Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Tech Tip- Battery Replacement


1956-57 Thunderbird Battery Replacement

For those of you out there who drive your Thunderbirds regularly this tip from Ken Smizinski may be for you. There still is a battery made by Interstate Battery that fits into the original battery tray of the 1956 and 1957 Thunderbirds with no modifications necessary. The battery part number is 29NFVHD. It is not "original" like the batteries available from the various Thunderbird parts suppliers, but the battery is current in its technology and the casing resists cracking.

As of September of 1994, I was able to purchase this battery for less than $90.00 from one of the local auto parts houses. I bought my battery from Forest City Auto Parts located in Arlington Heights, II. You will most likely have to order the battery. It is not a popular size with today's cars. When you hook up your battery, it helps to apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the terminals. This will help inhibit corrosion.

As an add-on to the above article, I wish to pass on a few simple "handy" tips that I have been accumulating from various club members but haven't figured out how to incorporate them into an article. The first tip also involves petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly can also be applied to the headlight terminals which are also prone to corrosion. Secondly, when changing your oil, it helps to rub a little oil on the gasket of the new oil filter. This helps create a better seal and also makes it easier to remove the oil filter in the future. Lastly, when changing the various turn signal or back up light bulbs, a piece of 5/8" heater hose cut to about three inches in length makes a great light bulb changer. Using the hose is much safer than using your fingers. Hope these tips were of some use.

source: CTCC Tech-Tip Manual 1993-1997

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I know your post is old and may be out of date. Thanks, I going to try the interstate.