Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Barndoor Battery
Page: 1, 2, 3  Next
Forum Index -> Split Bus - Barndoor Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Anchovy
Samba Member


Joined: August 05, 2000
Posts: 2921
Location: San Diego, CA
Anchovy is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 12:39 pm    Post subject: Barndoor Battery Reply with quote

I am to the point where I want to start hunting down a battery for my bus. It originally came with a Varta battery based on the documentation that came with it. The owners manual only says "6V, 84 Ampere Hours" when it comes to the battery specification.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I know that Wolfsburg West offers an old style 6V battery but it looks like it is for 1955 and later.

http://wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=zvw112

What is the correct battery designation for the Barndoor era buses and any leads on a vintage style varta battery? What are you guys running?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
krusher
Samba Member


Joined: September 24, 2002
Posts: 7652
Location: europe
krusher is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 1:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I found this at my local car electrictians, its what they had in stock as a generic replacement for british 6volt cars like MGB's , think its somthing like 65ah. I dont think it has a flat circle area where you could fake a varta sticker either.

Oh I think i may have found what you need with a sticker swap , part number 501 is 84ah.

http://www.barden-uk.com/6-12-volt-classic-hard-rubber-batteries.html

Very Happy


Last edited by krusher on Sun Oct 07, 2007 9:14 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail MSN Messenger Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Anchovy
Samba Member


Joined: August 05, 2000
Posts: 2921
Location: San Diego, CA
Anchovy is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Krusher, that looks like an excellent lead.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


First I need to find out the dimensions of the original battery so at least it is close to the same size. The one you found on the web site even has yellow vent caps (Varta colored). Here is a display model I found of an old Varta battery. I am thinking to use the Varta emblem on this guy to model a rubber "sticker" and apply it to my replacement battery.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
krusher
Samba Member


Joined: September 24, 2002
Posts: 7652
Location: europe
krusher is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 3:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Look to me that when varta have given up making 6volt batteries they have some the mold off, and that other company have just filled up the name area to keep making them.

Confused
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail MSN Messenger Gallery Classifieds Feedback
j.pickens
Samba Member


Joined: December 03, 2002
Posts: 9787
Location: Exit 7, New Jersey
j.pickens is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

In the US the supplier I've seen the hot rod boys use is Antique Auto Battery. They have several 6V batteries in similar size, but with other brand markings. I'd give them a call.
http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
Founder and Chairman Emeritus, ECMSAS
BBX BBXII and BBXXI Long Distance Award Winner
BeaterBarndoor wrote:

i wish more people would actually drive their vws rather than just talking about what they have in the garage.

Red Fau Veh wrote:
If you've seen one sunroof swivel seat kombi, you've seen them all! Cool
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Anchovy
Samba Member


Joined: August 05, 2000
Posts: 2921
Location: San Diego, CA
Anchovy is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 9:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

j.pickens - Thanks for the link. I called those guys and they said that it would be several weeks before they could make the 6V battery as they are waiting for their supplier to provide plates. The closest thing they sell is the Lucas style battery.

It's hard for me to believe with all the Porsche and VW collectors out their that this need hasn't been addressed in the US.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Gerson
Samba Member


Joined: January 23, 2004
Posts: 1828
Location: Jupiter Fl
Gerson is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 9:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

there is a car battery maker down the street from me, he makes battery's any way you want them....send me some detailed pics/dimmensions, maybe they will tackle this.... Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
_________________
that's not patina, that's fucking rust man!!!!

we (klassicfab) make the funky green panels...........
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
[email protected]
Samba Member


Joined: September 22, 2002
Posts: 1243

jmp@ncounty.net is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a og Bosch battery just like in the above pic ( has the yellow/red caps and stamped red/yellow logo)that I found in a old vw shop. If it's any help for dimmensions pm me.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
beetleboy58
Samba Conquestador


Joined: February 27, 2006
Posts: 1073

beetleboy58 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gerson wrote:
there is a car battery maker down the street from me, he makes battery's any way you want them....send me some detailed pics/dimmensions, maybe they will tackle this.... Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy


I guess you can get anything you want "down the street" in columbia..... Cool
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
Gerson
Samba Member


Joined: January 23, 2004
Posts: 1828
Location: Jupiter Fl
Gerson is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 5:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

my shop is located in an area of the city where you can locate just about whatever you need.... there are a ton of machine shops, shops that make rubber car parts, a square kilometer where they sell nothing but steel, and the machines needed to work that steel, car battery makers, foundries, and model makers where you can get any part replicated in a couple of days, chrome shops, upholstery shops, you name it......it's manufacturing heaven.. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
_________________
that's not patina, that's fucking rust man!!!!

we (klassicfab) make the funky green panels...........
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Rusting Hulk
Samba Member


