buying old Sonnenschein batteries

cmcfaul · cmcfaul's Garage

I am replacing the two batteries on my 73 911 E. The research I did has led me to the A512/40 Sonnenschein batteries. They are sealed, a perfect fit and weigh half as much as a regular battery.

The distributor, batterysalesusa.com, is out of them and only has what they call "Second" versions. These are new, unused, 14 month old batteries. They sell them at a discount with no warrantee because of their age. They take off the labels and replace them with a generic "Second" label.

Is there a down side to buying a 14 month old battery? Any one know if the Sonnenschein batteries go bad over time more quickly then other brands / types.

Many Thanks,

Chris
73 911 E

defcon65 · 01-09-2007, 10:26 AM

I would only be worried if they will not hold a charge and fail to load test within specifications. Any battery shop can test this for you. Older 'new' batteries are often sold as seconds or 'blems' if they sit on the racks unsold for a specified period of time determined by the manufacturer. A new battery just outside of this time period will likely be fine. On the other extreme, if it's been sitting around for three years, it might not perform, especially if was not periodically charged to maintain voltage.

Regards,

HarryD · 01-09-2007, 07:02 PM

Have you tried these guys? http://www.sonnenschein.org

Brt911 · 08-01-2011, 12:25 PM

Did the A512/40 Sonnenschein batteries fit/work in your '73E? I also have a '73 E and would like to swap out the old batteries with Sonnenschein
Thanks for any help!

Quote:

I am replacing the two batteries on my 73 911 E. The research I did has led me to the A512/40 Sonnenschein batteries. They are sealed, a perfect fit and weigh half as much as a regular battery.

The distributor, batterysalesusa.com, is out of them and only has what they call "Second" versions. These are new, unused, 14 month old batteries. They sell them at a discount with no warrantee because of their age. They take off the labels and replace them with a generic "Second" label.

Is there a down side to buying a 14 month old battery? Any one know if the Sonnenschein batteries go bad over time more quickly then other brands / types.

Many Thanks,

Chris

73 911 E

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

Early 911 Battery Options

cmcfaul · cmcfaul's Garage

Since posting this I have already replaced the Sonnenschein's. They fit perfect but did not last very long. The guy at Batteries Plus said they are wheel chair batteries and not designed for a car and the cca associated with starting. Definitly not worth the cost.

I ended up going to local battery store with a tape measure and found one that fits. Simple as that. Tons of CCA (cold cranking amps). Works like a champ so for.

Chris

73 911 E

cmcfaul · cmcfaul's Garage

Interstate makes a direct replacmnet that fits perfectly but has to be mail ordered. (model 911...)

Chris

73 911 E

Jim Williams · 08-01-2011, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcfaul

Since posting this I have already replaced the Sonnenschein's. They fit perfect but did not last very long. The guy at Batteries Plus said they are wheel chair batteries and not designed for a car and the cca associated with starting. Definitly not worth the cost.

I ended up going to local battery store with a tape measure and found one that fits. Simple as that. Tons of CCA (cold cranking amps). Works like a champ so for.

Chris

73 911 E

Chris,

So what is the number of the battery that fit that you found at the battery store.

BTW the Interstate battery U911, is now $129 and a 3-week wait, deposit required up front before they will order it...

cmcfaul · cmcfaul's Garage

Batteries Plus had a good selection and several that would fit. They only stock one of each and I need two so ended up at Advanced Auto.

The brand is Rayovac and it's a perftct fit top to bottom and side to side. It's a bit shalow. I put a spacer behind it (2X4) and it fits perfectly with the stock battery straps. Sorry, I don't recall the model number and I would have to pull it out to get it.

I took the car to the store, pulled the passinger side battery and checked the fit if there was any doubt.

Miata batteries are said to work but they are so small and I think you have to cut the terminals to prevent them from touching the top of the box.

I lengthened the vent tubes so they would reach to the drain holes in the tub. All said and done, an hour at Advanced Auto including the install.

Chris
73 911 E

Jim Williams · 08-02-2011, 06:58 AM

Chris,

Thanks for the Batteries Plus tip. I looked it up online and typing in the car manuf. and model I came up with a SLIU1RT model Rayovac. I assume this is the one you got at Advanced Auto. I will give them a call and see if they can get the battery. The info on the B+ site says it also fits the Miata.

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

The Westco Miata battery is a little smaller and lighter than stock. The terminals do not have to be trimmed. I used some pieces of electrical rubber matting around it to fill in the gap. It is a sealed AGM so no venting or acid leaking. I found them for $120 shipped. They have been working well for me.