The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Battery Size

Hi Guys,
I have a 1950 1/2 ton converted to 12v. What is the largest size battery that can fit in the battery trey/box? I need a new battery and have always used these very small size battery and if possible I would like to get a larger one.
thanks,
skipper

I put a NAPA 8458 in my 49-3100--just fits--Bill

Those dimensions would be:
Height 6.875 in
Length 10 in
Width 7.25 in

I would be more concerned with having a battery that gives me the CCA's that are needed. But a small battery in a big box kind of looks funny.

Get a Optima, a little expensive but my last one lasted 13 years then I purchased another one. I got a red top. But they have deep cycle. Us Tim's measurements.

The 6v Optima battery is a nice fit in the 47-55st battery box.
It has to be placed on a diagonal inside the box.

They most likely have a 12v battery with similar dimensions (see below)?

Here are the 6v Optima dimensions:
Model: 6V
Width: 3.63 in
Length: 10.06 in
Height: 8.13 in

Here are three pages of all Optima REDTOP battery dimensions.
(click through the dots/buttons near the bottom of each page, to see the three pages).

I believe mine was the 34. I have one made by another company that Auto Zone sells that is a little cheaper. I bought mine 4 years ago. I think the company is Penn.

Optima 12 Model: 34

Ron,
What truck-year battery compartment did you put that in?
Did you have to "adapt" anything to get it to fit?

Weight: 37.9 lb
C20 Capacity: 50 Ah
Post Type: SAE Post
CCA: 800 Amp
Width: 6.88 in
Length: 10.06 in
Height: 7.88 in

MY 1954. No adaptation needed. It is a Duralast Platinum AGM 35.Not a good picture will try and get a better one tomorrow.

Hello guys, I extended the length of my battery box to hold two in series deep cycle batteries. They fit through the original battery cavity under the battery lid in the floor just fine. I then put an automatic switch under the dash that goes to all six volt systems. this way I can run a 12 volt a/c, on the firewall I have two lugs, one is 6 volt the other is 12. I can charge it on twelve or six volt. The 6 volt generator works well and the starter (6 volt), turns like it has a twelve volt battery. Four years and still going strong. If anyone wants a hand drawn schematic and pictures give me a day or so. Ed

Hi Doc, yes I would like to see the schematic as I do not follow how you are doing this. I measured the the inside of my battery box and it is 7" x 9- 7/16". I have a 1950 so maybe it is different than the later models?

I used a group 24 battery. There is a bit of room left over. Group 24 seems to be the most common size, so lots of deals to be had.

I glued rubber to the underside of the cover. Probably not needed, but I really don't like short circuits!

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/advice/car-maintenance/car-battery-size-chart

According to the battery chart, the group 24 is 10 1/4" length. I remeasured my box again and I see there are rivets that hole the upright threaded rods. So, it is actually smaller that I had said previous, it is more like 9-5/16" between the rivets.
Gord, what year is your truck?

Ok, ignore my comment. I just took a look at the truck; my battery box was modified.

The group 35 should work, I have room to spare.

rc365s, I will draw it out on the drawing board and send it to you. It will take a few days, I'm away until tomorrow. Ed

Agree with WE b OLD,
The Red Top Optima Model 3478DT Red 34/78 fits well in the original battery box of our 1952 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup. A bit snug but like it that way. This battery has a CA of 1000 and a CCA of 800. Just replaced it this year with the original lasting 10 years. The size is 6 3/4 by 10 with a height of 7 inches. I cannot use the original hold down because I use a battery disconnect that I can reach from reaching up from below the running board to disconnect the battery during storage. Don't have to remove sill plate or take up floor mat to disconnect. Hope helps. Chuck 52