Battery Costs?

[Dizzbe]

Re: Battery Costs?

Looks like the Tbird battery questions have been addressed, so hope you don't mind me adding in a battery experience I had this week with my old Explorer.

It's been sitting in the garage for a few months and of course the battery was stone dead, I tried to jump it with no results so I called AAA. They have a new battery service, they came out and sure enough the battery wouldn't hold a charge. So he replaced it and also tested the alternator and starter. Anyway it was all done in my garage for a whopping price of $106 (battery & labor). I was floored. And the best part - my old battery was installed back in 2002, not bad life for a daily driver in cold temp climates. Gotta love that old Explorer. My Mom already says that she can see the caravan now when I move, since I can't part with the old guy. Three vehicles hopefully heading back to the midwest - now that's a dream.

But if you don't know how to install a battery yourself, I would highly recommend using AAA.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Battery Costs?

$109 for a battery sounds more reasonable. David's $190 quote made my heart skip a beat.

Also $106 for a battery including installation from AAA doesn't sound bad Vickie. In June, I had to replace the battery on my 1969 Volkswagen Beetle which I installed 7 years ago in 2001. A new battery from Autozone was $70. So approximately $36 for labor doesn't sound unreasonable.

[VicRattlehead]

Re: Battery Costs?

buy a battery from ford, i dont think so. not me.

[Gobird]

Re: Battery Costs?

Vic, as of now that's the ONLY place you can buy the correct battery for this car.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Battery Costs?

Vic, as of now that's the ONLY place you can buy the correct battery for this car.

Unless you want to carry a potential bomb in your trunk.

[Leroy]

Re: Battery Costs?

There is a alternative Battery that doesn't need venting that's called a Gelled Battery. We Thunderbird owners might someday have to go to it if our vented batteries become extinct. They are a sealed battery that uses a electrolyte gell inplace of water. They're being used now to power alot of mobile medical equipment including powered wheel chairs. Downside is the cost is probably double what we're paying now. Leroy

[worldclasswheels]

Re: Battery Costs?

Back in the Day I had Tbird Factory Ford Motorcraft Batterys For Sale 30.00 and I installed them for Free and Free Coffee while you waited for me to install. And they all had the Vent tube.

[Lonestar]

Re: Battery Costs?

I see a potential market... Plastic box enclosure for the battery that has a vent port to attach to the factory vent tube.

However, in reality, just think how many LSes and Thunderbirds are out there right now with a non-vent tube batteries that has been installed by Sears, Goodyear, Firestone, Joe Smuck's Garage, etc., etc.

[sauernote]

Re: Battery Costs?

I had my 6 year old battery replaced yesterday by Ford--$130 parts and labor. Also had the brake pads replaced (OEM) and rotors resurfaced--$550. Gulp!! Oh well, 48K miles and no serious problems so far. Knock on wood.

[DavidA]

Re: Battery Costs?

Gell Cell baatteries are great, I used them on my Gold Wing for years. The only problem is cost ... Batteries Plus want about $300 for one. YIKES AGAIN!!!!!!!!

[Sandgnat]

Re: Battery Costs?

DavidA
Not sure about their exact cost, but most in the hotrod/streetrod group around here have gone with the Optima battery. Many have these mounted in the trunk for weight transfer. You can always select by physical size and cranking amps needed. Watch for the Dodge Charger in the intro, trunk mount on its side. These things can go about anywhere there is space and not cause a problem.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/home.php

Good luck.
David

[Lonestar]

Re: Battery Costs?

I briefly looked for it but could not find the thread…. Maybe I read it somewhere else or it could be I am just getting older and can not remember at all… However, I seem to recall that there was some issue(s) reported using the Optima battery in some computer controlled cars. I believe, if I remember correctly, the issues were most prominent in GM cars but Fords and Hondas were having issues as well. It was related to the voltage from the battery was not what the ECMs were expecting and thus did not like and it was causing phantom electrical problems. Anyone remember that?

[Leroy]

Re: Battery Costs?

Sometimes these new type batteries can build up to alot more than 12 volts and some voltage regulators are unable to handle the additional voltage. This is were the problem starts. Leroy

[rpatton3]

Re: Battery Costs?

I sent an email to Optima and they recommended not using their product in place of a vented battery.

The thread's out there.

[rpatton3]

Re: Battery Costs?

thought an Optima battery would be an ideal replacement for my wife's car when the OE battery heads south.
See the response from Optima below.


Unfortunately we are not able to recommend a certain model for your vehicle. Your vehicle
needs a battery that can be vented to the outside. Although Optimas are completely sealed batteries, if your alternator malfunctions or the battery is overcharged, valves can open and gas can be released.

Please feel free to contact customer service at the number below if you have any other questions. Thank you for your interest and support of Optima Batteries.

Minh
Optima Batteries
Customer Service
1.800.292.4359
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