Gil’s Garage
Gil Baumgartner
CTCI Authenticity Chairman
Authentic Power Punch batteries that were installed in 1955/56/57 Thunderbirds at FoMoCo when our cars were new are being reproduced by Antique Auto Battery Co in Youngstown Ohio. The 1955 6V battery is a group 2 N. The 1956 and 1957 is a group 29 NF. The optional heavy duty 12V is a group 32, also available from Antique Auto Battery. Due to potential delays in orders from Antique Auto Battery Co, any black, correctly configured and sized battery will be acceptable for CTCI judging.
Up until recently a group 29 NF Motorcraft battery could be purchased from any Ford or Motorcraft dealer and was acceptable as an Authentic replacement in the original division for CTCI judging. This Motorcraft battery has been discontinued, however there are plenty of group 29 NF batteries available
Modern day companies that make correct size batteries for early Thunderbirds are listed below..
The group 2N, 6V battery for 1955 models is available from the following sources:
1 – Batteries+Bulbs. www.batteriesplus.com/battery/car-and-truck/ford/thunderbird or call 800-677-8278. Duracell Ultra Starting Battery for 1955 Ford Thunderbird 475CCA Car and Truck. See photo 3.
Further investigation reveals the 1955 6 volt battery sold by Batteries + Bulbs is larger than the original group 2N battery and the original hold down bracket cannot be used.
2 – Antique Battery, Youngstown Ohio, 800-426-7580. See photo 1. This is the company that supplies authentic reproductions.
The group 29 NF battery for 1956/57 models is available from the following sources:
1 – Batteries+Bulbs. www.batteriesplus.com/battery/car-and-truck/ford/thunderbird or call (800) 677-8278. Duracell Ultra Starting Battery for 1957 Ford Thunderbird V8 5.1L 425CCA Car and Truck. See photo 4.
I have not ordered a group 29NF for a 1956/57 model Thunderbird from Batteries + Bulbs, however they indicate that is the correct size. If you order the group 29NF from Batteries + Bulbs have them verify correct dimensions before placing the order.
2 – NAPA, OE Exact Replacement. 390CCA 29NF BCI.
3 – Interstate Battery, part number 29NF VHD. See photo 2.
4 – O’Reilly Auto Parts, part number SSB 29NF
5 – Antique Battery, Youngstown Ohio, 800-426-7580 See photo 1 for more information.
When you go on the Batteries+Bulbs website and find the correct part number for the Duracell battery and your closest store does not have it in stock you will be directed to a store that does have it, or call (800) 677-8278. See sample web page photos 3 & 4.
Gil