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sjs
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Jul 5, 2006, 5:36 PM
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battery maintainer question
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I bought my PT convert to be my "sunny day" car. I take Bart (as in Black Bart - yes, I named my car) out when the sun shines and try to keep him indoors when the weather's not so great. So, because I live in Wisconsin, he spends the winter garaged. Because he's not run for several months, his battery charge is pretty well exhausted by spring. I've been told that if I used a battery maintainer, his battery and all related electrical settings/operations would stay in shape without any winter intervention from me, and that he would be ready for his first sunny spring day run without a jump start. In doing research for a "smart" battery maintainer, I've found several different brands and models, and I'm just wondering if anyone has an opinion on which ones are really good and which ones should be avoided and where I can find them. What I've seen so far are the Battery Tender and the Battery Minder and something by CTEK, as well as some models by Schumacher. I'm willing to spend whatever is necessary, but I don't want to go overboard, either.
Thanks for any input.
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2005 PT Cruiser convert
2006 Durango LTD Hemi
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Posts: 3 | From: N/A
| Registered: Jul 1, 2004, 4:06 PM
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Capt Kidd
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Jul 6, 2006, 3:06 PM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: [sjs] battery maintainer question
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Now you can't tell me the sun never shines in Wisc. in the winter. I used to live in Stevens Point and at the time drove a '65 Austin Heally 3000. It had a full toneau cover and I used to drive around all the time in the winter with the top down and the toneau covering up the passenger side.
I now have a PT ragtop and have also had a full toneau cover made for it and drive it with the top down when it is not raining. Granted the weather is a little warmer here in Northern California in the winter but the PT is still a great winter ride, top up or down.
Good luck on your quest for the battery thingy.
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Posts: 316 | From: Chico, CA USA
| Registered: Jul 19, 2000, 12:00 AM
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sjs
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Jul 6, 2006, 4:31 PM
Post #3 of 5
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Re: [Capt Kidd] battery maintainer question
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Well, you're right, Capt. The sun does shine every now and then during winter here in Stevens Point, WI, where I've been living for the past 35+ years. But, when it does, it creates a lot of salt-filled slush. And, as much as I would love to parade around town mid-winter with Bart's top down to brighten my day (and show off a bit), I couldn't bear to see him covered in that stuff at the end of the ride, and then have to give him a bath in freezing temperatures. So, I keep him safe and warm in the garage until all that goes away, checking in every few days to make sure he's okay, all the while praying for an early spring...and a charged battery.
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2005 PT Cruiser convert
2006 Durango LTD Hemi
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Posts: 3 | From: N/A
| Registered: Jul 1, 2004, 4:06 PM
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Capt Kidd
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Jul 6, 2006, 4:47 PM
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Re: [sjs] battery maintainer question
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They must not have used as much salt in the old days. I was there in winter 1967-68 and don't remember it being a big deal but then I was just a few years younger than I am now and you know what they say goes first.
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Posts: 316 | From: Chico, CA USA
| Registered: Jul 19, 2000, 12:00 AM
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dehrbar
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Jul 9, 2006, 4:47 AM
Post #5 of 5
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Re: [sjs] battery maintainer question
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 I don't know enough about engines to write a book about them, but I do know that you should at least find the time to run the car...at least start the engine once or twice a week for a minute or so. Just pop in a favorite CD, relax in the car, or take time to read a magazine or at least dust your car for the time being. Unless you own a mansion with a 20 car garage and are pressed for that much time, I would do that. Come on, that car although not a $500k car, is a thing of beauty and besides, you might want to give it a ladies name and maybe take care of her better... JK, that's not necessary, but you know what I'm getting at, you even gave it a name...that's cool. Start Bart up when you go get a tool from the garage, or something. I got an 05 GT and love it. I call it "her", didn't name it, maybe I will. I recommend enjoying it, not to sound too short, but hear me out, no disrespect by the way. Never know when it could be your last moment on earth. We are all "dying the day we were born". Sorry, I hate old cliche's myself with a passion, but respect that one. Speaking of battery stuff though, I don't know what that is exactly. I lived in Montana and had an engine block heater, like many folks. I don't really know what good that batter thing will do. I would personnally keep that money or spend it on something that can get you out of a jam. I bought a battery charger that can fit in the trunk easily that also has an air compressor...maybe better price for your money. Explain to me what your talking about, maybe post a link to that device, I'm curious just to see it though.
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Posts: 12 | From: Seoul
| Registered: Apr 13, 2006, 4:52 AM
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