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The automotive battery has been the basis of the ignition and charging systems for well over 80 years. The first starting and charging systems were designed to be 6-volt and positive-ground systems. Several different battery sizes were used by original equipment manufacturers in order to supply enough amperage to drive these systems and still fit into the battery compartment.
Hudson was the first to use a standardized battery in 1918 when they started using what are referred to as BCI Group 2 batteries. BCI stands for Battery Council International, which is the organization that sets the dimensional standards for all storage batteries. Chevrolet started using the standardized BCI Group 1 battery in 1923. Both of these group sizes were similar in height and width; the only difference between them, besides amp capacity, being that the Group 2 was 1.25 inches longer than the Group 1. For the next 40 years, until the adoption of 12-volt charging systems, these two batteries were installed on over 80% of all the American vehicles on the road. With the exception of the GM Group 2E and Studebaker Group 3E (both over 19 inches long and only 4.25 inches wide), just about any 6-volt-charged car on the road could use a Group 1 or a version of a Group 2.
Vehicles that used a version of a Group 1 battery: Buick - 1926-'36; Chandler - 1924-'28; Chevrolet - 1923-'54; Chrysler products - 1942-'55; Crosley - 1939-'52; Ford - 1928-'32; Frazer - 1946-'53; Graham - 1932-'34; Hudson - 1930-'33; Kaiser - 1947-'55; Nash - 1931-'53; Oldsmobile - 1921-'50; Pontiac - 1926-'36; Studebaker - 1932-'55; Willys - 1937-'57.
Vehicles that originally used a version of a Group 2 battery (variations from the standard Group 2 listed in parentheses): Buick - 1925-'37; Cadillac - 1931-'52; Chandler - 1927-'28; Chevrolet - 1937-'39; Chrysler products - 1942-'55; Ford - 1933-'39 (2L); Ford - 1940-'53 (2H); Graham - 1932-'34; Hudson - 1918-'33; Hudson - 1934-'54 (2L); La Salle - 1927-'40; Lincoln - 1940-'51 (2H); Mercury - 1939-'53 (2L); Mercury - 1954-'55 (2N); Oldsmobile - 1935-'52; Packard - 1921-'50; Packard - 1951-'54 (2L); Pontiac - 1932-'37.
Notice that there is some overlap between both units on some manufacturers, because smaller engine sizes could use the Group 1 battery with no problem as fewer starting amps were required. Larger engine sizes used the extra plates incorporated into the longer Group 2. The variations "L," "H," and "N" were either shorter by an inch or skinnier by half-inch to 1.5 inches but, as with the other Group 2 batteries, had the same 10.25-inch length. These units could be interchanged, providing the battery tray was large enough. Most British cars made the changeover to 12 volts shortly after WWII; however, a few retained 6-volt systems into the 1960s and 1970s. Austin-Healey has some 6-volt models until 1963, Jaguar until 1961, and MG as late as 1974. All three of these manufacturers used a version of BCI Group 17 batteries, which, at 7.25 inches, were much shorter in length than the Group 1 or 2.
With new technology incorporated into battery case designs such as neoprene in 1931, fiberglass in 1932 and polycarbonate plastic in 1953, batteries have become lighter, more powerful, more reliable and more compact. These innovations allowed the use of more lead plates within the battery, allowing the increase in amp ratings to ever higher levels.
As the demand for 6-volt batteries waned in the 1970s, eventually many suppliers made the decision to offer only Group 1 batteries to replace both units. This occurred because enough amps could be put into a modern Group 1 battery to sufficiently power vehicles that originally used the larger Group 2 type, and because there was a much larger need for the Group 1 battery, which was used extensively in 6-volt tractor applications and dual-battery 12-volt applications. A modern Group 1 battery contains over 600 cold cranking amps and is more than enough to power any early 6-volt system.
Fortunately for restorers, companies such as Antique Auto Battery still manufacture period-correct restoration batteries. These batteries have the correct Willard, Mopar and Delco logos (among others) and correct color cell caps. Batteries are also available with Lucas emblems for British cars, as well as Ford, Lincoln, Chevrolet and Mercury. Antique Auto Battery also offers 12-volt restoration batteries as well as 8-volt batteries which can be useful to give additional starting power to a 6-volt system, but must be used with voltage resistors on susceptible electrical items such as radios, lights, and blower motors. Your charging system output voltage would also need to be adjusted up to 9 volts.
In conclusion, a modern plastic-cased Group 1 will work in most early 6-volt applications; however, it's good to know that you also have the option of finding difficult-to-locate group sizes and/or an original replica battery that will supply more power with today's technology and look the same as the day your car came off the assembly line.
Antique Auto Battery
800-426-7580
Restoration Battery
513-574-4481
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