Battery size for 55 @ 12 volts

[RossL]

I've read group 56 battery fits the car (1955 changing to 12V). If I cannot locate a group 56, what are my alternatives? Can I change out the battery tray, if yes what size battery would would I use?

[ward 57]

Group 29 is the standard 12v battery for the '56-'57. Group 32 is the optional larger battery but expensive and hard to find. The battery tray for the group 29 tray should retrofit with no issues and the group 29 is widely available at NAPA, Interstate or wherever you like to get your batteries.

[paul2748]

The battery model for the 56/57 regular size is 29NF. I'm surprised you cannot get a Group 56 battery. The last one I got was from Wal-Mart. No problems with it, around 4 years old now. Just to note, I have the Group 56 in my 54 Ford, a 29NF in my 56 Bird.

The 56 tray should be a bolt in on a 55. The bolt located in the firewall is hard to get to as the insulation is in the way if I remember correctly.

[RossL]

The battery model for the 56/57 regular size is 29NF. I'm surprised you cannot get a Group 56 battery. The last one I got was from Wal-Mart. No problems with it, around 4 years old now. Just to note, I have the Group 56 in my 54 Ford, a 29NF in my 56 Bird.

The 56 tray should be a bolt in on a 55. The bolt located in the firewall is hard to get to as the insulation is in the way if I remember correctly.

Walmart, Autozone, and Advance didn't have it in stock. Called interstate they don't offer it any more. NAPA has it in stock. Sounds like it may be a challenge going forward, when I need the next replacement in the future

[Rusty57]

Which size battery was not in stock? On the other hand, given the focus of today's business leaders on extreme inventory management I am surprised when something I need is actually available today. My normal expectation these days is that I can get anything I need - tomorrow!

[ward 57]

You have a choice to make. Go with the increasingly hard to find group 56 12V battery or spend approx $100 for a group 29 bolt in tray & hold downs and know you will almost always be able to find a replacement. especially if you have Power seats and or power windows as the 29 has more capacity.

[paul2748]

The 29NF has less CCA than a Group 56. It was sold as a commercial battery in the later years and have no idea why it has the lower CCA case, but that's what it is.

[BJRVentport2]

I bought a new 29NF for my 56 Bird, had to order it from Orilley's and got it the next day.

[RossL]

If I change to a 56 battery tray will I have more options?

I'm thinking about my next battery I need in say 5 years, it will be impossible to get a group 56..............

Plus CCA on the 56 seems a little low

[ward 57]

If you are going to a 12V system, just go all hog. You won't regret it. There are no physical issues and the 6v wires can handle any load. Just the gen & regulator, bulbs and other accessories but there are tons of posts on 12v connections.

[paul2748]

I was at Wal-Mart today and was surprised that they did not have a group 56 battery. They had a lot of models in stock - get the measurements of a group 56 battery and then check what they have around the same size. My group 56 battery is 7.5 height; 5.75 width; 10 length

Looks like I will have to do some measuring myself when this battery goes.

[RossL]

I was at Wal-Mart today and was surprised that they did not have a group 56 battery. They had a lot of models in stock - get the measurements of a group 56 battery and then check what they have around the same size. My group 56 battery is 7.5 height; 5.75 width; 10 length

Looks like I will have to do some measuring myself when this battery goes.

There is an Exide group 56 battery (S56-EX) still available and as stated above it has more CCA (580CCA) than the Exide group 29NF (420 CCA). The specs show the Exide GP56 6.312" wide, my tray measures about 6" wide. Is there a work around for the extra width of the Exide gp56?

[Joe Johnston]

Depending upon the battery height and clearance (or lack thereof) to the hood, it may be possible to place a piece of 1/4" plywood under the battery to let it sit above the raised edge. Measure carefully!

[MarkR]

Joe’s recommendation is a good one. I did that very thing on a temporary battery I bought for test drive purposes some years back. Ended up leaving it there for two years. The 1/4” thickness works well leaving enough threads on the hold downs to easily secure the wing nuts while raising the bottom of the battery enough to clear the tray edges.