Joined: August 20, 2002
Posts: 646
Location: Malvern UK
Rusting Hulk is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not sure if original batteries are offered for 356's but a lot of the vendors sell 6v Optima batteries, with a 'cloaking device' to make it look original. Not really an option if you looking to run an exact replica of the varta battery but a good option if you want a good battery that lasts and gives good performance.
see www.foreignintrigue.com
_________________
64 356 C Coupe
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
25horseboxer
Samba Member


Joined: July 02, 2006
Posts: 210

25horseboxer is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The "optima" and "orbital" 6 volt batteries are pretty much just half the 12 volt full size battery. So a little to long.......
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Anchovy
Samba Member


Joined: August 05, 2000
Posts: 2921
Location: San Diego, CA
Anchovy is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the replies and the options.

1. Does anyone know what Type or size battery is correct for '54?

2. I know it is 6V and 84 AMP/hr but does that battery rating give you a certain physical size?

3. What is the solution for the cover?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
bigbulli
Samba Member


Joined: September 30, 2000
Posts: 575
Location: ENGLAND
bigbulli is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 1:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gerson wrote:
my shop is located in an area of the city where you can locate just about whatever you need.... there are a ton of machine shops, shops that make rubber car parts, a square kilometer where they sell nothing but steel, and the machines needed to work that steel, car battery makers, foundries, and model makers where you can get any part replicated in a couple of days, chrome shops, upholstery shops, you name it......it's manufacturing heaven.. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy


Soungs like England 30+ years ago before we sold out...
_________________
1954 Barndoor
1955 Oval
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
RockStock
Samba Member


Joined: November 26, 2004
Posts: 3921
Location: England
RockStock is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Aint that the truth


From the 1953/54 Workshop Manual
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

The Manual makes no mention of the make, or the dimensions

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=1206
Question
_________________
-StockRocks-
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
EverettB Premium Member
Administrator


Joined: April 11, 2000
Posts: 69733
Location: Phoenix Metro
EverettB is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 6:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Anchovy wrote:
1. Does anyone know what Type or size battery is correct for '54?

I don't know but one question to answer is if the Barndoor battery strap is the same size as a later Bus battery strap. Unfortunately my truck is missing the battery strap but I'm guessing your strap is there.

Anchovy wrote:
3. What is the solution for the cover?

As far as I know, it's the same size as a later Bus.

I have an NOS cover too, not sure why it has a 211 part #:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=239062
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=239061
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Facebook Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Anchovy
Samba Member


Joined: August 05, 2000
Posts: 2921
Location: San Diego, CA
Anchovy is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 8:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

EverettB wrote:
I have an NOS cover too, not sure why it has a 211 part #:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=239062
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=239061


Thanks for all the great info. ....

I checked my parts list manual and it has the following info.:

P/N 211 915 405 is for bus No. 20-117902 to 216 190 000 (Post barndoor '55 to Nov. 1956)

P/N 113 915 405 is for bus up to 20-117901

There are 5 different battery straps listed at different lengths. Some are for 12V option and a higher amp 6V battery.


Last edited by Anchovy on Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:40 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Anchovy
Samba Member


Joined: August 05, 2000
Posts: 2921
Location: San Diego, CA
Anchovy is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I got this reply from Barden in response to my inquiry. I sent the VW manual photo and gave the 6V, 84Amp/Hr rating.

Sounds like it is a UK battery reference 501, but I do not know if you use the same numbers in U.S.

6v 84ah dimensions 226mm long 175mm wide x 220mm high maximum.

Regards,

Julie Kenny
Sales & Distribution Administrator
Barden UK Ltd

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 570770
Fax: +44 (0) 1489 579913

www.barden-uk.com / www.rolls-europe.com
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Anchovy
Samba Member


Joined: August 05, 2000
Posts: 2921
Location: San Diego, CA
Anchovy is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here are a couple nice shots from the 1950 and 1953 owners manuals, respectively. Both photos come from Tonny's informative web site. Thanks Tonny!

What's nice about these shots is that it shows the battery cover. Notice that one looks like it has a gray top, the other black.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Anchovy
Samba Member


Joined: August 05, 2000
Posts: 2921
Location: San Diego, CA
Anchovy is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here is a close up of the Varta tag that come with my bus. It lists the different size batteries available from Varta. I don't know which one came with the bus but I do know that the 3 De 4 battery is 6V and 56 Ah.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Here is a scan from January of 1954 owners manual. Notice that the battery cover has the insulating particle board riveted to the steel, rather than the later covers that have the board crimped in place with tabs. Also note that the cover has three cut-outs for cables where one is not used. Ev's later early bus cover only has 2 cut-outs as well as those shown in post 55 bus manuals.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Split Bus - Barndoor All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2, 3  Next
Page 1 of 3

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.