Side post Batteries - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bestray · 07-21-2010, 03:56 PM

I was just wondering how many other people out there hate sidepost batteries. I've had nothing but trouble with them. I guess my hatred stems from the first car I had with them a 92 lumina Z34, that thing was a pile of junk. But anyway I wanted to rant about this because when I brought my '79 GMC home the other day it was sidepost so my first mod was to make her top post and get a new battery.

RandyP · 07-21-2010, 04:14 PM

I've never had an issue with side posts on my GM vehicles. Ever. Top posts though, they seem to corrode a lot faster/easier and I absolutely hate undoing top post batteries due to this.
I've seen a lot of people over tighten their side posts and strip it out or ruin the battery, but that's their own fault.

Basically, no I don't see any issue with side posts. Cleaner, easier and they look better.

**old Rusty C10** · 07-21-2010, 04:25 PM

six in one half dozen the other... and this is being moved to general discussion because it doesnt deal specifically with our genre trucks

TennesseeZ · 07-21-2010, 04:32 PM

I like them, neater, cleaner, less corrosion, the only problem I had was once I overtightened one because the PO had almost stripped it out.

fastwillie 696969 · 07-21-2010, 04:35 PM

there ok i just dont like the small bolt head they use to secure the battery post

Low87 · 07-21-2010, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastwillie 696969

there ok i just dont like the small bolt head they use to secure the battery post

What he said.

cdowns · 07-21-2010, 05:27 PM

i prefer top post, if at all possible i use toppost over the sidemounts

Longhorn Man · 07-21-2010, 05:36 PM

If you use the correct tool (not a 12 inch crecent) then you should never round the head. 5/16th inch wrench, or racheting wrench is the correct tool. I'll even go as far as to say not to use your 1/4 inch rachet and socket. Wrenches only.
There is no reason in the world to tighten them up enough to cause damage to the threads.
GM went to this style battery in 71 to prevent the green crap from growing on your cables and connections. It works by not venting the hydrogen fumes on the cables, since the cables are now on the side with the gasses on the top.
The only real short comings that come with this design;
PITA to jump start. (there's ways around this)
Most people can't figure out how to add a wire to the system when adding a boomin stereo, or a plow, or any other high amp piece that needs wired directly to the battery.
All in all, the side post battery is a much better design, and one of the few things that originated in the 70's and is still used today in automotive circles. Anything that lasts 40 years in automotive design should be considered a win.

**Ironhorse** · 07-21-2010, 06:22 PM

I've learned to live with the side post but when I do need a new battery I always opt for the dual post- - side and top post both. Makes it SOOO much easier to jump a vehicle if needed. Just be sure to buy a 5/16" battery wrench and keep it with the vehicle. A 12 point socket will ruin the bolt rather quickly as pointed out.

Chionos GMs · 07-21-2010, 07:15 PM

We pulled the OEM bolts that were rounded and replaced em with a 9/16 bolt and nut.

they are long enough for a good connection for the jumper cables Name: Battery.jpg
Views: 2458
Size: 93.3 KB

powerdriver 1958 · 07-21-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chionos GMs

We pulled the OEM bolts that were rounded and replaced em with a 9/16 bolt and nut.

they are long enough for a good connection for the jumper cables Attachment 613091

LOL Glad to see I'm not the only one that did that,I'm using the dual post batteries now, Truck runs off the side terminals and the snow plow runs off the top post.

protrash64 · 07-21-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

I've learned to live with the side post but when I do need a new battery I always opt for the dual post- - side and top post both. Makes it SOOO much easier to jump a vehicle if needed. Just be sure to buy a 5/16" battery wrench and keep it with the vehicle. A 12 point socket will ruin the bolt rather quickly as pointed out.

I'm with Ironhorse.....I use Optimas because they last in the heat and I've gotten to like having places to hook up accessories. Use the tops for the engine and add leads to the side post for stereo, compressors, etc.

**N2TRUX** · 07-21-2010, 08:36 PM

I like the side post because it looks cleaner under the hood, and like Andy pointed it they have less corrosion concerns. I recently found out it is almost impossible to buy batteries that are NOT dual post. The battery in my 77 died a slow death, so I "thought" a quick trip to the auto parts would solve that. It took several stops to finally find one that did not have dual posts.

**Stocker** · 07-21-2010, 10:13 PM

Mine still has side posts, no complaints from me....

cableguy0 · 07-22-2010, 12:00 AM

Side post batteries definately corrode a lot less. Adding stuff isnt an issue. You can just get a cable with an extra lead built into it and use a junction block on the fender for multiple hookups if needed.Most auto parts store have the property ratcheting battery wrench for a couple dollars.

