The link for Lauderdale Battery and Alternator is www.sonnenschein.org. I use them too, and they are great.
The link for Lauderdale Battery and Alternator is www.sonnenschein.org. I use them too, and they are great.
Early 911S Registry #224
911S Targa 1973
356B Roadster 1962
Jared, I spent 2 weeks back and forth from Batteries Plus. Tried 4-5 different batteries - none fit! By coincidence, their batteries are made by Deka. Anyway, I looked at the Odyessy's there and there's no way they'll fit in my boxes, unless maybe they're turned on their side?????? I'd really like to use my existing boxes and original hold-down straps. Before I take out a 2nd mortgage for the Sonnenscheins ......... I'm going to check with Interstate. Jazoll? If you've got a model number, that might help. Thanks!
What'd we do before the internet??? Just did a quick search and Interstate makes all sorts of vintage batteries - including early 911's!!!!! Dimensions look perfect. $65. Even has a '911' part number: U911-50.
http://www.ibsa.com/estore/view_prod...7JFTUB76E&js=1
Curt, the Interstate offerings are lead/acid...meaning liquid acid. That's based on the last time I looked. That was before the gell cells came along. My last pair of Interstates before a gel cell lasted about 3 years. Maybe they offer a gel cell now? Back then, Interstates were about the same price as dealership replacement batteries. On the plus side, either one is the exact fit you look for, using original straps, etc. Just keep your eyes open for acid spills after frisky driving, check the acid water level often, and for a 911, I suggest keeping the level at just enough to cover the plates. If you fill to the split ring, you WILL get spills...even on skinny street tires. Don't ask me how I know...I'll be honest here, IMHO a changed mounting system, using a totally sealed gel battery is better than a liquid acid battery that fits. I mean, replacement straps and hardware, carpeting, or even battery boxes (eek!) aren't cheap! On the dual battery cars, rusted out battery boxes usually happened from the inside...even in "salt" country. Then along came gel-cells to give us peace of mind. Your call, but I'd rather wear a cheap watch and run gel-cell batteries than run cheap batteries spilling acid while sporting a $pendy designer watch...
Paul D. Early S Registry #8 - Cyclops Minister of West Coast Affairs
"Now, to put a water-cooled engine in the rear and to have the radiator in the front, that's not very intelligent." -Ferry Porsche (PANO, Oct. 1973)
Yes, the Odyssey has to be on it's side to fit in the box (terminals pointed into the trunk). Because it's sealed gel, it won't leak (also has a metal jacket which I like). I use the factory hold down strap with some black foam between it and the battery since it's about a half inch too small to hold tight on it's own. Also, a rubber (mouse) pad in the box. Cleaner looking than the Optimas I've seen sticking sideways out of the box, but still not the original look or orientation.
Good luck!
Jared
'73 911S #0793
'69 912_ #0602
Early S #0454
RGruppe #0391
Paul, I can appreciate what you're saying, but OTOH my car has been running lead-acid for 34 years now. No spills that I'm aware of, although the carpeting has some damage near the battery - wasn't aware that the fumes did that? I'm going to stop by the local dealer tomorrow (if I can get out of the friggin' driveway: 3-5 inches of snow predicted and I've got my summer tires on the M3!!!!!!!) and check them out.
Here's what you need.
Battery Mart
The cool thing about this is that it has a deep cycle component to it. If you go some time without using the car, it won't ruin the battery.
I put it into mine sideways with the original battery strap. You can specify which terminal is "left" and "right" in order to fit properly too.
Yup! The fumes do that...eat the carpet. I'm just glad I don't have to remove & check the batteries, clean up the area, then reassemble, these days. The sonnenschein rip-off price is worth it to me. But, different strokes...all my labor before gel-cells paid off. My trunk carpet is original, and uneaten. The ability to reduce time spent on that area of the car is damned near priceless to me.Originally Posted by CurtEgerer
Paul, I can appreciate what you're saying, but OTOH my car has been running lead-acid for 34 years now. No spills that I'm aware of, although the carpeting has some damage near the battery - wasn't aware that the fumes did that? I'm going to stop by the local dealer tomorrow (if I can get out of the friggin' driveway: 3-5 inches of snow predicted and I've got my summer tires on the M3!!!!!!!
Paul D. Early S Registry #8 - Cyclops Minister of West Coast Affairs
"Now, to put a water-cooled engine in the rear and to have the radiator in the front, that's not very intelligent." -Ferry Porsche (PANO, Oct. 1973)
Jol,
Wow. That model Odyssey is even heavier than the Optima (40 vs 36 lbs.), 550 vs 800 CCA, costs more too. Any other advantages?
Sherwood
One more thing about lead (liqiud) acid battery fumes. Ever read the warning about creating a spark with jumper cables or chargers? KA-BOOM! Rotted carpeting is one thing. Explosions are another.(edit) Seriously Curt, even if the price were higher, the lifespan half as much, I'd make the move to gel-cell. They ARE that much better!
Paul D. Early S Registry #8 - Cyclops Minister of West Coast Affairs
"Now, to put a water-cooled engine in the rear and to have the radiator in the front, that's not very intelligent." -Ferry Porsche (PANO, Oct. 1973)
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