Rebat battery caps

[ACademic]

I have researched some excellent historical threads within CC regarding the Rebat batteries. And many have performed admirable recreations of the original Rebat look (thanks to people like Sal that reproduce the original labels, etc.).

What I'd like to gain more knowledge on pertains to the battery caps themselves, and particularly the color of them. The Autolite "TilTite" was often used during this era due to their leak-proof design.



These are only available in black with a white face. I have seen old photos of Rebats posted here in various forms (white case with black top and solid black caps, as well as black case with black top and solid orange caps). The orange caps reference seems to come from one photo showing this in a Daytona Coupe. Yet most of the other references (let's agree that original photos with batteries in them are rare) show white cases with black tops and black caps.

Before I take spray paint to some stock TilTites as indicated above, is it more a personal preference which way to go or is there a true correct way with regard to a 427 S/C configuration? I appreciate the advice of those that have this knowledge.

-Steve

[ACademic]

Either know one really knows, or no one really cares. Or ERAChas, Sal, Computerworks and the rest of the resident experts are enjoying their weekend.

[picah]

I have similar questions
please let me know what you find out on this
regards
Ron

[computerworks]

White cases in early Comps...1965

Hemi orange caps on black case for the rest

[ACademic]

Originally Posted by computerworks

White cases in early Comps...1965

Hemi orange caps on black case for the rest

Thank you.

Just to clarify, when you state "early Comps...1965" does that also include the 30 or so 427 S/C cars? Or are you strictly referring to the SB cars?

[computerworks]

No, early 427 Comps, CSX30xx.

Not the S/C

[ACademic]

Great, thank you for clarifying.

[ACademic]

An interesting find. I located a lot of photos of CSX-3021, the first semi-competition (S/C) Cobra built. It is one of 2 painted in the Hertz gold color. Bought by Bill Turner new and then put into storage in 1969 with 3,000 miles, it eventually sat a very long time and saw just one repaint before being auctioned in 2010 (with 3,900 miles) and sold for a little over $1,000,000.

Looking at the photograph below, you can see the white Rebat batteries with what appear to be very original black battery caps and all the factory wiring to go with it. What I doubt is if any battery could last that long.



There are so many variations on many Cobras, and most people didn't take pictures of batteries back then (and still don't). But given this particular S/C's history and the fact that it was never really restored, it's possible that those white Rebats were original to this particular car?

Limited evidence, but is it remotely possible that S/Cs came with either configuration of battery/caps color (depending on the selling dealer and many other factors that may have been never fully documented)? OR...these are reproduction batteries and someone did an awesome job? I'm seeing plastic carry straps and not a rope.

[mickmate]

I think you'll find they are modern Japanese batteries dressed out with caps.