Battery group number for M38

jmac851 · Post by **jmac851** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:58 am

I just bought a 1952 M38 with a M38A1 engine installed. The unit had been sitting for about 8 years in a garage. The batteries that are installed are group 56S. I can not find this group of batteries at any of the auto parts stores here in Phoenix. What group number batteries are being used to replace these? Thanks

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:08 am

I used a pair of 51 R-4 off the shelf @ wally world for about 75 bucks a copy and they perform well..

chuck · Post by **chuck** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 4:15 pm

I have Exide groupe56's in my M38 ,but my battery guy said that # is being phased out. Too bad, because they have a lot of cold cranking amps. #51r's will work but short and a little narrow.You can make them work with a wood filler. The concern is the battery shifting and shorting to the hold down. I expanded the width of my hold downs 1/4 in. for the #56 and they fit perfect.
Chuck

jmac851 · Post by **jmac851** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 5:47 pm

I bought a couple of 51s' at Walmart. I have to use a cable strecher to make the connections but that wont be much of a problem. I measured the 56s' and thought they would rub on the bolts that hold the tray in the cowl box.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 9:30 am

Due to the size difference between the group 22 and 51 batts
i'll make custom holddowns, just havent got it done yet.