I drive my '49 daily and once a month, I service the battery. Meaning, that I clean the terminals and check the water level.
I find that I have more corrosion in the winter, as of course I'm driving in the rain constantly, and the battery does get wet from spray, and from condensation.
Also, coating the terminals after assembly with dielectric grease, or vaseline helps. You can still end up with corrosion right on the posts though.
The next time I need a new battery I'll probably spring for an optima. So far though, I've been too cheap.
