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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / 39 Battery Case

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Discussion Topic: 39 Battery Case

nelsb01

11-04-2026 @ 11:50 AM

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Using a 6-volt battery from Fleet Farm in my 1949, I have cut down a 2 by 8 board (painted black) and used that as the extra length needed to make the battery hold down work.

So, there are ways around using a modern 6-volt battery. And using a battery tender, I have gotten over 9 years on one of the batterys.

This message was edited by nelsb01 on 11-4-26 @ 11:50 AM

mgford

11-04-2026 @ 7:40 AM

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Thanks for all the replies. Rather than wait four months I bought the NAPA battery. I installed it and had a bit of a surprise. The old NAPA 6 volt was 6 3/4" x 9 1/2" and the new one is 8 3/4" x 6 1/2" . A small difference but enough that the top bracket is larger than the battery top and slips over it. I can make a frame to insert inside the bracket but wondered if anyone else has encountered this and what they have done.
Thanks,
Mark

JayChicago

10-29-2026 @ 9:26 AM

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Mark
I just noticed this is your first post. Welcome to the Forum! Hope you have great fun with your new '39 wagon. Come back here with any questions. We love to show-off how much we know about these old cars.

Another thought about the reproduction battery. According to the club's 1940 Book, the battery in my car would have had the Ford logo lightly painted a gold color. Reproduction case does not come painted, had to do that myself with gold plastic model paint. Don't know if Ford was painting the logo in '39. If you have not already done so, you should get the club's 38-39 Book, available from the Online Store on this page's blue side bar.

JayChicago

10-29-2026 @ 8:57 AM

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Here is where you can get what you are looking for:
https://batterycentralmall.com/product/ford-antique-auto-battery-1939-standard-2lf-fl-or-deluxe-2lf-rr/

Excellent reproduction case. Inside is a modern Optima-type AGM battery that should last 12-15 years.

But...
Is expensive! Although shipping is included, and shipping a heavy battery can't be cheap.
They don't maintain a stock, make them to orders received. When I ordered several years ago, waited about four months to receive it.
They don't say this is an Optima battery, so may be a different manufacturer. (Or it could be an Optima, but they don't have the rights to use the brand name which would be competing against Optima's own marketing)

carcrazy

10-28-2026 @ 9:29 PM

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While this NAPA Commercial 6V battery, Part Number BAT 7244 is not an exact fit for your 1939 Ford Standard car, it will fit in the battery tray and function correctly.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/search?text=6V%20automotive%20battery&referer=v2

carcrazy

10-28-2026 @ 8:32 PM

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You can buy a new 6V battery from your local NAPA Store. If they don't have it in stock, they can order it for you and have it within a day or so.

mgford

10-28-2026 @ 3:14 PM

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Hi all,
I am new to the club and Flathead Ford ownership with a '39 Standard Wagon. I need a new battery and my research suggests that a 6 volt Optima is the way to go and a "faux" case to place it in. I have seen many suggestions that the Kirk White case is the best and it certainly looks the part but I can not find any available. I have seen the "Tar Topper" which is an option. I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestion on batteries and, if necessary, cases to place them in.
Thanks,
Mark

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