Should I bother? HP-34C in rough shape

[AndiGer]

Original batteries vs. today's batteries were a little bit shorter. If you choose today's batteries they will stress the battery terminal especially if you plan to take them out every time for recharging. Personally I think the terminals were designed to take the batteries out every other 5 years or so to replace them.
I bought some flathead rechargeable batteries about 49 mm long not connected by the permanent bridge but seperated. Connection on the opposite side of the terminals by a piece of a solder tab instead of aluminum foil.
Andi