Sillyoldman · 07-22-2010, 12:37 AM

I prefer side posts. A 5/16" ratcheting wrench is a good thing to have.

fastwillie 696969 · 07-22-2010, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

If you use the correct tool (not a 12 inch crecent) then you should never round the head. 5/16th inch wrench, or racheting wrench is the correct tool. I'll even go as far as to say not to use your 1/4 inch rachet and socket. Wrenches only.
There is no reason in the world to tighten them up enough to cause damage to the threads.
GM went to this style battery in 71 to prevent the green crap from growing on your cables and connections. It works by not venting the hydrogen fumes on the cables, since the cables are now on the side with the gasses on the top.
The only real short comings that come with this design;
PITA to jump start. (there's ways around this)
Most people can't figure out how to add a wire to the system when adding a boomin stereo, or a plow, or any other high amp piece that needs wired directly to the battery.
All in all, the side post battery is a much better design, and one of the few things that originated in the 70's and is still used today in automotive circles. Anything that lasts 40 years in automotive design should be considered a win.

yes i do have the right tool snap on 35 dollar wrench LOL if you glue a copper penny to the top of the battery the corrision will go to the penny and not the cables
old trick

ERASER5 · 07-22-2010, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastwillie 696969

yes i do have the right tool snap on 35 dollar wrench LOL if you glue a copper penny to the top of the battery the corrision will go to the penny and not the cables
old trick

Penny for your thoughts... Oh wait...

*jake wells* · 07-22-2010, 03:45 AM

pitch em, throw em, and whack your old lady with it. throw it in the can

i don't dislike them i hate them im glad i converted mine to top post

.

68C15 · 07-22-2010, 06:43 AM

now that they have figured out the out-gassing of batteries GM has switched back to top post as of 2007ish. that and the fact they are packing them into tighter spots where you simply can't get at the side posts.
correct side post batteries are easy to find. either BCI group # 75 or 78

**N2TRUX** · 07-22-2010, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68C15

...correct side post batteries are easy to find. either BCI group # 75 or 78

I have to disagree with that. At least not in my area. I went to Auto Zone, Wal-Mart, CarQuest, NTB, and finally ended up at Sams. If the logic of those stops escapes you, it's the order I came across them in my search route.

Longhorn Man · 07-22-2010, 04:40 PM

interstate batterys still have dedicated side post only units.
However, there quality is only slightly better than wal mart or auto zone batterys... and at twice the price.

Chionos GMs · 07-22-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

interstate batterys still have dedicated side post only units.
However, there quality is only slightly better than wal mart or auto zone batterys... and at twice the price.

The interstate dealer that did business with the company my father works for decided to sue the company for $200 because the check they recieved was short. They refused to to settle outside of court so they lost a account and my father found a dealership that had the same quality batterys for much less than interstate. IMO Interstate is a rip off

screwballl · 07-22-2010, 09:23 PM

The older side posts from the 90s gave me nothing but problems but newer vehicles I have had, has not had any problems. For older vehicles (around 1990-older) I stick with top post.

prairewolf · 07-23-2010, 12:32 AM

I like the ones with both side and top posts.... if/when I need to give or get a jump the top posts work good. ... or if I take it out to put temporarily in a nother veh. I am probably covered on that end too connection wise.

07-21-2010, 03:56 PM	#1
bestray Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cedar Falls, IA Posts: 17	Side post Batteries I was just wondering how many other people out there hate sidepost batteries. I've had nothing but trouble with them. I guess my hatred stems from the first car I had with them a 92 lumina Z34, that thing was a pile of junk. But anyway I wanted to rant about this because when I brought my '79 GMC home the other day it was sidepost so my first mod was to make her top post and get a new battery. __________________ 1999 S10 blazer 4WD 1979 GMC 2WD 1/2 Ton

07-21-2010, 04:14 PM	#2
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: Side post Batteries I've never had an issue with side posts on my GM vehicles. Ever. Top posts though, they seem to corrode a lot faster/easier and I absolutely hate undoing top post batteries due to this. I've seen a lot of people over tighten their side posts and strip it out or ruin the battery, but that's their own fault. Basically, no I don't see any issue with side posts. Cleaner, easier and they look better. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

07-21-2010, 04:25 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,345	Re: Side post Batteries six in one half dozen the other... and this is being moved to general discussion because it doesnt deal specifically with our genre trucks __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

07-21-2010, 04:32 PM	#4
TennesseeZ Countdown Survivor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bean Station, East Tennessee Posts: 9,676	Re: Side post Batteries I like them, neater, cleaner, less corrosion, the only problem I had was once I overtightened one because the PO had almost stripped it out. __________________ 93 Yukon 89 Silverado Z71 SWB Sport 91 K 2500 Silverado "Lobuk-Worktruk" A MAN OF HONOR DOES NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO. Gettin' old ain't for sissies.

