Best Battery for 72 Cheyenne Super

[Cam1968rsss]

Hi all, have a question. Could anyone recommend a resonably priced side terminal battery for a 72 Cheyenne Super with a SBC and AC?
Thanks

[1970cstblazer]

There is no such thing as a reasonably priced battery, unless it is a blem.

I'd get an AC Delco battery, and get one of those toppers so it looks vintage.

[72c20customcamper]

I bought a couple of the Walmart 850 cca side post batteries on clearance for $85 ,the 3 year warranty still applies . All new batteries are overpriced and don’t last worth a crap. Not the same battery but I bought one of the 24f top post batteries there two years ago for 59. It has a 1 year warranty but it’s going strong still . Way better than paying 150 for one than may last 5 .

My red top died after 13 years in my Chevelle this spring . I wouldn’t buy another at $ 300 not with the reviews on new ones .

Guess the point is buy at a local place with a good warranty.

[truckster]

If you have a Costco nearby, they sell Interstate batteries at a very reasonable price.

[Sicklajoie]

I've always had good luck with Walmart's Everstart batteries.
And that's the only reason I'll ever go to a Walmart.

[RustyPile]

This part of East Texas is populated with cattle ranchers and farmers. These guys have lots of equipment and demand dependable parts for their automobiles, trucks, and farm equipment. The little town where I live is home to Reliable Auto Supply, a locally owned "mom & pop" parts store. Their battery line is Continental. I bought my first Continental from Reliable in 2016 for my DD. I sold that vehicle a year later and bought my current C/10. It was basically a "pile of parts" that came with a title. I bought a Continental for it in 2017. In 2018, I bought another one for my wife's car.. That battery is still going strong. After 6 years, the battery in the C/10 gave up the ghost this past November. It got replaced with (you guessed it) another Continental.. I can't testify to the life of the first Continental I bought, but they seem to be a good choice.. You'd think I'd have a better memory after buying 4 of them but I'm sorry, I don't remember what I paid..

Here's a link to Continental Batteries..
https://www.continentalbattery.com/

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Cam1968rsss

Hi all, have a question. Could anyone recommend a resonably priced side terminal battery for a 72 Cheyenne Super with a SBC and AC?
Thanks

What post #4 said. Best deal anywhere.

[jerry moss]

we used to sell Interstate batteries where i work and i ran them in all my vehicles until about 5 years ago or whenever the stopped making them here in the USA and the reliability went south-pun intended-and i was having to warranty mine out after a year or two. we started selling O'rielly batteries that are manufactured by Johnson Control and so far they are holding up much longer.

[howzzzit]

Most aftermarket car batteries sold in the U.S. are made by three companies that build them for retailers: Johnson Controls, which supplies more than half of the market; Stryten; and East Penn. They are sold under various names and built to the specifications of retailers, so performance can vary. So you still don't know which one to buy. Right?

[MARKDTN]

The Deka/East Penn are the best IMHO. Sams had East Penn the last one I bought.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Until almost 2 years ago, I was buying from O'reily and Autozone. Went through all but one so fast, though currently so far so good, Outback and Tundra. I believe the last two cost $400+. If I remember right, one of each battery was literally dead from leaving a light on, they wouldn't take a charge.

Bought Costco's interstate for my C-10. Sold it for $40 a year later after buying a Delco 89W, T60. But my two kids installed Costco's their last times. So far so good, but interesting Jerry's Co. ran through them.

So, Howzzzit, which company is best? I wonder which one makes the Delco 89W? All rhetorical, maybe

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by truckster

If you have a Costco nearby, they sell Interstate batteries at a very reasonable price.

Yep. I've bought 4 of them for various vehicles over the past several years. Most recent one was almost a year ago for around $105 + my old battery in trade.

One of those failed just before the 3 year warranty was up, and I returned it for a free replacement. Of course, after 3 years, you have to pay full price.

[BROWN 70]

x2 post 9

[chevmn]

I used to purchase the Everstart Maxx from walmart when they were made in USA by Johnson Controls. I had a few last 6-7 years. Not sure where they are now made, but the last two I purchased I purchased the cheaper WalMart economy batterys. I figure it they go 3 years, and I have to replace, I break even, and move to a new battery sooner. Not as big of a concern now that we are both retired, and not relying so heavily on starting out in the cold an hour away from home. Back then I would spend the extra for the best I could find. I would go as far as finding a bigger CCA battery if it would fit in the tray regardless of if it was recommended. It is never fun to be at work an hour away from home and find a dead battery, especially one that is a couple years old.

To answer your question, I would probably go with the $70 battery for a lot less $$ then just figure on replacing in a few years. Especially if this is not something you daily drive in severe weather. But, I try to put on a charger from time to time during off season when I will not be driving.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart...8?athbdg=L1200

[jumpsoffrock]

I've had good luck with walmart, and Autozone GOLD batteries.

