battery

how do i know what 12v is the correct type of battery for a 59 cat 389?
cold cranking amps?

It's not critical. I run a 60 Ah / 600 amps 'volvo' battery (refers to size, not brand). It is just a cheap standard battery, and starts the car without a hitch .

Old Gold.....the size that you need is called a "group 24" battery. Buy the most powerful one that you can afford. The power is rated in CCA (Cold Cranking Amps.) Make sure that the battery you buy has the terminals in the right place. The positive toward to the fender, and the negative toward the engine. If you wish to have it look somewhat authentic, get one with a completely flat top, except for the posts. That way you can get a topper that replicates an original battery from 1959. There is a good discussion about these toppers in another thread in this forum......John

Old Gold.....go to the forum section PONTIAC RESTORATIONS and read the 9th topic down titled "DELCO BATTERY TOPPER." The Exide battery is mentioned there. That's what Chad and I used......John

thanks I'll check it out. i pulled the battery out the other day that my dad shipped the car to me with and it said motorcraft on it!!!! its gotta go!!

The Guru (CATBIRD) took the right words out of my mouth...err, typing finger! 'nuff said. Let us know what you come up with.