I need a new battery but have found references to different amp/hours when searching.
Please can anyone advise the correct one for a 1931 RN?

Location: Near M1 Jtn 28

Get the biggest that will fit in the hole

6v? I bought one of these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221958341140?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

and it seems to do the job admirably.

Location: Fishbourne near Chichester

Many thanks for the answers; is there any advantage in buying a rubber cased one?

Location: Near M1 Jtn 28

Having achieved a relatively short life (2 years) with Shield and Exide batteries, I have chosen a Bosch battery this time around - see:

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-batteries/battery/other-batteries/other-car-batteries/?444774215&0&cc5_1026

I'm happy with it so far, but who can tell how long it will last - but it comes with a three year warrantee at least!

It's slightly bigger than an Exide 421 because it has some lugs on the bottom for securing.

Peter

The small print on guarantees usually excludes use without a regulator. Could make for some interesting argument, esp where maintained with a modern regulated bench charger.
Max charge volts also often specified, intended as max regulator setting, but much lower than traditionally recommended for top of charge when bench recharging.

In the distant past used daily for decades, life of batteries with my Seven was only about 2 years, but most batteries were then shorter lived. Without the accurate digital voltmeters of today trying to monitor the state of the battery was a confusing chore.

I suspect many low sales batteries have had a long and dubious life when sold. The stamped date has been replaced by renewable stickers.

Location: Auckland, NZ

Location: Fishbourne near Chichester

Many thanks all for the replies, I decided to go with the suggestion from Michael and Ruairidh.

Location: Near M1 Jtn 28

Curiously 'carpartsbargains' turns out to be a part of Euro Car Parts...

Location: Fishbourne near Chichester

If using the internet, make sure you deal with a reputable company who will send the battery dry charged with a separate acid pack.

I ordered a bargain exide battery which came wrapped literally round with bubble wrap in a larger cardboard box. Unlabelled, as sending acid products is prohibited, it was not kept upright by the courier so arrived having lost half its acid en route. Unwrapping splashed and ruined a pair of trousers but at least I didn't get on my skin or eyes

Beware!


P.S. Early MGBs use two 421 batteries so if your local supplier doesn't have austin 7 on their list ask them to try MGB!

Location: away from the garage

I think if the battery is hidden away you can't beat the one you've ordered especially at the price it's on offer at. I've purchased several and one has transformed the ease of starting of my 1933 2-Seat Tourer and they seem to have a reasonably long life. One has lasted over 5 years now. If the battery was for a Nippy or Speedy where it was 'on show' under the bonnet, I might have second thoughts and opt for a rubber walled one. James

Location: Ferring, West Sussex

I can also recommend the Exide 80 ah battery. During my recent lay up of my Ruby which took just about a year before I was back on the road many so called experts on this forum told me my battery would be sulpherd up and useless telling me to ditch it and buy a new one. I was not convinced and gave it a charge with my state of the art charger. The battery is as good as ever it was and holds a good charge. So much for the so called experts I would have no problem in buying another if I ever want a battery again. The only draw back is for people who like original looking things. This exide has a plastic case not rubber.

John Mason.

Location: Nottinghamshire

John,
Glad to hear that your battery is O.K.
A bit harsh on those "So called experts" the ones who have helped you continuously over the last 12 months with your engine build and subsequent starting problems. A bit ingenuous to my mind.

They possibly suggested that from experience the battery may have sulphated after twelve months - remember this is a voluntary forum and you do not have to subscribe if you feel incorrect free advice is offered.

Tony.

Location: Nottinghamshire

I can highly recommend a 13 plate heavy duty 6v battery from Lincon Batteries in Leigh on Sea. Good price, excellent mail order service, plenty of power. I try to keep it on a conditioner, but often forget as the car gets lots of use. I have just fitted the third in our car, the previous two having lasted 5 years each. Eventually they get sluggish on frosty mornings. W

The Halfords 12v one in my A7 is now still functioning as normal after 13 years. I charge it with the Lidl intelligent charger. The 12v system in the car has a Seven Workshop solid state regulator. The battery has got to pack up soon surely.
Dave.

Location: Sheffield