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battery recommendation beetle 1976

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agonza Learner Dubber

6 posts · joined Aug 2008 ·

#1037678
ok ... beetle has been idle for more than a month (or so) and the battery is now deader than dead. any recommended battery from the major suppliers that will fit correctly? currently it has a SSB SS36 which fits fine ... I've had an experience in the past of a battery that is too tall - don't want that issue again! Am located in canberra
(context: there is GAD this wkend and I want to get the old girl back on the road before then!)
i can look thru specs on the SCA website and the Century DIN44L MF looks like it is close to the SSB specs. just want to be certain if someone else has used this one or is there another battery that will suffice.
thanks, in advance!
[1976 VW Beetle - BE]
[2001 New Beetle 1.6]
[2020 Golf R]
[2024 Tiguan 162]

BlasterTheRedBajaBug Wolfsburg Wizard

444 posts · joined Nov 2016 ·

#1037679
Autobarn sells a 30ish dollar charger that works great, I have used it on everything from a ride-on mower to a nissan 6 cylinder van and it charges from dead flat for 12 months to good as new in 48 hours
Nobody can drive you crazy, unless you give them the keys.

grumble Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,672 posts · joined Jun 2008 ·

#1037680
I have used Century batteries for a lot of years both as a supplier and user and found them excellent, ask your Century battery specialist for the recommended unit and you may possibly need a trickle charger if you don't use the car on a regular basis.

ACE76 Seriously Crusin Dubber

105 posts · joined Aug 2005 ·

#1037683
"PDIN55" should be the correct type for a '76 Aust. beetle. Check that the terminals are the right way round i.e. on correct side before buying! This is also a BMW battery I think, and it is fairly large.
The retaining clamp/clip should go on the base of the battery, at the rear (not over the top). It should also have a small plastic cover clipped on over the + terminal; if not make up a cover to fit.

If the battery has been dead flat for a short time - even overnight, it may be beyond saving. (Can disconnect it, if there is a noticable "drain", or car is stored). Charge it every month, or every two weeks if very cold weather, and it should last well... but DON'T overcharge... Trickle charge if disconnected, or use a "Smart" (aka. switch-mode) charger if don't want to disconnect it.

Century, Marshall (if still exist), Exide, all seem OK, or anything currently supplied by Beaurepaires. (We don't like Chinese batts., have done damage to but they may be better now)
ACE 30 & ACE 40 oil: specially formulated for your Air Cooled Engine...
Delivery free Outer Eastern Melb. & Dandenong Ranges.
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1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1037687
You can usually buy a similar size battery from a diesel Golf, they are the same height and width but a little longer and give you a few extra CCAs

I tried the Century guide to find more information but it was useless

MR930 Wolfsburg Wizard

666 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1037697
I've got a supercharge smf57 in mine.

Yogie Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,608 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#1037698
ACE76 wrote:"PDIN55" should be the correct type for a '76 Aust. beetle. Check that the terminals are the right way round i.e. on correct side before buying! This is also a BMW battery I think, and it is fairly large.
The retaining clamp/clip should go on the base of the battery, at the rear (not over the top). It should also have a small plastic cover clipped on over the + terminal; if not make up a cover to fit.

If the battery has been dead flat for a short time - even overnight, it may be beyond saving. (Can disconnect it, if there is a noticable "drain", or car is stored). Charge it every month, or every two weeks if very cold weather, and it will last well... but DON'T overcharge... Trickle charge if disconnected, or use a "Smart" (aka. switch-mode) charger if don't want to disconnect it.

Century, Marshall (if still exist), Exide, all seem OK, or anything currently supplied by Beaurepaires. Don't like RACV=Chinese.
Good advice here. You really need a battery with the recessed terminals in a beetle as there is potential for them to arc on the metal seat frame. Especially if someone sits on top of the battery. I have the recessed terminal type in all of my beetles and also have a rubber mat on top of them just to be certain.

Yogie

barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem

9,473 posts · joined Jun 2004 ·

#1037700
i just fitted a din65lh mf agm is century battery. this is a bigger capacity and a deep cycle which was perfect for my bug which is only driven 4 days a week
“We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free.” Bill Hicks
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1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1037702
another thing to remember is that old cars have trouble charging the new style batteries so its good to keep them charged with a battery charger every now and again

agonza Learner Dubber

6 posts · joined Aug 2008 ·

#1037715
Hi,
I got the century din44 from the local parts store. recessed and looked exactly the same as the old one. works fine and car now starts a treat.
also got myself a new battery charger with a trickle charge mode ... so that i can keep the battery well conditioned.
had it on the road yesterday until it stopped due to fuel pump failure (elec pump from previous owner) - so now back in the garage to sort that one out!
thanks all for the tips
[1976 VW Beetle - BE]
[2001 New Beetle 1.6]
[2020 Golf R]
[2024 Tiguan 162]