Policy at this end is to remove the battery from the car.
That way eliminates the possibility of fire due to aging/faulty 1970's electrical's and components, or faulty battery.
No reason to have a battery in a car for long periods.
Just charge the battery every few months, or better put it into a car and use it.
Why muck around?

I charge it about once every 6 weeks or whenever the car hasn't been used for a while.


Why? Is the battery too low to crank?

To extend it's life. Battery is fine

ratta tat tat
To extend it's life. Battery is fine

Deep discharge and overcharging shorten its life, topping up near full battery won't have an effect on its life. Mine is 4+ years old with no 'special care', now I said this it will probably be dead next time I go to crank lol.

Cheers

The Cteks have pulse maintenance (step 8) that delivers a pulse only when the battery voltage drops. They (CTEK) claim it's the safest way to maintain a battery long term without the risk of overcharging.

Here's the link to the manual. Now that I've looked at it properly I think my charger sits on step 7 (float) once it's fully charged. Again it claims that it will only charge if the battery voltage drops. With the black build up under my caps I guess this must happen a lot

Have used one now for more than 10 years, they are a must if you have an alarm system in the car. Last battery lasted 5 years with the car traving under 100km. Have four units in total, including one on the Jet Ski. Before the C Teck or similar could only achieve under two years battery life. It was replaced under warrenty but told not to come back. I swear by them, Have mates who also use them on their show cars.

I've had time to think about this a bit more. The signs of overcharge in my battery may be caused by the alternator, not the CTEK. I have a pretty much standard MK1 escort with pinto & 60A Bosch alternator. 60A might be a bit too much current. The alternator is standard fitment to XF falcon which use a much higher CCA battery than my MK1

The CTEK units will NEVER "overcharge". The electronic systems will not allow it.

My trickle charge is hard wired with a connector that simply unclick when I need to take her out. Too easy battery has been on it for 3yrs as is like new.