Battery Availability

[ICON 1956]

Thank you for the tip

[paul2748]

They stay in business because many people want a battery that looks like original even though car is not shown for Concours. And they don't mind spending two or three times the normal price for a battery that looks original. And the suppliers know this so they don't have to worry about customer service.

The thing is, 99 % of the people looking at the car don't know the difference. And except for the top, you can't tell if the battery is exactly like the original because both sides of the battery are covered by something (heat shield or fender) .

I just googled Battery Central and Jim's Battery one of the same. There's a ton of complaints. The customer service is crap emails are not answered. How can this business stay afloat? Many of the complaints are battery will not hold a charge, sending back the battery for them to exchange or fix cost $85.00! These customers were taken for $400.00 plus Shipping !
There is Kevin 323 this poor guy has been through the ringer. He had called left phone messages, EMails, he has tried so many time to get an answer from march 2023 to October 2023.
I have to rethink this, If anyone has had any issues with these battery companies please give your experience and opinion here on this forum. Ending this with Bayer Beware !

[ICON 1956]

Paul you are absolutely right, I have read a ton of complaints on Jim's battery and the Battery central mall. According to the complaints I read these two are the same businesses. Customers are billed then it takes 6 months to a year to get the battery. Besides the problems sending the battery back due to it is not holding a charge.
I have to admit when I bought my battery from Flee Bay it was noted as used. I took a chance and I feel that I did get 5 years out of it. The battery charger that Battery mall advertised on their website I found on Amazon with a 30 day return. So I will try to equalize the battery with the charger. I 'll keep in on for a week or so if nothing happens then I will return it.
I will find a interstate battery. After what I have read with all of the hassles the customers have gone through I just don't need those headaches.With a quadruple heart operation in 2023. Now down 50 lbs and exercising 3 times a week. Totally a new man.
If the battery I have is totally dead cannot be used I would like to gut it and keep the shell and place over a battery that is not period correct. I had spoken to a Ford mechanic that's what he did nobody knew the difference when he had it at a car show.

[ward 57]

That is not unheard of. Most I've seen is putting a NAPA optimal battery in an old case. Not a little bit of work, but many here like to go out of the norm to put their finger print on a novel solution. I'll just stick with as close to original configuration as possible. It worked then and still does.

[ICON 1956]

I received the the NOCO battery charger genius 10 from Amazon today. Plug in and set the control charging 12 v AGM mode.
According to the instructions this will take 17.3 hours to fully charge up the battery. Will let the how the progress goes.

[ward 57]

AGM batteries are a different breed of cat. Glad you found a charger that can accommodate them.

[ICON 1956]

It's been 18 hours so far, The battery tender shows 85% charged, Waiting for the full green light to signal the battery is totally charged. The instructions say 17.5 hrs. Once the charger has reached it's capacity of green. I will try to start the car. Will let you know.....

[ICON 1956]

Follow up to the AGM battery tender I bought. The battery tender did not work as expected. The battery is totally dead. Not the fault of the battery tender product. So I have to go with a group 32 regular battery non period correct.

[MarkR]

Too bad about your correct battery. I really don’t think you’ll have any problem showing your car with a modern battery. I’ve never had anyone comment on mine at a car show either in the 57 we had or our 55. It’s also nice to know you are cruising around with a strong dependable battery.

[paul2748]

I heard the Group 32 battery has been discontinued ?

Follow up to the AGM battery tender I bought. The battery tender did not work as expected. The battery is totally dead. Not the fault of the battery tender product. So I have to go with a group 32 regular battery non period correct.

[ward 57]

When I was searching for a new battery last summer There were one or two as it was the original battery size for my car but they were incredibly expensive I think like $400. I think they were for industrial use like tractors or something. Probably even harder to find now.

[MarkR]

Paul, looks like you heard right. I did a search just now for a 32 and the usual vendors came up but none had the 32. Just the usual bait and switch to get you into their sites. I logged into my accounts at Napa and Batteries Plus and neither listed them. Advanced Auto has removed them from their battery size/group chart.

[paul2748]

There are a few places to check to see if they have or can get a Group 32.

Batteries Plus Bulbs
Harris Battery (Ohio)

[Paul T. Amick]

FYI Everyone, Battery Central Mall has the group 32. Now I know all Thunderbird owners are budget minded. But battery prices have gone thuough the roof in the past several years. I have had 4 of these batteries 2 for my wifes 56, 1 for 1968 mustang and 1 for my 57 Bird. One lasted 7+ years in wife 56 the 2nd and sold with battery 5 years old.3 years in Mustang and sold it with the battery from BCM in it. 2 years in the 57 so far so good. The price is about $450.00 +or-. No acid to overflow, never add any water. Now there is a several month +wait for these batteries so how bad can they be. that's my story.

[ICON 1956]

On friday I received EMail from Jim's battery the cost would be 400.00 + 80.00 shipping & Handling. this would take 4-6 weeks. The person sending the Email is named Alice..... I'm skeptical because of all of the Google reviews I read are all negative.
I found this on Battery Central Mall. I seen this award on their web site from A1 Global Media showing they received this small business award. I Goolgle the A1 Global Media this is what I found out about the "Award that BCM received"

Global Media Limited (AI) is a British organiser of a range of vanity awards and publisher of online magazines. The winners of these awards are invited to purchase publicity in the company's online magazines, and other marketing material such as trophies and logos.