R59 Delco battery topper???

[copo69]

I got a couple of toppers off ebay for twenty something apiece. I got tired of paying for the repros but what really did it was the last one had started leaking but really didn't do any damage...got lucky. Anyway I always thought the toppers were kind of lame but when I put it in the Camaro you really had to look to see it was a topper. I used a $39.00 NAPA battery made by Exide and it fit really well. It had a fabric carry strap which I folded and placed under the topper....makes it easy to get out of a 69 Camaro which is kind of a tight fit. I put some velcro to hold it in place. Beats the hell out of paying for the repop but the leaking is what did it for me. I understand the sealed version of the R59 is OK but isn't it over 200 bucks? Should the car go someplace with hardcore judging then I have a good selection of dead R59's to choose from to pop in place for judging. I also put one in the Biscayne but it doesn't look as good as the battery is out in the open more and the topper is more visible. Caps look a little cheesey, especially the Delco Eye.....think I'll cut up an original to fit and maybe use the repro's caps.

[ORIGLS6]

I was looking at batteries for someone a few weeks ago. Gotta agree; Exide looked to be the best fit for the toppers. Fairly smooth top, and a Black Case. That's probably the direction I'll take for my Nova.
What are the inside dimensions of the R59 topper?

[Pacecarjeff]

[ QUOTE ]
I was looking at batteries for someone a few weeks ago. Gotta agree; Exide looked to be the best fit for the toppers. Fairly smooth top, and a Black Case. That's probably the direction I'll take for my Nova.
What are the inside dimensions of the R59 topper?

[/ QUOTE ]

Exide was the one I got at Sams Club $39.00 - perfect fit.
I cut the straps off, and peeled all the lables.
You have to look very close.

I too, thought the toppers were "cheesy" a few years back, but I got very tired of replacing my r-59 repros almost every year. Used to be able to get them from New Castle for $99, those days are gone. I still have 1 that is seeming to last forever, but when it fails I will use the topper.

[WILMASBOYL78]

I have been using the Delco professional top post model 36H6YR.....fits like an R59 and the topper goes on well. Also took a "real" sidepost from the day and "gutted" it. Planning on using a small hi-po style battery inside and connecting the terminals and then fabricate a bottom. As for the repro sealed or acid style...you can keep them! Only thing I would ever use is an acid style without the acid..just for looks. Those things are just time bombs waiting to go off!

wilma

[mssl72]

I'm using an AC/Delco Professional Series battery as well, model 24-7YR. I also have one of those battery mats from Eastwood under the battery, even though the battery is sealed. It helps to protect the battery tray by giving a little cushion.