Rebat Batteries?

LMH · #1 (**permalink**) 04-29-2006, 10:00 AM

Hey all,
I remember seeing a show on Speed Channel a while ago about restoring an old muscle car and they used a reproduction battery that looked like the original but had modern guts inside. Does anybody know a company that does that? Is the old Rebat battery or a copy made? Maybe even just the case?
I'd like to duplicate the original two behind the seat from the S/C. They could be fake (just the case) and I'll use a regular battery in the trunk.
Has anybody looked into this?
Thanks!
Larry

Jack Launtz · #2 (**permalink**) 04-29-2006, 11:21 AM

Rebat is out of business, but several companies make similar batteries. These are batteries for small aircraft, are are identified by a type # which is R35. At least two companies still make similar batteries for the replacement market. I just replaced them in CSX3020, but I don't recall the brand at the moment. There are several variations available: A style very similar with removable high caps which incorporate a ball inside which seals off the cap vent if the battery becomes inverted (God forbid). The second style is a sealed battery which has non-removable low vent caps, and a third style is a sealed battery with no apparent cap. Although the first type looks most authentic, I choose the second type because of the benefits of it being sealed. I have an old set of Rebats, and will probably pull the caps from them and glue them to the tops of the new caps. All the new batteries have colored cases--usually red or pink, and need to be painted black, but they have the correct style cases, terminals (with wing nuts), and handles. Be sure to wire the terminals in parallel (+ to +), and not in series (+ to -)--you don't want to be feeding 24V into your electrical system.
If you can't find them (do a search for R35 batteries), let me know, and I'll check the brands and let you know.

LMH · #3 (**permalink**) 04-29-2006, 06:07 PM

Thanks Jack!
That's just the info I was looking for. I'll do some searching and let you know if I have questions.
By the way, CSX3020 is an outstanding car!
Larry

Bud Man · #4 (**permalink**) 05-20-2006, 02:52 PM

Larry:

Try Motorsports International at 619.390.9080 for some leads on original Rebats or nice copies. I have two originals that I installed in '02 and they are great.

Bud