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I contacted Turbostart another potential candidate for making the Oldsmobile R71S Delco battery. They didn't say no, but they weren't promising either. In my opinion, Battery Central Mall and Jim's Battery are complete failures when it comes to a source for a reproduction battery.
They're missing an opportunity. Big block Oldsmobile, Buick, Pontiac, 70-72 Chevy pickups and Cadillac all use that battery.
To me, it's puzzling they went to the trouble to market the R59, but stopped short putting out the R71. Like you say, I would think there would be plenty opportunity for demand.
Funny, I called JEGS, where I first saw the R59 by this particular producer. The tech guy at JEGS told me there had to be demand for the R71S battery. I said to him that's why I'm on the phone; I want to purchase one. I think my response went over his head.
I have a R71S that came with the purchase of my '69. What are the tell-tale signs to distinguish a reproduction from a Delco original or service replacement?
I have a R71S that came with the purchase of my '69. What are the tell-tale signs to distinguish a reproduction from a Delco original or service replacement?
I imagine if you have to give your battery water it is not of the AGM type.
They're missing an opportunity. Big block Oldsmobile, Buick, Pontiac, 70-72 Chevy pickups and Cadillac all use that battery.
rocketraider I sent your post to Turbostart and the following is the reply. In all fainess though I suspect his data is skewed because I'm willing to bet people are buying the R59 because it is so much easier to obtain than the R71S. It would be better for the community if there was an alternate source for the R71 rather than having to deal with Jim's Battery Manufacturing.
Regarding the reproduction R71S, were they all AGMs? Were there ever any made in traditional lead plate?
I believe the R59 reproduction is more popular than the R71S as there were many more applications. The Chevelle SS with the standard top post battery for example. These must be small manufacturing operations as their product lines are so narrow.
$355.00--All are made to order. My last battery took about 4 months.
I'm aware of BCM. I've been dealing wtih them since Nov 21, 2021; that's when I ordered a R71S battery. And I still don't have it. The whole purpose of soliciting Turbostart is that an additional supplier could possibly create a bit more stability in the marketplace.
That was always the Antique Auto Battery web address; however, I understood Antique Auto Battery quit the business.
By the writing style and word choice in the articles, apparently non-native speakers of English purchased the web address.
I read one of the articles (H7 vs 94R) and the number of errors and the extent of misinformation was laughable. There was apparently zero research done, because H7 and 94R are the identical battery size--H7 being the European designation and 94R the BCI designation.
The company that builds and sells for Battery Central acquired the assets of Antique Auto Battery. Based on my own personal experience if you can find a topper that works on a modern AGM you are better off. You may need to rough up the AGM case and paint it black. Use lacquer or an adhesion promoter.
The R69 is actually the correct battery for the 66/67 442's. The tar top was used in early 66 and that was the change over year to the R69. The difference between the R59 & the R69 is the R69 is one inch taller,otherwise the same size. As far as the repo AGM's go, it was hit or miss for me. I got tired of trying to keep it maintained so I bought a black case DEKA and put a topper on it.
the repro R71S batteries were not that great they just made a case and then put a smaller battery inside. For reference look at the pics here. doesn't last long term..
To their credit they no longer pretend this is a full power battery. Their published battery specs show low weight (39 lb) and low Cold Cranking Amps (530). Those are the specs of a small battery.
