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Scott_Hower
Luke Skywalker
Offline
So I tried to wake up my (seldom driven) MGB from winter hibernation and, lo and behold, the battery won't hold a charge. Needs to be replaced again, for what seems like the umpteenth time. Like alot of folks, I've been using the popular Group 26 single 12V, which is a really tight fit. So tight, in fact, that I usually need to carve the tabs off the case to make it fit.
I've looked at the Optima and the Exide Orbital but neither will fit easily. The folks at Moss told me I could lay the Optima sideways and it will sort of fit, but I really don't want to do that. Both of the batteries mentioned above are AGM or absorbed glass mat technology. These are perfect for my needs: Maintanance free, compact, sealed, low self discharge - they will happily sit for a few years and not mind.
What to do. Surf the web, or course. After an hour of searching, I discovered that the OEM Mazda Miata battery (I know, I know, please bear with me here) is an AGM style originally made by Panasonic. Some quick measurements suggest it will fit easily. It has the correct terminal posts. The specs looks similar to my current Group 26 - and certainly higher cranking that the original spec. The replacement Miata AGM battery is made by WestCo and has very good reviews from the Miata faithful. I took the plunge and ordered one on Monday ($79 including UPS freight) and it arrived on Friday. It fits really nicely. If you've ever skinned your knuckes bare trying to wrestle a battery in or out, this thing is your friend. It almost looks lonely sitting in there.
And another photo from the side.
My battery box is sound, and I'm too cheap to spend $40 for the plastic liner (that must cost all of a buck to make) so I made a little pan out of marine plywood for it to sit on. I still need to figure out how to secure it - probably a couple of industrial strength zipties (the handcuff type) until I engineer something better. I also noticed my main battery cable connection is really corroded. So I ordered one of those from British Wiring. That ought to be fun to install.
Anyway, have a look and maybe this will work for you. I need to drain the old gas out of the tank before she will start, but she cranked strong last night, with the lights and wipers both on for good measure.
Edit: not all Miata replacement batteries are AGM, so if you drop by your local AdvancePepZone store, be sure the kid behind the counter knows exactly what you want. It must be AGM, not a traditional maintenance free wetcell which is what most places will stock. Also, these must be slow charged with no more than about an amp or two - if you try to rapid charge it with a 40amp charger, you'll destroy it.
I've looked at the Optima and the Exide Orbital but neither will fit easily. The folks at Moss told me I could lay the Optima sideways and it will sort of fit, but I really don't want to do that. Both of the batteries mentioned above are AGM or absorbed glass mat technology. These are perfect for my needs: Maintanance free, compact, sealed, low self discharge - they will happily sit for a few years and not mind.
What to do. Surf the web, or course. After an hour of searching, I discovered that the OEM Mazda Miata battery (I know, I know, please bear with me here) is an AGM style originally made by Panasonic. Some quick measurements suggest it will fit easily. It has the correct terminal posts. The specs looks similar to my current Group 26 - and certainly higher cranking that the original spec. The replacement Miata AGM battery is made by WestCo and has very good reviews from the Miata faithful. I took the plunge and ordered one on Monday ($79 including UPS freight) and it arrived on Friday. It fits really nicely. If you've ever skinned your knuckes bare trying to wrestle a battery in or out, this thing is your friend. It almost looks lonely sitting in there.
And another photo from the side.
My battery box is sound, and I'm too cheap to spend $40 for the plastic liner (that must cost all of a buck to make) so I made a little pan out of marine plywood for it to sit on. I still need to figure out how to secure it - probably a couple of industrial strength zipties (the handcuff type) until I engineer something better. I also noticed my main battery cable connection is really corroded. So I ordered one of those from British Wiring. That ought to be fun to install.
Anyway, have a look and maybe this will work for you. I need to drain the old gas out of the tank before she will start, but she cranked strong last night, with the lights and wipers both on for good measure.
Edit: not all Miata replacement batteries are AGM, so if you drop by your local AdvancePepZone store, be sure the kid behind the counter knows exactly what you want. It must be AGM, not a traditional maintenance free wetcell which is what most places will stock. Also, these must be slow charged with no more than about an amp or two - if you try to rapid charge it with a 40amp charger, you'll destroy it.
