Both the fact that this is even done and the labor-intensive nature are pretty amazing.

( @nsaspook )

 

We had an automotive battery refurb shop near us in Alabama, but I don't think that is how they did it!

 

hi,
During the 1940s/1950's there was a small company in Yorkshire UK that converted old 12V Lead Acid batteries into about 96V.

By adding plate separators between each individual plate of the typical 8 plates used for a 2V Cell.
So 2v * 8plates * 6cells= ~96V, obviously the Ahr rating was reduced, but the radio high tension side required a low current.

Many house radio's were powered by a 2V Lead Acid Accumulator battery, for the radio Tube/valve heaters and a nominal 90V 'dry' battery, for the 'High Tension'.

In those days some local shops offered a 2V Accumulator hire and recharge service.

The 90V dry batteries were expensive, so the above company doing the 12V Lead Acid conversion to 96V, offered a weekly home delivery and battery exchange service.

Worked well.

E