ESSEX 1926 - Battery

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Hi folks



The batery has finaly burned one of the cells and has been condemed by the battery man. What size and power battery do I get as a replacement.



Chris Hardy - UK

Comments

  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    I'm sure one of our "twenties" guys will be hopping in here to answer that, but in the meantime let me just suggest that -- when you find out what to get -- don't just grab the first thing that comes along! Here in the States, there are still several companies marketing six volt batteries and they are available in many capacities. Some are relatively inexpensive (less than $30 US) and they run up to maybe $125 for the "Optima" gel batteries. Do take a look at the CCA (cold cranking amps) rating before buying. My battery (a traditional water-filled battery) has 780 CCA which is fairly good. Not as good as the top-rated Optima, but only about $70. If you ever have trouble starting your car and need a lot of power, you'll be happy you opted for a better battery, and not a "cheapie"!
  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    According to the mechanical spec sheets for 1926 Essex used a Presto-Lite battery, number 6-13-J.F.K.



    6 volts

    13 plates

    105 amp hours

    Negative Ground

    9" (length) x 7-1/2" (width) x 8" (heighth of box) - 9" (over terminals).



    This and other info can be accessed on Gregg Maroney's web site @ http://www.hudsonterraplane.com/tech/tech_index.htm



    Scroll down to 1926 Mechanical, Electric Specifications for Hudson, Essex



    Hudsonly,

    Alex Burr

    HudsonTech

    Memphis, TN
  • hornet53
    hornet53 Senior Contributor
    I can attest to the efficiency of the Optima. Had mine for 8 years now in my 53. In my opinion, it's well worth the extra cost.

    Since it's hidden in a box on your Essex, nobody will see it and ask questions, and IT WILL NOT LEAK!
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    The little experience I have had with Optima batteries whilst visiting the U.S. a few years ago left me extremely impressed with their efficiency and cranking ability compared to their small size. However the major load your Essex will ever have is the starting, and any modern battery is going to perform than the original 13 plate batteries used. Modern batteries use much thinner seperators and plates, which last longer as well as having more output. The last battery I bought was the same size as the original but had 15 plates per cell. I was recently gifted two 21 plate batteries off the stand-by power on a fire engine, as they only keep them there for 2 years, and are not used a lot, which are huge, but fortunately the battery box under the Essex seat is very easily modified to take this extra size, so I have used this. they have been kept charged alal the time, so should be as good as new. Not so the Jet and Hornet, it's a bit of an exercise to fit a larger battery in these. Good luck,

    Geoff.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I made the mistake of buying a battery from the company that supplies my shop, Centennial Batteries. Very weak and always exciting when the Hash is warmed up, there is always that pause where you wonder if you are going to have to call AAA. I'm getting an Optima this weekend. I'll stick the current battery in the DB while I'm getting it going again then put an Optima in it when I start driving it.



    Harry
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Thanks for all the help chaps, really appreaciated.



    Chris
  • mars55
    mars55 Senior Contributor
    If you don't like the look of the Optima battery, you can get a battery case that looks like on old tar top battery from Quail Services.



    http://www.quailservices.com/
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