In my other (recent) thread I mention that I have a '59 Fairlane 292 in a 1930 Model A Coupe.  Since there isn't a ton of room I was thinking of sourcing a smaller battery for it.  Does anyone know the minimum CCA requirement to get a Y block spinning to start it up?  All this thing has is a couple of electric gauges, headlights, turn signals, and brake lights.  I hear some people run tractor batteries, etc.  

Thanks.  

Believe it or not the old rule of thumb for gasoline engines was roughly 1 CCA per cubic inch. Florida or Texas don't place the same demand on batteries as Michigan or Montana. Running a stock, factory equipped generator electrical system places different demands on the battery than an alternator. Most people only look at CCA ratings. Alternators replaced generators for some good reason, a battery will get a real workout in stop and go driving or extensive idling time. A marginal electrical system with corroded grounds, connections and cables will give poor performance and battery life no matter what, alternator system or not. Tractor supply batteries are a good choice, make sure they are fresh stock.

Thanks Tedster. That's good info.  

A friend of mine with a 57 TBird (292, auto) had one of the smallest batteries I have ever seen.  I don't know the make but it was about half the size of the normal 29NF battery.  If you are interested, I will call him and ask the brand.  He didn't seem to have any problem with enough power to start his car.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Yeah, Paul.  If you don't mind asking him whenever you get a chance.  I am going to try to change as little as possible and hopefully enjoy the car until winter...then I'll start crossing things off my list.  

I had one for a Honda Civic because it needed to be narrow for a few months in my 56 and it worked great. It’s now starting a 311” GMC 6 with 10-1 compression and it mounted in the trunk. 9x6” 7” high 470 Ca..

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

The battery was a Odyssey AGM.  Part # PC925MJT.  He says he had no problems with it and in fact bought another one for another vehicle. He got his from Amazon, said lasted about 8 years when he sold the car. (57 Bird). Batteries Plus also sells them.





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I’ve used the PC 925 in both my bird and the roadster for almost 15 years. The first ones lasted a long time, over 10 years, the last couple much less. I’ve had 2 replaced (free) under warranty by dealers. The jury is still out on the replacements.

But an interesting story. The dealer in Sumner Wa checked one and said “Well it’s dead, I’ll give you a new one, but this isn’t old enough to have died. Can I keep it and put it on a long term charge?” I left it, and told him I was leaving town. He called 2 weeks later and asked if I wanted it back. He’d hooked it to a big battery bank, and just let it sit. When I say “big” it was a number of fork lift batteries they move with a crane or another fork lift. It came to full voltage after 2 weeks. He said even the “smart” chargers don’t always work as advertised on AGM batteries. I’ve had it on a trickle charger for 3 years now, and it still jump starts a car if I need it.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