Part I: The Tar-Top 1955-1966
Your Pontiac battery is one of the most crucial components of a concours-quality restoration. One to five points can be deducted from your score in the Concours Stock Restored Class at POCI depending upon the degree of deviation from factory original or a correct-appearing reproduction. The right battery is an eye-catcher, too. Its presence is an important detail that allows you to go back in time and experience the joy an original owner felt when he looked down at his Pontiac's engine compartment for the very first time.
Pontiac Motor Division began using 12-volt batteries-made exclusively by Delco-Remy in 1955-a full two years after they were first introduced into Cadillacs and Buicks. From 1955-1966, Pontiac introduced a series of six Delco-Remy batteries into its new vehicles.
Let's take a look at each so you can identify the correct battery for your '55-'66 Pontiac. Then we'll answer the most popular questions about classic Delco-Remy batteries and lead-acid batteries in general. Finally, we'll show you how to decipher the date-code on an original Delco-Remy battery, and how to determine the correct date-code for your reproduction battery. But that's not all.
Next month, come back for Part II where we'll explore the Delco-Remy Energizer hard-top batteries that powered Pontiacs from 1966-1975.
HPP thanks John Sawruk for his research and valuable assistance in making this article possible and Restoration Battery for providing its expertise and products for photographs.
Delco-Remy 2SMR53/458 Battery
In 1957, the Delco battery model number was changed to 2SMR53/458. This battery was used in '58, '59 and '60 Pontiacs. Solid yellow vent caps were used through December 1959. Beginning in January 1960, the yellow vent caps had the word "DELCO" painted black.
Physical Features 2SMR53/458 • GM Part No. 1980458 • 1958-1960
It appears very similar to the '56 2SMR53, except the upper edge was stamped "CAT. NO. 458" (instead of "2SMR53"), which was still not visible when installed in the car. The upper flat area reads (in an indentation) "2SMR53/458." The center area is stippled, except for a large smooth area that reads "DELCO ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT LINE." Above the "flat" area (in the stippling) reads "RUBBER SEPARATORS - HARD RUBBER CASE." Below the "flat" area (in the stippling) reads "A GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCT." The left side also has a smooth indentation with the words "DELCO-REMY. ANDERSON, INDIANA. MADE IN USA."