You don't have to cut the posts of an Optima to get it to fit into later model vanagons... dunnor about an 81... but you do need to cut two slots in the lip at the forward upper edge of the battery compartment... the slots are for the top posts to pass through while they are pointed forward and the side posts are up.... also cut out part of the metal lid to prevent contact with the side posts... that's pretty muc it.. I just got my Optima Yellow top the other day. Looking at the metal on the back of the seat it looked like it might take a long time to cut through (it's pretty thick). Therefore, I decided to just keep it upright and take off the metal lid. The only problem is that the seat _just_ clears the top when it swivels. How high do your battery connectors stick up when you place it on it's side (do you have a photo of it?). I would much prefer to put it on it's side but I don't want to spend a day working on the van with a hack saw. Scott Semyan '85 Westie |
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