Car Gallery on Batterytoppers

[Chevy454]

Like Brian says...it's not gonna fool most car guys, or especially car judges, but I think it's a lot better to glance in and see what appears to be an R-59, versus your run of the mill sealed unit. And, once you've had an R-59 "pop the cherry" on your engine compartment, then you are gonna be a little gun shy. Plus, it's nice to have the extra juice of a modern battery for when that big block is just a tad warm and is not really wanting to start...

[Man, I hope Casey doesn't see that remark about something "appearing" to be something it's not! He may think I'm switching over to SA!]

[Edited by Chevy454 (12-05-2001 at 09:36 AM).]

[Belair62]

I doubt anyone would try and fool a judge with a topper but they are excellent for a driver with a real battery. They fool the eye at first glance.I've had an R-59 pee all over a nice fenderwell too.

[MY70SS396]

I don't have a frame off car. But I learned the hard way with a repro R-59 that cracked. Toppers all the way for me. Just my $2.
Mitchell

[68l30]

I must be doing something wrong with my R-59's.I've had two now in my Camaro.The first one lasted 7yr on a driver.I think as long as the electrolyte level is just covering the plates and your charging system is in good shape there is no reason the R-59 can't live in peace.I've always had one of those battery mats between the battery and the tray and never had anything on it.I may just have good luck,check you levels........

Steve

[Mr70]

I must admit,I have never seen an R-59 pee either.I bought mine right after resto n 1994,and she is still going.Just keep the Battery Tender on it each day,check the levels each month,and drive it May-November.I had no idea they could leak so frequently.In that case I could see a market for this Topper.

[Charley Lillard]

First repo R59 I had lasted more than 3 years in a L78 Camaro. The Restored # 30 ZL1 I had later had to be torn back apart because of a leaking R59 that even made a mess of the sub frame. When they first came out a friend sent about 5 of them back one after the other as they all leaked as soon as you filled them . All leaks were down in a corner. I think I have two now that don't leak.

[Belair62]

Mine cracked....not sure why.It lasted a long time before that happened.

[Stefano]

I don't want to jinx myself but all the repro
R-59s I purchased always worked as they were intended to, for me.

I have some that have been in service for several years without incident. I purchased my first one in 1987 and have been buying them from the same company since.

I do not know if they are all the same or if there are several mfgs.

But, as insurance to all the potential problems mentioned, I will change over.

The toppers do have a "cheap" injection molded look and the plastic does not have a consistant grain, but for my drivers they look fine.

[Stefano]

Belair62,

Wheelstands over two feet high have been known to crack a battery case or two and maybe even a few other parts.

[Edited by Stefano (12-06-2001 at 09:09 PM).]

[Edited by Stefano (12-06-2001 at 09:10 PM).]

[Belair62]

Could have been that pesky telephone pole.Not sure.