It looks like I will be needing to replace the battery in my 1968 X-code.
Any recommendations on battery brands?
This is a car that is only driven about 200 miles a year (I have 5 Cougars plus two daily drivers, so I struggle just to give them some use (I know - tough problem to have).
Thus, I am mostly wondering as to whether particular brands do better on a trickle charger over time.
BTW, I do use one of those fake autolite covers on my battery, so I prefer it be a stock looking flat top battery.
I have one of these in Ginger. It is about 10 years old now. Never failed me yet.
http://www.carid.com/optima-redtop-car-battery-57657387.html?gclid=CPKw65SAysgCFRSIfgodUG0Abw
(not a direct link to correct model or price)
Optima® - RedTop™ Group 35 Car Battery
Neal, you need to add your “phat cat” to your signature!
2nd that, wheres the luv 
As far as batteries this could get a lot of mixed reviews/comments. I know someone who had one of those optima’s and he didn’t have many nice words to say about it. I have always used interstate batteries and have been very happy but have also talked to folks that curse them too. 
When you narrow it down to a few choices, don’t forget to take your Autolite cover to test fit. They do not fit all Group 24 batteries.
This is what I’ve used and never had an issue. BBCat and B3Cat spend a lot of time on the Battery Tender and the battery has worked just fine after long periods of not starting.
I use a Walmart battery with a fake cover. No one ever notices and WM uses one of the majors for their battery supplier.
I’ve had good luck with current Motorcraft service replacements – had one last 10 years! I don’t drive car much more than 1500 miles/year anymore, so it sits a lot but always has plenty of cranking power, even if I haven’t driven it in 5-6 weeks. The current one has been in the car for 5 years. I don’t use a battery tender, but the car always sits covered in a garage in a temperate climate – I say this because I’ve seen batteries last 3 years or so in the desert.
I always use a battery tender when the car (or my boat’s four batteries) sits. Batteries like being tended. Two of my boat batteries will be 10 years old next season!
I also think a Battery Tender is a good idea. I never used to use them but started about 5 years ago after having to replace several batteries before I should have had to. I now connect to the tender every time I pull into the garage unless I’m going to use it again the same day.