Do Your Homework Before Buying a Battery for Your Classic

Today we’re looking at the alternator issue on the 1976 Triumph TR6 that came into the shop. Seems the problem came up right after taking it out of storage this year when..coincidentally..a new battery was also installed. So did it just happen to go bad or was there maybe something that MADE it go bad? Batteries come in so many group sizes and configurations, how do you know for sure you’re getting the right one for your classic when you go into the parts store? We’ll take a look at some popular battery sizes and discuss what the numbers and letters mean and the ones that really don’t mean anything. Then a little info on what happens when you don’t hook your battery up right and all the “fun” things that can cause.
Be sure to check back next week when we take you on a walk around of the TR6 and look at what’s good and not so good on this car and what you should be looking for if you’re thinking of adding one to your stable.
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[@americanpatriot2422]

Always an outstanding video and presentation..

[@MGB-learning]

Another great video. Thank you!

[@bshnabel]

Good advice, thanks

[@lloydgreen4091]

Very Good Informative Video. Watched a lot of MG vids & haven't seen this subject covered. Thanks So Much for Making these for us.

[@mgbgtguy]

Whenever I see something like this, I figure it makes a good subject to talk about. If he made this mistake, I’m sure plenty of others have or possibly will too. If I can help others avoid these mistakes then I’m more than happy to do videos like this.

[@JimsIfitaintbrokefixit]

Wouldn't you think that if he hooked the battery up as positive ground, that the radio would have played in reverse?🤣

[@seanwalsh999]

Yes, that's how we found out that Paul was dead.

[@ArnCital]

Sunbeam Alpine owner here. Lucas alternators are garbage so I got really good at swapping them for a Delco from a GM car and gained more amperage.

[@mgbgtguy]

I know there’s a big online movement to eradicate the word of Lucas alternators and replace them all with 100+ amp alternatives, none of these cars need 100+ amp alternators. They will never draw anything close to that, and the wiring isn’t big enough to handle that kind of amperage if they would ever draw that much from added electrical equipment without being upgraded too.
I have installed many if the new 43 amp Lucas units with very few failures even on cars that get used a lot. On this car the tach output comes from the alternator, and is calibrated from the speed the alternator is turning, so a proper replacement Lucas is what this is going to get.

[@dfboiler]

Ken Miles would have run that Tr6 owner right out of his shop 😂

[@mgbgtguy]

I guess he’s lucky I’m not Ken Miles