, Im worried that it may be too much, but they dont list prices. I also know nothing about their warranties.

 

[jjw]

Just some opinion here...

If you're looking at building a car to look stock and period correct so that you can get maximum points at the next concours event, then buying one of those repro batteries is definitely the way to go... However, if you just want a car that you're going to drive then get yourself a modern battery at a local outlet... you'll save ton of money that could be better spent on other parts of the car... it'll be easier to return if there is a problem... etc...

...and buying batteries mail order like that is a bit of a hassle... they're shipped dry, which means you'll have to run around and find a place that will fill it with juice for you... sometimes not that easy... just ask me.

Ya can't see the battery from the driver's seat.. like I said at the start... just an opinion...

 

[RJS]

No experience with them, sorry. Repro batteries are quite expensive.

I've had extremely good luck with the NAPA Sure Start. Part #BAT5024. The really nice thing is that is has a completely black plastic case with no other external markings whatsoever. Get a "Lucas" decal from Moss and you're good to go. I've had it over 7 years now. Occasionally give it a trickle charge. In the off season I pull it, leave it on the workbench in the garage and put the trickle charger on it once a month. Come late March, early April, it has never let me down.

Bob

 

[tdskip]

Ah yes, the inexorable pull of accessorizing on a newly acquired car.

I'm with Jim and Bob on this. Keep it simple and keep you costs down for now, especially given where you are with the project. You can always pop for one of these later...

How is the work coming along?

 

[angelfj1]

You can have your cake and eat it too. This unit looks like a vintage Lucas battery in every detail but actually has an Optima inside.

 

[UmmYeahOk]

All of your opinions make perfect sense. I think I will just contact them with my questions at least, and consider everything you all said. This car will not be original, and not concourse. I just think vintage stuff is cool. If Im gonna run with 1967 plates, why not run with other vintage items as well, so long as modern convenience isnt ignored.

How is the work coming along?

not at all, actually. That stupid storm that inspired the 999 thread has lingered over DFW for the past week. It stopped raining for a few hours tuesday. Enough time to spot weld a floor board, but it still needs to be finished.

After my air cleaner thread, last night I decided to clean my box. There was some rust on it after all, which is a pity, because whatever they originally painted it with is still real nice, once cleaned up. But I cant rust treat it or any other type of paint UNTIL IT STOPS RAINING.

You can have your cake and eat it too. This unit looks like a vintage Lucas battery in every detail but actually has an Optima inside.

MUST HAVE NOW!!!

Where?!?
Tell me now!!!

 

[Geo Hahn]

Those Lucas shells with the Optima inside are nice but a bit rich for my blood.

The cheap way out is to buy the usual battery from Wally-Mart, pull off all the old labels, slap on some faux Lucas labels and replace the 3-port battery caps with some old single caps. Viola -

Not as authentic as a battery with the exposed lead straps but a passing nod to the vintage and less out-of-place than a modern off-the-shelf look.