Which modern battery for 1973 Thing?

[SomeThing]

...So I've let my poor Thing languish for too long and now the battery is dead-dead. can someone recommend a new battery to put in?

The one that's in there right now is Kirkland #12844, code 8 group size 56 -- but I can't find those specs now.

Suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[[email protected]]

Odyssey PC 1200T

--Sealed (won't leak or corrode floorboard)
--Holds charge between drives
--10-year-plus lifespan
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72 Karmann Ghia
71 Westfalia Camper
72 Super Beetle
73 Thing
74 Karmann Ghia (FOR SALE)

[GI Joe]

I'd suggest putting a cut off switch, and a battery tender in, with the new battery.
Our Thing always has juice, even after sitting 4-5 months....
I have battery tenders on all my vehicles/machines...
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'74 Thing, "Our Thing"....
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'71 Beetle RPU
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8080337#8080337
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Respect, Honor, Remember

[Bashr52]

[SomeThing]

Thanks for these suggestions. For any of them, though, I still need to know the code and group size. Are there specifics for hot cranking amps and cold cranking amps?

[GI Joe]

I realized I really didn't answer your original question...
I took a look this morning and have a pic of the label on my battery. I was certain I had a battery from Advance Auto Parts, but somehow I've actually got an Optima agm battery in there....(? My memory is really bad.....)

Anyway, here ya go! Part number is right on the label, for reference.

I'll also note that I installed the plastic terminal covers, to insulate them from any potential contact with the seat springs. Added peace of mind.
_________________
'74 Thing, "Our Thing"....
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...p;start=60
'71 Beetle RPU
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8080337#8080337
www.NLEOMF.com
Respect, Honor, Remember

[SomeThing]

Very helpful. Thanks, again Joe!

Also, your Thing is clearly fancier than mine....😜

[mondshine]

If you don't feel like using the standard Group 42 battery, here's a link to a BCI Group Chart:
https://www.batteryweb.com/bci.cfm

Good luck, Mondshine

[Rev. Scott]

Very happy with my optima "red top". I mounted it sideways, so no potential for seat spring contact...and makes jump starting OTHER cars very easy. Cheers!
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"I haven't seen one of those since I was shootin' at 'em!"

[Joe 20]

I always use Deka batteries in all my vehicles.

[Wildthings]

A group 41 battery will give you an extra bit of cranking power and some extra reserve. Need to make sure it is evenly supported.

[Captain Spalding]

For those of you not using the group 42 size battery, how are you holding the battery down?

[hobie16]

[Rev. Scott]

[Captain Spalding]

[Rev. Scott]

[SomeThing]

Thanks for your suggestions, everyone! I ended up with a standard battery and the Thing is once again operational. Didn't think to mount it sideways but that's a great idea!

Now I just need to figure out why the horn honks every time I turn the steering wheel to the right....

[Ron Domeck]

Horn, try moving the steering column down. 2 bolts at top and push down to put more space between the wheel and the column.

[GI Joe]

[Wildthings]

At one point I ran the side terminal equivalent of a Group 27 battery in my T-181. This gave a nice large battery without having the problem of the seat springs shorting against the positive post.