Reproduction Batteries: Are they worth it?

[Topcat]

I was watching GYC today the episode doing the 67 Hemi GTX.

Worman made a comment about the repro batteries saying "He hadn't had much luck with them before"

Wanted to hear some feedback from others here using them.

I'm running a Hemi engine. CCA & CA is a concern if they can keep up.
Cold starts, dry carbs till start, etc.

How long have you had yours? Any issues?

[screamindriver]

Well, I'm not sure of the fate of Axion battery{Turbostart} they had an AGM battery that I used...I get around 7-8 years out of those...Problem is they stopped production last year...Supposedly a new company bought their tooling but I have'nt seen any units being sold yet......So the choices are not as good as they were even last year...

Antique auto has a  sealed unit they offer but it's the "smaller battery in the bigger case" type deal...That one is getting good reviews at the moment...

   The standard repop lead acid type never held up for me I stopped buying them years ago...

[Burdar]

Installed my green cap in late 2012.  Used the car a little bit in 2013 but not much.  The car sat in 2014 and wasn't used.  Then the car was used a little bit in 2015.  When the car was sitting, the battery was on a maintainer.  I was surprised that after sitting for over a year and a half, the battery still worked fine.  I didn't use the car at all last year.  The battery is still in the garage on the maintainer.  I have no idea if it's going to be any good when it gets used again.  If it's dead, I'll be cutting the bottom out, gutting the inside and installing a smaller battery in the stock looking case.  No other battery looks right in these cars IMO.

[anlauto]

I've used them in all my cars since 1994 and never had an issue.
HOWEVER...every other single person I've talked to has had issues with them at one time or another...

[Topcat]

I recall Tommy did a great article on gutting one he had.

Food for thought if they ever fail.
Worth keeping here as well.   

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=104888.25


Reproduction batteries sent me this:
We are running about 2 to 2 and a half weeks behind in production, plus about 5 extra days in the UPS system to CA.
Feel free to call anytime for further information or to place your order
Thanks for your inquiry

In a couple weeks, I'll order one.

If Northstar made these, it would be the Cat's meow.
Best battery made in the USA.

[Cuda Cody]

I've used these guys...  http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/  But their site is down right now.  I let them know today that their site is down so they can get it working.  Might be Monday before they get my message.  Their number is (330) 480-0755.  They make good batteries and if you follow the direction for keeping them charged and stored they last a LOOOOOONG time.  A buddy is going on 8 years with his.  Mine are holding up well.

I've tried the other reproduction batteries and they didn't last very long.  I love the look of the original battery so it's nice know that there are still someone out there with good ones.

[Topcat]

Thanks CODY.   

I'll check them out.

If their website goes back up, I would like to see it.

[Brads70]

If Northstar made these, it would be the Cat's meow.
Best battery made in the USA.

I took your advice and bought one of those Northstar battery's .I have a buddy that is a mechanic for the local police department, that is all they use.  Mine is trunk mounted, so far so good! Heavy though! 

[fc7cuda]

I buy the resto battery from Antique Auto and they have lasted me 10+ years.  When one goes bad, then I'll gut it.  Still maintain the resto look for more years to come. 

Tom

[Cuda Cody]

Their site is back up in case anyone wants a battery.      http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/

I've used these guys...  http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/  But their site is down right now.  I let them know today that their site is down so they can get it working.  Might be Monday before they get my message.  Their number is (330) 480-0755.  They make good batteries and if you follow the direction for keeping them charged and stored they last a LOOOOOONG time.  A buddy is going on 8 years with his.  Mine are holding up well.

I've tried the other reproduction batteries and they didn't last very long.  I love the look of the original battery so it's nice know that there are still someone out there with good ones.

[EB3-GranCoupe]

I ordered mine from here:
http://www.restorationbattery.com/chryslerproducts.html

Excellent customer service, and being a gel style battery, it is maintenance free.


Group 27:
http://www.restorationbattery.com/g27ml.html

[Topcat]

You must mean AGM...Absorbent Glass Matt.

Gel batteries are falling to the wayside.
AGM's have taken over.

They are fiberglass matts encasing lead plates.

[HP_Cuda]

Dang I have an AGM and didn't even know it.

That's progress!!!

Heh

[EB3-GranCoupe]

I assumed it was gel, and it doesn't say exactly; only this "Maintenance Free - No Acid or Water EVER Required"

And that i can attest to, it has bee trouble free for me since 2012!

[Topcat]

I ordered my new battery from Tom from Restoration Battery 2 weeks ago.

Here is what he replied to me...

You better order it soon,as we are four weeks  on backorder.
The shipping has gone up to $66.00 from your last E-mail on April 20th,2016.
The battery from us and AAB is the same battery,however I will not run your card until the day the battery ship's. I will not use your money or tie up your money.
AAB will run your card the minute you hang up with them and you still will wait four weeks.

They are made by only one source. Not two.

I hate pulling my Northstar Battery out. But will use it during the off show season.