Seeking suggestions for quality batteries that fit the R-59 Battery topper.
The topper is listed as 6-7/8" x 10-3/8".

 

Just go down to Walmart and match one of their Everstart batteries up.

 

The place in Florida I bought my '68 from put in a brand new Interstate battery before shipping the car up to me. Lucky for me at had a flat top so I could use the topper, I just painted the white case black. I bought the car in 2012 & it's still in there!! I do keep a tender on it. I'd never used Interstate batteries before but I'd definitely buy another!

 

Thanks for the replies. I figured one way would be to test fit the topper on batteries at various stores. Was hoping to shorten the list of stores or identify batteries that have been known to work. Don't need the best cold-cranking battery since I don't drive it in January in northern Illinois!

 

The R59 battery was a Group 24 BCI size.

I'd expect any Group 24 battery to fit, assuming it doesn't have fill caps so tall as to interfere.

 

I still have an original R-59 battery that I bought for my Olds back in the 70’s, obviously it’s no good anymore but I have kept it just for the sake of it’s looks. I always wondered if I could make my own topper with it by cutting off the top. Does this sound like it is possible?

 

No, it likely won't fit over the top of a new battery. The old R-59 would be the same outside dimensions as a new battery, so it wouldn't fit over and around the perimeter of the new battery. You need inside dimensions of a topper that fit the outer dimensions of a new battery.

 

Yes, that makes sense

 

After researching several batteries, I bought a Walmart EverStart Maxx 24 3-year replacement battery (700 cca). (Thanks Eric.) The topper fit perfectly. The battery is black so it looks fairly original at a glance. I've never bought a Walmart battery, so it'll be a test.

The other choices included DieHard Gold (700 cca, 3-year) and Napa Legend Premium (725 cca, 3-year) - both of which were more expensive. (I didn't test fit these.) The AC Delco battery (@ AutoZone) was only 600 cca so I passed on it. The Interstate group 24 battery had fill caps so it wouldn't work with the topper.

 

I and many others have gotten excellent serviceability from Walmart Batteries. The one in my car now is I think going on 4 years and the previous one was 9.

 

That's good to know Eric ... you may have converted me to Walmart batteries for the remainder of my fleet!