6 volt battery recommendations please

[Simon Whittley]

I've had my 1959 356a for about 6 years now and I think the battery is probably at least 20 years old. I know I've flattened it a few times in the past as a result of various (now solved) issues, however I think it's time to replace it.
A supplier here in the UK seems to have a couple of options for 6V batteries, a 71 Amps / hour until (not currently in stock) and a slightly more expensive 85 a/h which is in stock. My general understanding is the higher the Amps per Hour the better but just wanted to know if anyone has any specific advice around this?

[David Jones]

Original battery was 84 amp hour. Same as the 6 volt VW bug. Find a farm supply store and see if they stock them. Better and cheaper than an auto parts store usually. Ford tractors had a 6 volt system with the same size battery.

[Simon Whittley]

Original battery was 84 amp hour. Same as the 6 volt VW bug. Find a farm supply store and see if they stock them. Better and cheaper than an auto parts store usually. Ford tractors had a 6 volt system with the same size battery.

Many thanks David. Hope you've had a great Christmas and wishing you the very best for 2019.

[John Brooks]

+1 for a real farm or tractor store.

[Dan Macdonald]

You might consider the 6-volt Optima. Strong, and won't leak.
I have one in each of my 356's.

[Mike Wilson]

This question comes up fairly often. Maybe it should be a permanent sticky?

Mike

[Brad Ripley]

Simon, You could purchase a genuine Porsche Classic battery from the Porsche Centre right there in your home town http://www.porscheedinburgh.co.uk/about-us part number 900-611-001-91

here in the US it's https://www.stoddard.com/90061100191.html.html

[Charles H Jacobus]

Optima, doesn't leak.

Chuck

[Dick Weiss]

I witnessed several Optima battery leaks--they whistle as their quality went downhill some years back due to their military commitments.
Don't know about the later production and I don't use 'em; Won't fit my 'A' car and I can get a lotta years w/a regular battery by taking care of it (by not overfilling)--@ less cost.
(my $.05 worth--today's economy)

[Charles H Jacobus]

You need to check the voltage your regulator is putting out. Mine was putting out 8 volts at 4,000 RPM. I reduced it to a max of 7.3. I suspect that a steady 8 volts would kill it and potentially cause a leak. It sounds like yours is charging properly if the current battery has been in the car for years.

Chuck

[Robin Walker]

Simon, have a look at the website for Lincon batteries Ltd, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 5JU in GB,
They make original looking batteries. I purchased a 501/17 6V hard rubber battery for my 356C it has good capacity and cost me £73.

Happy New Year.

[Wes Bender]

I'm always amazed by those who have problems with their Optimas. I've had five (in five different vehicles) and never had a problem with any of them. I'm presently running a 6 volt in the 356C and 12 volt units in the Lexus and the Tacoma. As Chuck points out, you DO need to pay attention to what Optima recommends for charging voltage and amperage.