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MG MGA - MGA batteries

Hi all;
I've a '60 MGA in need of a couple original-type 6V batteries. When I installed the old pair over 12 years ago, they were easily sourced here (San Francisco Bay area). Now they seem near impossible to locate locally; every 6 volt that's available is too large to fit. Moss doesn't supply them & the source they suggested doesn't either.
Does anyone know of a source for these? They're easily accessible in the UK according to the web, but the shipping on such heavy items would be a killer.
Thanks..
Rick deOlazarra

Try Interstate, or shift to a single 12 volt, size 26
Ted Persons

Interstate's a no-go and I'm pretty much settled on the two 6 volts over the single 12. Appreciate the input..
Rick deOlazarra

They are certainly still made as the MG Owners Club in the UK stock them at £79.95 each and say they have good stock but a long way from Bay Area!
Paul Dean

Thanks Paul.. I contacted MGOC & am waiting for their reply. I'm really baffled that they don't appear to be available in the U.S.
Rick deOlazarra

Rick. The reason that they are not available in the US is because, for most people, they are a waste of money. Except for the people who compete in show car competitions, where originality counts highly and the people have sufficient dedication to pay high prices for anything that may give them an extra "point" in the competition, no one wants the 6 volt batteries with their antiquated technology. (Design of the modern 12V batteries has improved quite significantly over the last 70 years. Due to very limited use, the design of the 6 volt batteries have remained very static--basically 1950s technology.) If you are planning to show your car at Pebble Beach, spend the money and get the batteries from the UK. Cost is not, in such cases, a major factor. If, however, a better designed battery with a longer life span is what you need for your car, the single, modern 12 volt battery is what would best suit your needs.

Les
Les Bengtson

I suppose, if you were showing the car, you could install the tired 6v batteries for show purposes and use a single 12v for driving.

I got tired of constantly replacing the 6v batteries in my MGB and opted for a single 12v.

I fitted a Varta B36, which has the same footprint as a 6v, but is slightly shorter. I think that the Bosch equivalent is a 202.

Dave O'Neill 2

I bought my last 6V battery for a tractor I was restoring at Napa Auto Parts. I have no idea if it would fit the MGA battery tray but it wasn't a large battery. I think I also bought my Model T batteries there.

That said, I agree that a single 12V is a fraction the price and half the weight with much better performance and longevity. I use AGM batteries as found in early Miatas in most of me cars.
Steve Simmons

Rimmer Bros. in the UK still carries 6 v batteries for cars. They are dry, so you will need to add your own sulfuric acid. Batteries are not cheap and I'd expect shipping them to the U.S. will be quite pricey as well.

Nick Kopernik

This thread was discussed between 28/12/2024 and 01/01/2025

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