Hey gang! So excited to be finally getting some nice weather. Hope to get the old girl out of her slumber this weekend or the next. I had to give my old battery as an emergency spare when he moved his old Caddy to Florida. He wasn't about to trust the 55 year old generator to make the 2400km trip. This spring I will now be needing a new battery. I am curious though.....what group size battery would a '66 Cdn. GP have? Was looking at the Jan. 2016 Consumer Reports and they had all their latest battery ratings according to Group Size and would like to get the most reliable and recommended one possible. I can easily measure my battery tray, but just not sure how it corresponds to Group size.
Back in the day, these cars used a size 24 battery, and the Fords used a 24F as the terminals were reversed. I don't think you can get a 24 anymore, but it's worth checking out. The positive terminal is closest to the radiator, and the negative by the fender.
In limited battery Group sizes, Canadian Tire has AGM batteries now / with full 5 year over the counter warranty, no pro-rate.
- $20 off, when on sale
- battery Made in USA
I also have a 1966 Pontiac, Parisienne 2dr hdtp. The battery that I use is an AC Delco that fits just right in the tray. I don't know the size that you mention but this one looks just right to me.
AC Delco group 24 is what you want, should be readily available to you.
I agree with Carl, just go to the dealer and get the right one, AC Delco is a quality product with a warranty. They are more expensive but worth it in my opinion.
Thank you all so much. I know Carl.....I don't mean to be such a stranger on here. I haven't even had the chance to get any of the cars on the road this year. Have taken on a lot of extra responsibilities, but it will pay off in the end. Will be getting a new battery in July.
Carl could you possibly tell me the part number for the battery I need to order?
I just called a GM dealer and he seemed very confused when I asked about a group 24.
Claimed he didn't have catalogs that go back that far???
Then said there was a gold, silver ,bronze
My question,
what is the highest cca battery I can buy?
car is a 1967 Pontiac Parisienne convertible 327 powerful glide
Thanks Greg
I replaced the battery in my 70 2+2 hardtop a few weeks ago, the Diehard finally gave up the ghost. I went to the local parts store, asked for a Interstate Group 24 battery and walked out the door with one for about $115. Obviously the dealer didn't have a clue what you were talking about. If you're set on AC Delco, call an AC Delco dealer, not a GM dealer.
The only proviso with Delco is to buy from the "professional" series. They cost quite a bit more but the regular series Delco are no better or worse than any other junk brand like Motomaster etc
Carl could you possibly tell me the part number for the battery I need to order?
Sorry, I was away for 9 days but I see you got helped by a guy with more GM parts experience than me (Gerry)! I've only got 37 years, I think he's past 40...
Agreed, the AC Delco Professional series battery is the way to go. I have had far and wide the best luck with them over the years and I've sold all kinds of other brands in an effort to find better.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
Sorry that I haven't gotten back to the gang on this one. I actually compared battery dimension sizes and CCA ratings and battery reserve as well as reserve capacity and all of your comments and the Consumer Reports testing. I actually drove down to the Sears store in Watertown, New York. It is about 90 minutes away from Ottawa, including the border crossing. I picked up a Sears DieHard White Gold AGM Group 34 battery. It got the highest rating and the dimensions were idential to OEM. It fit perfectly on the battery tray. I am very happy with it. Will pick up 1 more this spring for another of the toys. It is HEAVY at 41 pounds, but is giving me good piece of mind. I know some of you will wonder about the cost. It was $164.99 + tax. Grand total was $178.19. The customs officials let it throug hwithout charge beause it was for an antique vehicle.
Great to hear from you again Kevin. You HAVE to do better keeping in touch.
By the way, Todd is always looking for cars to feature at the top of the page and even though some of the guys here may be getting tired of seeing 66 Pontiacs, I'M NOT!!! Especially 427 factory 4 speed versions....
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
Its not always best to go for maximum cranking amps on batteries of a given physical dimension since they achieve the higher cranking power by having more plates closer together, this shortens battery life, especially when used sparingly like is typically the case with classic cars.
Oh ya.