Topic: GT 390 batteries

[pagoda69]

Battery questions: I have a 67 GTA (San Jose, Oct 66 build) S-code convertible and a 68 GT (San Jose, April 68 build) S-code convertible. My 1968 window sticker indicates HD battery ($7.44!). It's a factory 4-speed with factory A/C. From reading previous posts I confirmed that the correct Autolite battery for 1967 390's is a 24F, black with yellow caps. For my 1968 HD battery, is it a 24F or a 27F? The battery tray appears to be the same size as my 67 GTA. A previous post states that the 27F did not appear until 1969. What repro HD battery should I order for my 68? I want an original looking battery for shows and I like the fact that they are now maintenance free.
Many thanks,
John

[70cj428]

Hi Pagoda69, I also have a  68 390GT fastback, 4 speed AC car ( Late car, built July 18, 1968) That also has the heavy duty battery option. Do you have a build sheet for your car ?    If so, what does it have under alternator in the upper right corner.  Curious on what ampere alternator your car was built with.

BTW, Not 100% sure, but I was told by multiple "in the know" people, that the group 27 battery wasn't available till 69, and that my car took a HD version of the 24F battery. Makes sense as my car has a 24F size tray also.

Thank's John

[J_Speegle]

.......................68 GT (San Jose, April 68 build) S-code convertible. My 1968 window sticker indicates HD battery ($7.44!). It's a factory 4-speed with factory A/C............................... For my 1968 HD battery, is it a 24F or a 27F? .....................

+1  24F for that application given the information you provided.

Thanks for providing us with the info. Makes figuring out the response allto easier

[pagoda69]

John,
I do not have a build sheet, just the Marti report and Marti's generated window sticker. I'll let you know about the alternator. Jeff, thanks for confirming what I thought, (but was not sure), was correct…..that the HD battery for the 68 is the same size as the 24F. It should be black with red caps???
John

[ruppstang]

John,
I do not have a build sheet, just the Marti report and Marti's generated window sticker. I'll let you know about the alternator. Jeff, thanks for confirming what I thought, (but was not sure), was correct…..that the HD battery for the 68 is the same size as the 24F. It should be black with red caps???
John

Yes IMHO it should be black with red cap. Although I am not sure when the change over happened.
Marty

[J_Speegle]

Most judges will be looking for the one with the red caps - most comfortable with it. Though it is interesting that the KR used in the motor trend article has yellow caps on the larger battery. Even have examples of yellow and red caps on non- Mustang 67 applications (non- prototype cars) but IMHO its best to stay within the lines currently


What I found in old magazine articles was a mix of yellow and red used - so it can be confusing. Currently only the  red caps I believe are readily available. Small runs of the yellow caps have been seen at times

Just for the heck of it

[ruppstang]

I have seen a black with green caps on the show field but believe that it was a service replacement. At one time I thought the cap color indicated the quality level of the battery but now I am not so sure. I wish some one would come up with some Ford documentation and settle this one and for all.

[pagoda69]

So, there is not a reproduction Autolite 27F battery for 67 - 68 GT 390's. Just the 24F. The only 27F Autolite battery out there is the larger battery for 1969 cars and up. Is that correct? Does anyone have a recommendation regarding who's the best source for purchasing these repro batteries?
Back in the late 80's I had a bag full of yellow caps. They were originals and AMK was offering them for sale.

[J_Speegle]

So, there is not a reproduction Autolite 27F battery for 67 - 68 GT 390's. Just the 24F.

Humm yes there is no reproduction Autolite 27F battery for 67 or 69 - likely because the 67-68 Mustang 390's didn't use them




 

The only 27F Autolite battery out there is the larger battery for 1969 cars and up. Is that correct?

The "larger" battery is what makes it the Group 27  and since they started installing them in 69 that would be a true statement from what we understand at this time

Does anyone have a recommendation regarding who's the best source for purchasing these repro batteries?

Only  one company that is making the reproduction (68-up style) that I'm aware of so the only choice is where you buy it from

[Bob Gaines]

So, there is not a reproduction Autolite 27F battery for 67 - 68 GT 390's. Just the 24F. The only 27F Autolite battery out there is the larger battery for 1969 cars and up. Is that correct? Does anyone have a recommendation regarding who's the best source for purchasing these repro batteries?
Back in the late 80's I had a bag full of yellow caps. They were originals and AMK was offering them for sale.

No reproduction 27F for a 67 or 68 because they never came with them. They are too long and will not fit. FYI the only repro battery available is the style that came in 68 and later Mustangs. You can do a search for info on 65-67 style batteries compared to the modern repro offerings.The yellow caps that AMK used to offer were some a friend had made up by New Castle Battery years ago. They were not OEM but did look the part.

[BKnapp]

I Know....old thread, but this seems to have the most appropriate title. I have ready several more recent threads, but each of the threads seemed to vary slightly (either by application or year) from my specific inquiry.

I am wondering what the correct assembly line batter would look like for my application...1967 390 with AC and other options, but no indication of HD Battery. I was thinking 24F with yellow top and raised yellow verbiage (not the sticker), but am not so sure after all of my reading. Unfortunately the article in the Mustang Monthly (April 1988) was not done in color.

Thanks

[Bob Gaines]

I Know....old thread, but this seems to have the most appropriate title. I have ready several more recent threads, but each of the threads seemed to vary slightly (either by application or year) from my specific inquiry.

I am wondering what the correct assembly line batter would look like for my application...1967 390 with AC and other options, but no indication of HD Battery. I was thinking 24F with yellow top and raised yellow verbiage (not the sticker), but am not so sure after all of my reading. Unfortunately the article in the Mustang Monthly (April 1988) was not done in color.

Thanks

I believe your AC car would automatically get the higher capacity battery which is identified with red caps . The yellow cap battery would typically be  for a base no option car. Of course it would be the assemblyline 67 group 24 style with the molded in yellow painted warning lettering. The service battery would have a sticker.

[preaction]

Bill, 390 with A/C would get HD battery and a 55amp alternator  A/C car  would also have had the battery heat shield installed.

[BKnapp]

Thanks guys. I have continued to read the threads and it becomes easier and easier to see how incorrect parts gain acceptance and then roots into the hobby. So if I understand correctly, for a 1967 390 with AC:
24F
Red caps
Raised yellow warning letters
Autolite stamping- not painted red?
Heat shield

Thanks for clarifying!

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks guys. I have continued to read the threads and it becomes easier and easier to see how incorrect parts gain acceptance and then roots into the hobby. So if I understand correctly, for a 1967 390 with AC:
24F
Red caps
Raised yellow warning letters
Autolite stamping- not painted red?
Heat shield

Thanks for clarifying!

Yes, you understand correctly on all items you mention.