I need to purchase a replacement battery for my '76 and want to make sure I get the correct one (power, terminal location, etc.).  The one in there now has terminals on the side but not sure if that's correct or just what was installed.

Secondly, what is the correct size in terms of power/cold cranking?  Any brands that anyone is particularly partial to?

Finally, for a car that is mostly parked & garaged (not driven), what's the best method to keeping the battery alive longer in between occasional cruises?  There's no electrical outlet available so a powered trickle-charger won't work.  I saw a solar powered trickle-charger, but being in a garage, that probably won't work either. Is my best best just to install a disconnect switch so it's not connected while parked?

TIA

 

I believe the side terminal is correct for the 76. I'm not sure what battery is actually the correct one, other than delco, but many are replacing with one from Optima.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/c onfig/home.html 

I don't have any first hand experience with them, but will most likely switch to one these myself in a year or so. They have different batteries depending on the use, and may have one that holds a longer / deeper charge for for cars / boats not used that frequently.

Good Luck -

 

 

 

An Optima battery is the way to go, especially if you intend to keep the car long-term. The store's application guide will give you the proper battery number to buy. The original is a side terminal, size 74, but I don't know what that number corresponds to today.

I have an Optima in my '78. It is both side terminal and top post equipped. Besides its cranking amp and reserve capacity being excellent, its construction makes it gas far less than a standard construction battery. I felt that's important since the battery is located in the car's interior, even if it is in a compartment. I bought my Optima at Costco, which was a good bit less expensive than retail stores.

For maintaining the battery's charge when driven little, you can buy a "Battery Tender". They're very good for that purpose and not expensive. Most any auto parts store carries them.Gunslinger38509.5510185185

maybe im just a freak...  but i always go for the largest CA/CCA battery that will physically fit..

there have been plenty of times that i thanked myself for getting a monster battery..

I tend to do the same thing as Ben.  Lots of CCA.  Not always necessary, but it does get past a marginal situation, for whatever the reason.

I have a 76 and just replaced my old battery with an Optima this spring. It's a great battery and yes side post batteries are what the Vette came with.

 

Glen