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