TheSamba.com :: View topic - 6-Volt Battery: Where to find?

Mon Oct 27, 2003 4:11 am

I'm looking for a new 6-volt battery for my bug. Only trouble is that I don't know what kind to buy or where to buy it? Do those "optima" 6-volt batteries work in a bug? I like the idea of having a non-leaking battery.

Thanks

Mon Oct 27, 2003 5:31 am

A friend of mine got one at walmart locally this summer. I think you can still buy one there, or any auto store should carry them...

Mon Oct 27, 2003 8:11 am

Yes, the Optimas work.

Mon Oct 27, 2003 8:54 am

EverettB wrote: Yes, the Optimas work.

Yes, I highly recommend them. I run a 12 volt Optima "Red top" in my 67' Bus, and a 6 volt "Red top" in my 63' Beetle. You can usually pick up one on eBay for $70.00 or so -- well worth the extra money.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10076&item=2438634624

Cheers,
-Justyn

Mon Oct 27, 2003 8:58 am

I too have the Optima red top in my 65. No acid=no rot

Mon Oct 27, 2003 10:05 am

I think that you should do what actorboy said to do it cost about $170. but its nice to have :wink:

Mon Oct 27, 2003 12:39 pm

I have the optima red top in my 58 and agree with actorboy "No acid=no rot" = no damaged battery tray area; drop the extra coin and get one.

Mon Oct 27, 2003 1:14 pm

Well, I have to get a battery charger any way about it, so I'll get myself a charger, and see if I can't charge my battery before I buy the Optima.

Just for the info: What would happen if the starter's gear did not disengage from the flywheel after the car was running? Could that drain a battery? Or would it just burn the starter?

Thanks
O

Mon Oct 27, 2003 2:46 pm

checker auto, car quest, kmart etc have them acid type. they are all acid type of batteries some are sealed while others are not. what ever you purchase make sure the seat does not short out the battery.

Thu Oct 30, 2003 4:18 pm

You can get a nice vintage looking correct sized 6v from Wolfsburg West. Nice and original looking.

Thu Oct 30, 2003 5:07 pm

Just a note, it's not just battery acid that makes rust happen. The potential indifference between metals can cause oxidation. That's why crud forms on your battery posts.

Thu Oct 30, 2003 6:19 pm

I like the optima it holds a better charge and charges easil;y
I have the 6v in my oval and you can leave it hoocked up for about 6 months and it will still have enough to start on the first try

Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:06 am

Is this the battery these guys were discussing?And how does it fit? I have a '57 Beetle. Please see link:

http://www.batteriesareus.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=113_22&products_id=32

Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:59 am

Yes, there is only 1 6-volt battery from Optima.

It's a little taller than stock but it still fits.

Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:03 am

Thanks EB!

Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:02 pm

Are their any other options? Something that looks more original? I searched the forums, but maybe I used the wrong keywords.

Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:30 pm

Interstate makes a correct size battery.

I have one in my '63 Bus right now.

More
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=197410

Mon Jun 09, 2008 3:20 pm

If you're just looking for something convenient, most farm oriented stores sell 6v tractor batteries.

Mon Jun 09, 2008 3:45 pm

Orsocron wrote: Just for the info: What would happen if the starter's gear did not disengage from the flywheel after the car was running? Could that drain a battery? Or would it just burn the starter?

Thanks
O

This would equal starter windings flying apart. Just imagine how fast that little gear would be spinning as you reached 2000 rpm on the motor. YIKES :!:

Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:10 pm

Interstate makes a direct copy of a VW configured battery in 6 volt. I believe it is the 19R. Fits like a glove in splits and has the same opposing corner poles.