Interstate Blank black Battery

[Topcat]

In case you didn't know, Interstate sells a black un-labeled battery. No bright flashy Logo. Just a plain black generic looking battery.

I sell these and quote these alot to large fleet and cities in my territory.

I think these look much better in the engine compartment since it doesn't distract the viewer from the engine.
Pricing is subject to change based on location and lead prices.

[tommyg29]

cool.
got a picture of one we would use in an ebody ?

[Topcat]

I don't have one in stock. They are special ordered as needed from my corporate wharehouse in the north bay. The logo brand versions are pushed the most since that is what the public identifies with.

Next time I get one, I'll take a pic of it. It's just a big black box basically.

I just sold one to my ex boss on Friday who owns an early Maserati.
Like the one in the early James Bond movie.

He shows his car at the Concours De Elegance car show in Monterey. Entry fee as a viewer is over $200.
"Pardon me can you pass me the Grey Poupon?"That's a high upscale car show near Pebble Beach. I would love to go see it.

[Jamiez]

I wonder if anyone makes period correct decals for one.  So you could get a new battery but the original stock look.

[Topcat]

I wonder if anyone makes period correct decals for one.  So you could get a new battery but the original stock look.

I get that question alot. I wished we made period correct wet cell reproductions.

Interstate works with Johnson Controls who makes the batteries for them.
There's only 3 major wet cell battery manufacturers in N. America.

Interstate/johnson Controls
East Penn Deka
Exide

So far none of them have stepped up to the plate to do this.

From what I have gathered and I'm not a 100% sure on this:
The reproduction red top capped batteries are an Optima within the casing.

Johnson Controls is the mfg'r of the Optima. Optima's don't like heat. They're an AGM. (Aluminum Glass Matt)
Wet cells (SLI as they're called, short for starting, lighting, ignition) transfer heat out to the outer casing better in engine compartments than Optima's. Optimas are great for cooler locations and/or cooler climates IMO. They have a hell'va great A/h to them. When properly maintained, it's [possible to see up to 7-8 yrs. from them.

[Jamiez]

I was thinking another party like the decal sets ECS or Roseville sells, although I suppose if you made them for other automakers it might be a nice niche market.  I can't imagine they'd be that expensive to produce...maybe there would be licensing issues? 

[the_engineers]

I just bought a "Gold" from Advance and peeled the labels off. I've had a lot of people ask about it at shows. 

[tommyg29]

well, like a lot of guys I broke down last year and replaced my interstate battery to get the mopar lookalike red cap glass mat battery. Are you saying that has optima guts in it? Its a heavy battery. I thought optimas were lighter.
Another option Im sure you know about is guys cutting the bottom out of a mopar battery and putting an optima inside of it. Messy job.
I think someone sells those fake "covers" though. Not sure.

[Topcat]

I just bought a "Gold" from Advance and peeled the labels off. I've had a lot of people ask about it at shows.

Exide or Interstate. I guarantee it.

Put it this way...There are only a handful of oil refineries, yet numerous gas station brands. Get it?

[Topcat]

Are you saying that has optima guts in it? Its a heavy battery. I thought optimas were lighter.

It's a gell glass matt battery with a slurry wrapped into the shape of a cinnamon roll stuffed into each cylinder. I haven't compared specs to SLI's, but it should be no coincedence it would or should be heavier.

[brads70]

I'm still looking for just the case of a Mopar reproduction battery. If you happen to see or get a DOA one that I can rip the guts outta.....

[Topcat]

 

It's a gell glass matt battery with a slurry wrapped into the shape of a cinnamon roll stuffed into each cylinder. I haven't compared specs to SLI's, but it should be no coincedence it would or should be heavier.

SC35DA Optima weighs 37 lbs.
Group 24 weighs 41 lbs.