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  #1  
Old 04-28-2004, 08:46 PM
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Interstate Battery MT-58

Hello List,

What are your thoughts of the Interstate Battery MT-58?

cK

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  #2  
Old 04-29-2004, 12:24 AM
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WTF is an Interstate MT-58??

If it was me, i'd go overkill on buying the battery...... batteries approved for diesels are the best - pushin 300+ lbs compression at 20:1 compression ratio.

If it doesnt fit your existing battery tray, you can *make*it fit - so go ahead and buy a true gorrilla battery. The ballsiest battery conversion I've ever seen is Sears Automotive batteries going nto Moto Guzzi motorcycles, replacing typically pitiful 12volt M/C batteries..... a very common conversion that just barely fits underneath the seat after bending the sheetmetal battery tray.

Basically, you can never put too much battery in any vehicle. They are rated in amp/hours, i think.
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  #3  
Old 04-29-2004, 09:35 AM
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Not sure of the model, but I've got an Interstate battery in my Benz.

Works fine, never had a problem--unremarkable reliability.
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  #4  
Old 04-29-2004, 07:23 PM
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I have found Interstate to be an OK battery. I have also found that if you double the cost, you do not double the life.
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  #5  
Old 05-02-2004, 02:09 PM
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I worked at an independant BMW repairshop for a couple of years. Interstate batteries are often sold by independant BMW and Mercedes Shops at very inflated prices. My Fintail's previous owner paid over $90 for a poorly installed Interstate battery at her independant MB shop. The same or similar battery could have been found elsewhere for about $50. In the past I've found their performance acceptable but they, like the Sears batteries, tended to seep acid and cause corrosion. The Delco 'Freedom' batteries have been popular with the vintage car crowd because those tended to stay cleaner but Delcos may be harder to find. In any case, if your battery tray will accomodate it, go for the largest battery that will fit.
My gas 250 has a tray large enough to fit a diesel battery, which tends to last longer than the original stock size. If I couldn't find an MB diesel battery, I'd go with a Group 41 size, which is an oversize Volkswagen battery.

Happy Motoring, Mark
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Old 05-02-2004, 03:00 PM
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I have an Exide 49-60 which was probably the longest battery they had on the shelf, and the one that the books said I should use (49-series). It fits in my 4.5's tray with no problem since the tray is so long (the old battery looked dwarfed in it, and too tall). It's huge and it holds quite a charge - its reserve capacity is 120 minutes, the 2nd longest in the 60 series! A bit pricey - $85 - but a lot of battery for the buck! 850CCA, 1000CA, 120m RC - overall the best choice in my opinion, and is a perfect fit for the tray.

Edit: Corrected the battery...
And Mark: I thought I was the only one who has seen 2 (out of 2) interstate batteries leak? hehe
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Last edited by Tomguy; 05-02-2004 at 03:06 PM.
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  #7  
Old 05-02-2004, 04:07 PM
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I think the Group 49 is the replacement for the big O E Mercedes battery but mass retailers, like WalMart, might not carry it, hence my Group 41 suggestion. Coincidentally, this afternoon, I'm heading out to Kmart to see if they have a Group 41 (or 49) battery for my '72 250C.

Happy Motoring, Mark
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  #8  
Old 05-04-2004, 11:09 AM
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Traded in my dead Exide-Champion group 41 battery at Kmart for a new one. $60, less $25 prorated adjusment = $35. At least the old Champion battery didn't show any signs of acid seepage.

Happy Motoring, Mark
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Old 05-04-2004, 11:19 AM
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when mazda still imported the sealed miata batteries we used to use those. they were a small gel cell that given a little care would easily last 10years and since its a gel cel no leaks.

unfortunaly mazda can make more $$ on a lead acid so they no sell the good stuff. its so weird when the dealership has to buy from outside vendors to get oem parts but thats another thread!

mike
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  #10  
Old 05-12-2004, 09:41 PM
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Hello,

I just brought a new Douglas battery size 49.

Looks top and it is just perfect.
what do you think about Douglas batteries?

cK
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  #11  
Old 05-12-2004, 09:51 PM
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Never heard of Douglas batteries, but series 49 should be the correct size...at least it is for both of my MBs.
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  #12  
Old 05-12-2004, 09:57 PM
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Douglas Battery

The Douglas Battery is the company that makes the MB bateries.

cK

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