I want to put a Volvo labeled battery in my 1800ES. Does anyone know what modern day Volvo model battery is a proper fit? When I query the dealer parts man he just says "1800ES? I don't list that as available any longer. Go an auto parts store."

Eric said a group 24 will fit, find out the dimensions of this battery and go see what Volvo has.
Dan

Here's a completely unscientific answer...
I could fit the battery from my '72 144E into the battery space on the '86 745.
Perhaps your '73 ES used the same battery as the 140 series - 24 or 24F as I recall. It may be easier for "parts man" to look up a 700 series.

Will they let you measure the batteries that they do have?
Why not just drive the car to the dealership and see what fits?
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"Differences of opinions should be tolerated, but not if they're too different' - Sharon Craig

Tom,

I think your info is quite helpful. I went into a Napa parts house and his catalog said all the Volvos from that year were the same - 1800, 140, 160, etc. It also said the same battery was used up until about the 1982 240. The dealer said he didn't have a battery in stock for the 240 and it was too late in the day for him to call the distributor to check availability. Knowing that the 740 fits in the 140 may be the ticket. The dealer is more likely to have that one.

I can't dry it to the dealer for a fit check. It's not registered for the hwy yet.

Thanks.

Realizing it's undriveable at this time and knowing that you want a battery that has "Volvo" on it, I'd try to push the dealer a little to let you take actual measurements of a battery they have in stock. I can't believe it's that big a deal.

Maybe a donut and a coffee will bribe the parts guy to let you measure it!
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"Differences of opinions should be tolerated, but not if they're too different' - Sharon Craig

When it comes down to it, you can put just about any standard 12 volt battery in an 1800 if you can connect the cable to it. You can even use a side post battery if you use adapters or change your battery cables.

IIRC, the available Volvo battery will work, but I think it is too wide at the base so that lower edge sits on the inner fender which will eventually crack the inner fender.

I used to be able to buy a group 24 battery from Interstate, but I think they discontinued them.

If your car is going to be an every day driver, I suggest you get a dry cell battery. I don't like the Optima as it is huge. We like the Odyssey brand as they come in different sizes. Odyssey does not make an exact fit battery, but we use the 2 smaller batteries they make and I suggest buying the larger of the 2.

The major advantage to the drycells is they don't leak acid and if you have had to repair or replace a battery box, a very common problem on all of the old Volvos, you can appreciate that feature.
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Eric

Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)

Torrance, CA 90502