I need a batteries for two cars--1969 144S and a 1990 240 --
Costco doesn't show anything for the 140 but shows 2 that would work for the 240. Interstate batteries--one for about $95 and another for about $110. These batteries have "feet" at the bottom for the original type "hold down". They'll work in the 140 if I futz with the orientation and length of cables.
Pep Boys (very close to me) lists a Bosch battery for about $85 for the 240.
So my question is --- Does anyone have recent experience with Bosch batteries? I've had Interstate and they were OK.
I'm somewhat skeptical about the subject. I worked at a Volvo indy shop and we dealt with a battery wholesaler. When I''d go to his location to pick up a new battery he'd ask what brand I want -then slap on the appropriate label :-( -- Dave

Isn't the battery group size for an early 140 a 24F?
If it is, I just picked up an Interstate 24F for my MPV last weekend at Costco for $84.
I don't think the case has a flare at the bottom though.
I can take a look tomorrow if you're interested.

Edit: Regarding the Bosch battery. I picked one up at Pep Boys about 5 years ago for the '01 S40.
It's still cranking, but I do notice it getting a little slower. Hoping to get the summer out of it.
I think it was made by Johnson Controls.

http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/batbrand.htm

Lots of detail on who makes what brand here. Below from the wiki.

The majority of car batteries are created by 3 manufacturers - Delphi, Exide and Johnson Controls Industries. Delphi makes some EverStart models sold in Walmart and ACDelco. Johnson Control Industries makes Duralast seen in Autozone stores, Diehard - sold in Sears, Kirkland - the Costco brand, Motorcraft - which Ford sells, some of the EverStarts, and Interstate. Exide makes Exide batteries, Bosch, Champion, Napa and even a % of the EverStart batteries.

Given that - buy based on dimensions, convenience, cca, and price. Brand name, as you can see by manufacturer, means little. Kirkland brand at Costco generally considered a best buy.
--
82 242-6.2L; '17 Mazda3; '16 Crosstrek

hi dan, heck, cb and young yount- my 92 245 from 2011 had no holddown nor bolt, just a bolt hole. the battery which I had to replace slid in on the sides of the battery floor . didn't want to deal with a dealer who wanted to clip me $150 for it. instead made up a small angle iron to hold batt down the slides. angle iron holds the battery in using a little protruding edge on the long end of the batt. would not pass inspection by hoity toitys or mine enemies. saw the original oem black plastic holdowns for $5 on the net. trying to figure out if that is designed to slip over the battery case edge. what think you? anyone have a picture of how that is supposed to look. thanks tons oldduke (want to win the top jalopy trophy in the 240 division at annual Volvo convention)

Thats what you want!
Dan

hi dan - thanks for the picture. I thought the plastic clip which is visible was the only hold down but it looks like there is a much larger metal plate on top of it. the only thing that the vendors sell is that plastic piece. btw does this hold down attach at the long end of the battery? regards oldduke

btw does this hold down attach at the long end of the battery?

Yes it is on the front of the battery tray closest to the radiator. I have never seen any other hold dow device for these later 240's.
Dan

Dan, that photo is handy to have but it's way too big. If you can't reduce the size send me an email ----fastforwardphoto(AT)yahoo(DOT)com----and I'll send it to you. -- Dave

Walmart's Maxx with a 3 year free replacement warranty is fine, and there is almost a Walmart in every town!
Dan

Great point Dan. That's the reason I often went with a Die Hard. Now Sears stores are closing all over. - Dave

Hi Dave,
I used DieHards over a period of 25 years, starting with my '79 Rabbit Diesel to our current '84, and got an average of 6 years good service out of each one. The last one we bought was a DieHard International for the '84. Damn good batteries!

Andrew

for my 80 240, which has the older style hold downs and The Posts Reversed -- Positive on the fender side. I got an Exide 24C from TSC (Tractor Supply) Sold as a Classic auto/truck battery.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/exide-classic-auto-truck-suv-battery-24c

in my 87 245 I've got an Interstate...Neg pole on the fender side, with the newer style 240 hold down(that locking block that fits in to the slot at the bottom of the battery shelf)...I got a price for the H5 from the warehouse distribution center near me of $89. the H6 has a higher CCA and is more expensive $124

https://www.interstatebatteries.com/products/pf-47-h5-6?dsNav=N~2147384903

CB-thanks for the response. -- Dave