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| | | Forums66 Topics128,048 Posts1,055,666 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 69 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 69 | Hi folks. My progress restoring my 1958 3200 Fleetside has been stalled for a few years. Now I'm finally making progress. Cab is on my rebuilt frame. Working on installation of electrical wiring and associated equipment.
I need some help finding the right size battery. All 'battery selector' charts seem to suggest a group 24 or 34 battery. Both are 10 3/4" wide, but my battery holder measures about 10"W, 7"D and up to about 9" T. So it looks like a 24/34 is too wide. Based on dimensions, a group 35 would be a better fit.
So what size batteries normally fit my TF truck?
John.
When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work�this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,440 Moderator - The Electrical Bay | | Moderator - The Electrical Bay Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,440 | I typically just measure my battery box, find a battery that fits AND has enough CCA's to meet or exceed the amount required by your equipment. I also buy the cheapest acceptable battery I can find if the project is not being used on a regular basis. I usually keep it on a battery tender as well.
Another quality post. Real Trucks Rattle HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 899 | My battery box in my 55.2 3100 is just shy of 11 inches by 8 inches.
Brian 1955.2 3100 Truck The older I get the more dangerous I am!!!!! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 | It sounds like you've got a battery box for a Group 1 6 volt. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 | For longevity, an Optima is a great battery but expensive. I had one in my 54 for 13 years but it was getting weak and I was going to KC and I bought an Auto Zone brand for a little less money. It also an AGM.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 69 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 69 | Thanks for the replies. For the record Hotrod Lincoln, my 58 was built as a 12 Volt system. Looks like my bracket is sized for a Group 35 battery. Definitely not 11x8 like in 55 Shaker's 55-2 3100.
I'll see what I can find in an AGM battery.
John.
When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work�this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 | | | | | Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 326 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2017 Posts: 326 | Something to think about when sizing a battery maybe; the po of my truck put in a new battery for me ( a 24F) it has worked fine, and fits in the battery shelf, but the hold down bracket will not go over the top due to the side pieces that the carrying handle fit through. When I need to replace it, I’ll take the hold down bracket with me to try to find one that it will fit over. I probably could take a razor blade and shave off the offending parts, but then I would loose that convenient handle. As long as I don’t go inverted, it should stay in place anyway.
Lee.
1956 Chevy 3200, 235 w/3 speed
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | I think the original battery was a 2SMR53 Delco tar-top battery:
10.25" x 6.75" x 9" | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,440 Moderator - The Electrical Bay | | Moderator - The Electrical Bay Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,440 | LeeD, strap your battery down until you get it figured out!
Another quality post. Real Trucks Rattle HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
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