Side Post Battery

[Nova Research Project]

Ron;

What are the part numbers and broadcast sheet codes on your battery cables? I can check the AM to see if the cables are correct for a T60 battery. Is there a part number on the battery?

Greg

[RonNova396L34]

Greg,
Good question. Unfortunately the cables had been replaced during the 30 years of driving. When I took the cables off the car, I didn't see any numbers. The ends that connect to the battery definately had been replaced. The original owner described what happened this way. He said the car always started hard. One time, he couldn't get it to start. He started replacing things trying to find the problem. Alternator, voltage regulator, starter and then only to find out later he had a loose connection at the battery. He then believes he replaced the ends so he had a good connection again. He remembered that the original battery lasted 7 or 8 years. The dealer or factory messed up his order and he didn't even know it until I restored the car. He said he ordered the car with the 3.55 rear gears and his came with the 3.31 gears. The code on the rear showed 3.31 gears along with the protecto-plate. That's also what I found when I tore the rear end apart. Perhaps the dealer also messed up the battery order and the owner would have seen it so they replaced it? The owner was very particular about this car. He also had a problem with the front shocks when he first drove the car. The bolts weren't tightened and he wrecked both front shocks. He was not very happy to say the least. He said numerous other bolts weren't tightened. That's how particular he was about this car. The dealership the car was bought from is where I live but ownership has changed. I know where the previous dealership owner lives but I don't know if they kept their records. I guess it won't hurt to ask. Ron

[RonNova396L34]

Greg,
I never found my build sheet. I looked everywhere. Seats, under carpet, dash. I never took the door panels off the car. Possibly there?? I found just a corner of paper that looked like the corner of a build sheet? I kind of doubt that it would be behind a door panel.
Ron

[lowmile]

I have an unrestored 1970 nova, 6cyl car, and it came with a sidepost. the build date is August 1970. Mark

[Mr70]

Chevrolet started using the Delco R-79W side post battery on their cars in late 69.It was available on the Camaro too.I am not sure about any COPO's receiving it though.
I have an two NOS side terminal Batteries still in their boxes,and both are dated July 1969.
Now when Chevrolet started installing them in cars,and what cars and what plants,and what time frame is a diffferent story.
All the 1970 ordering books and catalogs mention this new side terminal battery for the new cars in 1970,which by the way were annnouced to the public September 18-1969.
I have seen 1969 Camaros produced in Late 69,1970 Chevelles,Monte Carlos, and Impalas/Wagons have it as early as August 1969,but I am not about Novas.
Just curious,where is your current battery ground too,the block,or the Alt. Bracket?
I have a box full of Chevrolet MSO,Window stickers,buildsheets and Dealer invoices from 1969-72.I have not been able to get to sort them out.I will look for 1970 Nova specific and let you know what I find.
Your 3:31 rearend intrigues me,as the Chevelle did not get the 3:31 untill Oct 69.I have not seen one that early in a car as yours.3:55 was the norm,then the 4:10 was the optional.Is yours dated on the housing?

[RonNova396L34]

MR70
This may seem like a dumb question but the only dumb question is the one not asked. You said it should be a R79W battery. I've only seen R89W battery reproductions. Is anyone reproducing the R79W? I'm guessing they are somewhat different and this is why I say that. After I bought the reproduction R89W battery and showed it to the original owner, he said it didn't look exactly right from what he remembered. He thought it was something to do with the Delco-eye if I remember what he said exactly? Is he right? After all the discussion on this, I really am starting to believe he had the real deal T-60 side post battery. If he's right, what a memory after 30 years.
Ron

[ORIGLS6]

Ron,
I'm sure Rick will respond to your question also because I just asked him the same thing. At present, no one is reproducing the R-79. Our best option is the R-89 which, among other things, has the incorrect threads in the negative post.
Maybe we all need to contact the people doing (or NOT doing)these batteries and express our interest. Demand = Supply?
Dennis

[RonNova396L34]

Dennis,
I'm going out on a limb here but I think the owner said the Delco Eye wasn't clear on the original? I haven't looked at my repro lately? Or is the lettering on the caps different. Now, I need to walk 2 blocks to ask the original owner again. I agree it would be nice to have the correct reproduction.

Greg,
Thanks for posting the picture for me. The valve covers got all sweaty since I heated the garage briefly and it was real cold that day.

Ron

[ORIGLS6]

Ron,

I thought the eyes were green. The lettering may be different also but the texture on the case is the dead give-away. I think the old R-79's had the elephant hide textured case. Rick has an original still in the box. He can go into very exact detail with the differences.
Rick, Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[RonNova396L34]

mr70
I checked my hand written notes on the rear end gear code. This is what was stamped on the large gear in the rear end. GM3862689 13 43 8 69. 43 divided by 13 equals 3.31 rounded up of course. I verified this when I watch my video.
Ron