07-21-2010, 04:35 PM	#5
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Side post Batteries there ok i just dont like the small bolt head they use to secure the battery post __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

07-21-2010, 05:27 PM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Side post Batteries i prefer top post, if at all possible i use toppost over the sidemounts __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-21-2010, 05:36 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Side post Batteries If you use the correct tool (not a 12 inch crecent) then you should never round the head. 5/16th inch wrench, or racheting wrench is the correct tool. I'll even go as far as to say not to use your 1/4 inch rachet and socket. Wrenches only. There is no reason in the world to tighten them up enough to cause damage to the threads. GM went to this style battery in 71 to prevent the green crap from growing on your cables and connections. It works by not venting the hydrogen fumes on the cables, since the cables are now on the side with the gasses on the top. The only real short comings that come with this design; PITA to jump start. (there's ways around this) Most people can't figure out how to add a wire to the system when adding a boomin stereo, or a plow, or any other high amp piece that needs wired directly to the battery. All in all, the side post battery is a much better design, and one of the few things that originated in the 70's and is still used today in automotive circles. Anything that lasts 40 years in automotive design should be considered a win. Last edited by Longhorn Man; 07-21-2010 at 05:37 PM.

07-21-2010, 06:22 PM	#9
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,338	Re: Side post Batteries I've learned to live with the side post but when I do need a new battery I always opt for the dual post- - side and top post both. Makes it SOOO much easier to jump a vehicle if needed. Just be sure to buy a 5/16" battery wrench and keep it with the vehicle. A 12 point socket will ruin the bolt rather quickly as pointed out. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

07-21-2010, 07:15 PM	#10
Chionos GMs Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Farmington,CA Posts: 345	Re: Side post Batteries We pulled the OEM bolts that were rounded and replaced em with a 9/16 bolt and nut. they are long enough for a good connection for the jumper cables __________________ My last name is Chiono pronounced key-ono even if my grammar teacher told me Ch dont make a K sound 1995 Ext. cab 350 4wd dd 260,*** miles 1986 1/2 ton swb 305 2wd (melted bearings) SOLD!! 1982 3/4 lwb 6.2 diesel 2wd 1962 Chevy 283 4 speed long step 2wd 2 OWNER GONE!! Last edited by Chionos GMs; 07-21-2010 at 07:33 PM. Reason: photo

07-21-2010, 08:36 PM	#13
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Side post Batteries I like the side post because it looks cleaner under the hood, and like Andy pointed it they have less corrosion concerns. I recently found out it is almost impossible to buy batteries that are NOT dual post. The battery in my 77 died a slow death, so I "thought" a quick trip to the auto parts would solve that. It took several stops to finally find one that did not have dual posts. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

07-21-2010, 10:13 PM	#14
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,806	Re: Side post Batteries Mine still has side posts, no complaints from me.... __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

07-22-2010, 12:00 AM	#15
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: Side post Batteries Side post batteries definately corrode a lot less. Adding stuff isnt an issue. You can just get a cable with an extra lead built into it and use a junction block on the fender for multiple hookups if needed.Most auto parts store have the property ratcheting battery wrench for a couple dollars. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

07-22-2010, 12:37 AM	#16
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	Re: Side post Batteries I prefer side posts. A 5/16" ratcheting wrench is a good thing to have. Attached Images __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.*

07-22-2010, 03:45 AM	#19
jake wells Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: No Longer Here Posts: 352	Re: Side post Batteries pitch em, throw em, and whack your old lady with it. throw it in the can i don't dislike them i hate them im glad i converted mine to top post .

07-22-2010, 06:43 AM	#20
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: Side post Batteries now that they have figured out the out-gassing of batteries GM has switched back to top post as of 2007ish. that and the fact they are packing them into tighter spots where you simply can't get at the side posts. correct side post batteries are easy to find. either BCI group # 75 or 78



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07-22-2010, 04:40 PM	#22
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Side post Batteries interstate batterys still have dedicated side post only units. However, there quality is only slightly better than wal mart or auto zone batterys... and at twice the price.

07-22-2010, 09:23 PM	#24
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,754	Re: Side post Batteries The older side posts from the 90s gave me nothing but problems but newer vehicles I have had, has not had any problems. For older vehicles (around 1990-older) I stick with top post. __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

07-23-2010, 12:32 AM	#25
prairewolf Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: south dakota Posts: 1,897	Re: Side post Batteries I like the ones with both side and top posts.... if/when I need to give or get a jump the top posts work good. ... or if I take it out to put temporarily in a nother veh. I am probably covered on that end too connection wise. Attached Images __________________ eat,work,spend,sleep,repeat. Last edited by prairewolf; 07-23-2010 at 12:35 AM.

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