Anybody know of a cheaper battery alternative for a 6V system? I'm sick of shelling out $70 for those long vintage style deals. A hot-rodder once told me that tractor batteries were 8V and would work, but all new tractors run 12V it seems. I dont want to convert the system to 12V... so long as my generator still works.
Thanks all!

Have you tried Tractor Supply? They seem to have or can order 6V batteries to fit...you're pretty much stuck with the long style ones unless you change your battery box though. Good luck!

Your buddy was wrong about equipment batteries not being 6V. That doesn't mean they will be any better quality than the one your buying.

How long are they lasting? Perhaps there is something you can do to extend their life.

An old rule of thumb for quality was heavier is better. I am not so sure this is still true in modern times, but I am still impressed with a heavier battery. Caterpillar tractor batteries are the best, and they do offer some standard sizes for cars and trucks. You will pay about 50% more than for most other makes, but in my equipment, they can usually last easily 10 years!

Any time you add "water" to a battery make sure it is "distilled" water. You can usually find it at a grocery store.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

the 8 volt conversion is usually for starting/charging problems.some golf carts use 8 volt also.then you get a 12 volt regulator & adjust it down to 9.1-9.4 volts.you can leave the generator,starter,lights etc alone.if your batterys just arent lasting,i dont think it would help your situation.btw,a battery is only good for about 4 years of dependable use,on a daily driver...less if it sits for long periods without use.

I,ve found that the gounding system is the big culprit in 6volt circuits. So check your battery, generator, lighting systems etc have good clean connections for a good voltage return to the battery. 6 volts will work, they did wen they were new and you just have to return it back to its original condition. I have experienced the 8 volt route, and came up with the same problems, so i wont go that route no mo. If you are going to make your car a street rod or cruiser, or are adding a lot of 12 volt equip. then i would go 12 volt. look around the net under 'buick 6 volt problems' or somethin like that and you should find more info.

some hints from the AACA site


If the points are closed, the ammeter will show a discharge condition so that reading may be normal.

More likely, you suffer from poor grounding. Is the engine securely grounded to the frame? The motor mounts are not good conductors. There should be a ground strap or a heavy ground return wire from the engine to the frame. The starter draws a lot of current, even the slightest resistance in the circuit will cause the problems you describe. Even paint or rust around the bonding straps can cause big problems. In fact, if you have enough paint on the starter where it connects to the engine, the paint can sometimes make enough resistance to cause the motor turn slowly. Paint does not conduct electricity. Also check to make sure the battery cables are sufficient size. 12-volt style cables are too small for a 6-volt system. 2/0 battery cables are a must for 6-volt cars if you want them to start. Also check any and all connections in the starter circuit to see if they get hot when the engine is cranked. Be careful though, you can really burn yourself when you find the bad connection. It will be extremely hot. Sometimes, even a connection that visually appears to be perfect will develop some resistance; so this is a good time to double check all connections.


http://forums.aaca.org/showflat.php?Number=178556

To the best of my knowledge, one can still order 8V batteries from a good parts dealer. I've used 8 volt batteries in several 6 volt cars over the years, and they most certainly do start easier. One can raise the charging voltage a bit by making a small adjustment in the voltage regulator, but I have never needed to make this adjustment in any of my cars. They charge at greater than 6 volts anyway, if they are properly adjusted. Last I knew they made both "square" batteries, AND a long thin battery similar to the standard Buick battery configuration. There are still a lot of old 8 volt tractors still in service around the country.

Ron

Do you have Pep Boys in your area they carry the small six volt for $69 I have one for my Model a for about 4 year now and still working. Hope this helps

Norm

Optima also has a 6 volt battery option.... a lot more pricey than your $70 dollar option, but a good battery none the less. Here in Wisconsin almost any 6 volt accessory's can be purchased @ a reasonable price from farm and fleet. regulators, batteries, coils, and resisters.etc.etc.good luck and happy motoring:thumbsup::shield:

As mentioned above for clean connections are a must! To keep them clean and free from corrrosion esecially at the battery, I found a compound called Copper Shield. It comes in a tub like anti seize, but it's not cheap! It works wonders. (a little dab ill do ya) I've used it on open butt connectors exposed to the elements on a small trailer I have, and the connections started to fail after 6 years. This stuff is outstanding, and worth every penny. I use it on my 48 Buick right on the battery posts, and terminals, no more corrosion at all! It's also on my ground strap and starter connections, I can't say enough about it. Once again it's not cheap!!! The battery for the Buicks with 6 volt systems is # 2E, 12 volts are #2EE, and they're not cheap either.

There are a couple of cheap tricks, too. After cleaning the crap out of your battery terminals and connections, gob a load of vasoline all over them, under and through. Guaranteed to keep out all of that nasty corrosion, and a dollar jar will last a lifetime!:hurray:

The long 6 volt batteries are still made for some commercial uses such as tractors, trucks, etc. I got 10 years out of an Interstate from 1999 to last week in a 1948 Special. Exide sells one on sale for about $96 plus tax, F3EH is their number. Also available from NAPA, BAT7205 is their number.
I always keep the connections clean and tight, use only distillled water as needed, and always put on the Battery-Tender after each run. Of course you need to use the correct gauge of battery cables for 6 volt systems.