Classic Batteries Course: Restoration and Compatibility
Online course of 300 hours in classic batteries: restoration and compatibility. 6 modules covering the battery in the classic vehicle, chemistry and diagnosis, period-correct restoration, compatibility with older systems, charging and storage, and an electrical restoration project, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the evolution and operation of starter batteries.
Diagnose the condition of a battery using workshop methods.
Restore period appearance while respecting originality.
Plan electrical conversions compatible with the vehicle.
Apply a charging, maintenance and winter storage plan.
Handle acid and battery waste safely.
Document a complete electrical restoration project.
Who it's for
- Classic vehicle restoration technicians.
- Automotive electricians.
- Classic car workshop managers.
- Vehicle collection managers.
- Historic vehicle assessors.
- Technical advisers to classic car clubs.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- EN 50342-1 (lead-acid starter batteries)
- RD 892/2013 (Spanish General Regulation on Historic Vehicles)
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (batteries and waste batteries)
- Royal Decree 106/2008 (batteries and accumulators)
- FIVA Code (historic vehicles)
- ISO 6722 (automotive cables)
- Advanced Excel
- Midtronics battery analyser
- Data-logging multimeter
- AutoCAD
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Evolution of the starter battery1.26 V and 12 V batteries in historic vehicles1.3Positive-earth systems1.4Dynamos and charge regulators1.5Period formats and cases1.6Original terminals, connections and wiring1.7Electrical consumption of a classic1.8Regulations for historic vehicles1.9Originality and authenticity criteria1.10Case study: analysis of a classic's electrical system
2.1Lead-acid chemistry2.2Plates, separators and electrolyte2.3Flooded, AGM and gel batteries2.4Measuring specific gravity and voltage2.5Load and cranking tests2.6Internal resistance and capacity2.7Sulphation and its causes2.8Deep discharge and typical failures2.9Safety when handling acid2.10Lab: full diagnosis of a battery
3.1Restoration of ebonite cases3.2Replicas of historic batteries3.3Modern batteries hidden in original cases3.4Period caps and connectors3.5Cleaning and treatment of terminals3.6Battery supports and trays3.7Corrosion protection3.8Photographic documentation of the process3.9Concours d'elegance criteria3.10Workshop: restoring a period battery case
4.1Conversion from 6 V to 12 V4.2Conversion to negative earth4.3Electronic regulators and alternators4.4Hard starting and vintage starter motors4.5Modern accessories in classic vehicles4.6Protection with fuses and battery isolators4.7Electronic ignition systems4.8Wiring and suitable cross-sections4.9Effects on the vehicle's type approval4.10Practical exercise: electrical conversion plan
5.1Smart chargers and maintainers5.2Charging flooded and AGM batteries5.3Winter storage and long periods out of use5.4Disconnection and parasitic drains5.5Maintenance schedule5.6Charging safety and ventilation5.7Management of battery waste5.8Responsibilities of the workshop and the owner5.9Long-term maintenance costs5.10Case study: winter storage plan for a collection
6.1Selection of the vehicle6.2Inventory of the electrical system6.3Diagnosis of the battery and charging system6.4Choice of battery solution6.5Cosmetic restoration plan6.6Compatibility and protection plan6.7Maintenance and storage plan6.8Budget and timeline6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working tools are advanced Excel, a Midtronics battery analyser, a data-logging multimeter and AutoCAD, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practice is based on real procedures: battery test benches, historic vehicle restoration workshops, and charging and cranking measurements. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: EN 50342-1, General Regulation on Historic Vehicles (RD 892/2013), Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries, Royal Decree 106/2008 on batteries and accumulators, FIVA Code for historic vehicles, ISO 6722.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with advanced Excel, a Midtronics battery analyser, a data-logging multimeter and AutoCAD, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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