I like to pick a place that has a warranty and is open across the nation 7 days per week. Local places don't do that typically.

[Steeveedee]

I have my batteries tested yearly. They do degrade, but not to where you can go out to start your vehicle, and it turns over slowly before it starts, and you know you have some time. When one tests marginally, I replace it. The cost of a battery and the worry for loved ones stranded by something as simple as a yearly test is meaningless, compared to a hundred dollars or so for early replacement. Which reminds me it's time for some battery checks.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

OT, anyone notice if one of these newer batteries are drained it means they're toast or perhaps just sometimes? I don't remember that being an issue before, maybe it has something to do with newer cars Hmm. Happened once in my Subaru owned, 5 years, and twice in my Tundra, owned 4 years. The batteries wouldn't even take a charge.

My girlfriend owns a newer Honda. The battery went dead after sitting many months. At first my charger read an error, not accounted for by instructions. But then it took a full charge. Started, great, ran it for a bit. My girlfriend tried it a few days later however, it won't start, not enough juice. Perhaps there's a short or somethin', she says nothing left on. IMO it just needs a new battery.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

OT, anyone notice if one of these newer batteries are drained it means they're toast or perhaps just sometimes? I don't remember that being an issue before, maybe it has something to do with newer cars Hmm. Happened once in my Subaru owned, 5 years, and twice in my Tundra, owned 4 years. The batteries wouldn't even take a charge.

My girlfriend owns a newer Honda. The battery went dead after sitting many months. At first my charger read an error, not accounted for by instructions. But then it took a full charge. Started, great, ran it for a bit. My girlfriend tried it a few days later however, it won't start, not enough juice. Perhaps there's a short or somethin', she says nothing left on. IMO it just needs a new battery.

If you have a battery that doesn't seem to take a charge, running it on high amperage 20 minutes or so will usually break up enough sulfate to get it to take a charge.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by truckster

If you have a battery that doesn't seem to take a charge, running it on high amperage 20 minutes or so will usually break up enough sulfate to get it to take a charge.

Think I tried that. All of the batteries tested terminated by auto part stores.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by jumpsoffrock

I like to pick a place that has a warranty and is open across the nation 7 days per week.

That's a good idea.

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I have my batteries tested yearly. They do degrade, but not to where you can go out to start your vehicle, and it turns over slowly before it starts, and you know you have some time.

That's what's happened to my last two bad ones -- they turned over the engine slowly, but fast enough to start it. Then again, I've had batteries that worked fine in the morning, then die later in the day. Weird! I wish all of them would "give notice".

['68OrangeSunshine]

I bought a 2003 Tahoe in March. It has an EverStart battery in it with a pink 2/24 sticker.
A couple of times, I had to tighten the positive terminal bolt up to get it to start, especially if raining. But the battery read 12.7 volts.
Monday morning, I tried to start it to go to work. No start, no lights, nothing.
Had to shift my toolbags to the '71 Jimmy and run to work.
Yesterday after work, I had time to check it out. Battery read 6.77 VDC. Not too good.
Can I fast talk Walmart into a fresh battery, or will I need receipts and warranty paperwork that the PO didn't give me?

[truckster]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Can I fast talk Walmart into a fresh battery, or will I need receipts and warranty paperwork that the PO didn't give me?

My local Walmart was a pain when I returned the last battery I had there (Costco doesn't carry the 12v for my wife's hybrid). But, if you're lucky, they'll go with the date on the battery. It can't hurt to try. Unless, of course, you have a hernia...

[twoskies]

bought an AC/Delco from Menards, open 7 days a week, open early most days by 6
had it for 3 years now/ no issues

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by truckster

My local Walmart was a pain when I returned the last battery I had there (Costco doesn't carry the 12v for my wife's hybrid). But, if you're lucky, they'll go with the date on the battery. It can't hurt to try. Unless, of course, you have a hernia...

I talked to a buddy. I don't trade much at Walmart. He said they wouldn't play, so I took it to Interstate Batteries -- where I've been getting batteries lately. I was going to use it for the core charge on one of theirs. I told the store guy about the 2/24 sticker, he said it might still be a good battery. He put the Cell Checker on it and it rang out good. So they're gonna charge it overnight and see if it takes a charge. So I'll still have to take my'68 Orange Stepside or my '71 GMC Jimmy to work tomorrow.

For the OP's situation, I agree with the concensus, that you want a battery from a reliable dealer with nationwide stores and open 7 days a week, especially if using the truck for touring.

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by twoskies

bought an AC/Delco from Menards, open 7 days a week, open early most days by 6
had it for 3 years now/ no issues

Very nice looking engine compartment.