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What group or size 6 volt battery does the super 8 use? If no group what measurement will result in the correct battery? I was told today by a battery dealer here in Escondido, Ca that the Optioma batteries were not the quality they used to be and recommended not buying one. He sells optima so I see no reason for him to not sell me one.

On my 40, under-the-seat battery, I have a BCI Group 2 10 3/8 in. x 7 1/8 in. x 9 3/8 in.

Thank you I think that is the same measurements as mine.

Before I picked a Group 2, I'd first check to see if a Group 4 fits, and if so I'd get a NAPA 7212, this is a large commercial battery, 1170 cranking amps at 32 deg. F, gobs of power. I've fit these into almost all prewar senior cars with underseat batteries, 40-42 160s and 180s, 33-37 Eights and Twelves thru 1939, so I'd think it should fit your 39 Super. I'm not aware of a higher capacity battery for these applications, and at least in my experience they give very long service life, usually 6-8 years or so.

Height 9-1/2
Length 12-1/2
Width 6-7/8

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=NBE7212_0353642068

Inews, the above uber knowledgeable gents are correct on all scores, tho' my first suggestion is to give Optima a chance. The one i have is over eight years old and still as good as ever. The 1912 Swedish company, with modern plant in Colorado, was bought by a Mexican concern a coupla years ago, and Optima's former seven year pro-rated warranty (first two years free replacement) has, i've heard, been downed to three years total.

But I'd still give Optima a whirl and again, weight is the enemy in any road car.

If wet cell, Group II was original equipment for both One-Twenty and '39 Super 8. However, as your '39 Super is junior based, you should be able to just shoehorn a Group IV, which was original equipment in the Packard Twelve, in your underseat battery box as i did just that with my '40 120 decades ago.

To play safe, i pop riveted a thin piece of aircraft plywood (anything'll do) on the underside of the floor cover
to prevent impromptu arc welding.

But give Optima a chance. The dealer who told you the above likely also has a vast inventory of funky wet cell batteries he wants to unload.