Battery Terminal Question

Parnelli · #1 12-12-2005, 05:31 AM

Is it possible for a 69 Camaro, (March car) to have side terminals from the factory?

**drdave69** · #2 12-12-2005, 07:03 PM

I'm not absolutely sure but I believe the side terminals started in May. I'm sure someone else will chime in with the exact details.

**Rick H** · #3 12-12-2005, 07:12 PM

The side post battery was introduced around March of 1969. Have seen a few original February cars with side post battery's. Your car could be correct.

Rick H.

Mr. T · #4 12-12-2005, 07:25 PM

All three of my 69 Camaro's have the top post batteries, with the latest build date of 02A.

@wot · #5 12-12-2005, 08:35 PM

My 70 Nova, 09A build, uses a side post battery. Being such an early build, several parts on my car are from the 69 production year.

Unreal · #6 12-13-2005, 02:21 PM

Didn't the heavy duty R-89 battery still use the top posts even after the standard battery went to side terminals?

**Mr70** · #7 12-13-2005, 05:17 PM

The Delco R-89 was a Side Terminal battery,while the R-59 used the Top post.
I have three NOS R-79's hot stamp dated March 69,May 69 & July 69 on their cases,so I would imagine your Camaros T-60 option was possible.

Parnelli · #8 12-14-2005, 02:13 AM

Thanks for answering my question. I thought it was original to the car. Can you buy a reproduction Delco R-89 battery?

**Mr70** · #9 12-14-2005, 06:08 PM

You can get a repro Delco R-89 side terminal here.
http://www.antiqueautobattery.com
No one is manufacturing the Delco R-79 side terminal battery,which is what yours originally came with.They will sell you the Delco R-89 Battery,with the "Correct Replacement for R-79" decal.That's as close as they'll get.
The R-89 side terminal was originally used in Vehicles begining in 1971 up.

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.