Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

My friends: I need to get a battery for my Roadster (the old relic I've been using to start the engine finally died for good). Can someone tell me what would be the appropriate (specifications, etc.) battery to get for a '68 1600?

Thanks!
Jorge

The group size is 24 if I recall correctly. Either that or 24F. You can get a smaller battery that will work though. Height is the biggest issue. Cranking amps won't be an issue because the Roadsters don't have much of a requirement...

I know group 24 is correct for 68-70 model not sure abou the earlier cars. I just picked up a 6 year group 24 @ Autozone. 49.00 with core.

Matt

Sid, Matt:

Thanks to both of you! I will go tomorrow and check out these options....I'll keep you posted.

Jorge

Slightly off topic: Can we still get the original style long batteries and trays? I bought a new battery last Summer, but now am thinking the old style might look cooler in the bay. Thanks

Eddie
68'1600

I literally just bought a new battery yesterday.

I got a DieHard group 24F for my '70 2000 at Sears for $65. I think that a group 24 was the original type specified but I found that the terminals were dangerously close to the edge of my hood so I opted for the inboard position of the terminals on the 24F in order to ensure that I wouldn't have any clearance issues with the hood.

As far as battery trays go, good luck finding one for a non-group-24 battery. I had the one that came with the car so I just went with it. I considered going with a group 51 or 53 battery because they are smaller but I couldn't find any tray and hold-downs that would work. in the end, I used the "original" tray and found a "universal" hold-down that worked OK.

Stan Chernoff ( az589@lafn.org ) had repro trays & hold-downs for 67.5-70 model years. They were for the group 24 batteries.

Good luck.

I bought mine from the Nissan dealer a few years ago just to have it say Nissan under the hood for car shows. The dealer said they are /were at the time made by Interstate Battery. I believe it is a Group 24 battery, and ran around $75. Putting the terminal ends closer to the engine is the smart thing to do, not much hood clearance on the outside. I have one of Stan's repro battery hold downs and love it. Get's the battery nice and tight and doesn't bend like most Wal-Mart specials do.

Happy Wrenching
Mark

Original was 24C, don't know the difference between that and 24 or 24F. Think it may be terminal position

Cochecita,

The group 53 batteries are still available - just kind of hard to find. The battery for the Acura Integra is similar in size, but a little taller. I don't know if it will work.

Now, if you go to a battery place, don't tell them you want a battery for a Datsun Roadster. If you do, you will just get a blank stare. Tell them you need a battery for a Corvair. That will get you the one you need.

Oh, and plan to spend more money for the 53 because it is an odd size.