Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Anyone else here have a JCPenney Battery

Posted by: NoEcm Mar 23 2006, 01:46 AM

Looking back at my records I purchased the battery March 8, 1981 for $114.00 (which was a lot of money back then). 2 or 3 years after I purchased the battery JCPenney got out of the automotive business and contracted Firestone to handle the replacements.

The battery has been replaced 5 or 6 times under warranty (by Firestone) since the original purchase.

I think I've gotten my money's worth out of the lifetime warranty.

Anyone else have one of these batteries in their car?

Posted by: Bleyseng Mar 23 2006, 08:14 AM

Hopefully its a sealed type battery as most of us have switched to using a Optima so we don't have battery acid washing down on to the long. You know how much rust repairs cost compared to a "always free" battery?

Posted by: NoEcm Mar 23 2006, 11:24 AM

The battery is lead acid type. Since 1981 the battery has always had the “full top cover” on it and I’ve never noticed any battery acid damage (or any remnants of acid on the battery tray).

From what I’ve seen there seem to be 2 types of battery covers. One is rectangular and it covers the whole top of the battery. The other is “T” shaped and only covers part of the battery top. Were the two types of battery covers issued during different recalls?

Appreciate the advice and I've actually considered buying an Optima battery (at least every time I walk through the automotive section at Costco)..........……………........maybe some day when I start driving the car again.

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Mar 23 2006, 11:59 AM

NoEcm,
I purchased my JC Penny battery back in '78. Just last week, I replaced the previous battery that was last exchanged in 1996 I can't believe that battery lasted 10 years. Previous to that, the battery was replaced in 1990. As has already been stated, if you do not have a sealed battery, keep a VERY close eye on any battery acid "events" in that very vulnerable area. I always remove the battery, inspect and clean the battery tray and surrounding surfaces at least twice a year. I think it is fairly common knowledge that a close visual and tactile inspection of the battery environment should be performed anytime you're in the engine compartment for mainenance or service.

Posted by: sk8kat1 Mar 23 2006, 12:16 PM

which is the right optima to buy?