71 510 wagon battery

[Jerry]

Auto parts stores all say group 24F is the proper battery size. This battery is larger than the battery tray. Is there a better option?

[yenpit]

Ask the store where you are going to put a little effort into finding a smaller battery by dimensions with a similar cold cranking amp (if you are in a cooler climate). I have been a parts guy for 39+ years & used to do that all the time for people! Maybe find an old school store, with an older parts guy.............many of these youngin's today don't know HOW to do it OR are too lazy to try to do it!

You can also go online to Deka or another manufacturer & figure it out your self. Again, dimensions, cold cranking amps (CCA) & terminal placement are the keys to finding something suitable! Terminal placement could depend on if your battery cables are long enough. If you find a battery that fits these criteria, but has side post terminals, replace/modify your battery cables to suit!

ALWAYS be aware of where the terminals & cables are in relation to the metal body..............you do NOT want to have the battery make any contact, especially the terminals! Ever see a black burn mark on the underside of a hood, above the battery?? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZAP!!!!!! Yup, battery was too big or was not clamped down (please do NOT use a bungie cord!!)

[Jerry]

Thank you I will look it up on the net and ask the parts man. I never realized how small the engine bay was.

[James]

Do you have the stock plastic tray that sits on the shelf? It is bigger than the shelf - and hangs over. But the width is set up for the j shaped hold downs to sit on the ends (with a stock metal rim. I do believe the 24f is the correct size.....

[yenpit]

I will have a stock 68-73 510 plastic battery tray. PM if interested!

TJ

[Jerry]

Thank you all for the responses. I'm trying out group 51 battery. Nice size.