Date:         Thu, 10 Aug 2000 00:11:21 EDT
Reply-To:     Oxroad@aol.com
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey R <Oxroad@aol.com>
Subject:      Battery Box Lid Question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

My 83.5 Westfalia has a lid for the battery box that apparetly is supposed to
be held closed by four tiny screws or bolts. The lid has no hinge on it at
all. It's just a black metal plate that lays on the top of the battery
opening and is then screwed on.

I have never had the screws since I purchased it 4 years ago so I just layed
the lid on there and flipped the carpet over it. I hear that is a bad idea
since the Westy battery compartment is vented and the battery will vent into
the passenger compartment if the lid is not properly sealed.

The question is did VW change this lid configuration after or before 83. And
can I retro fit a different cover. My concern is not having quick access to
the battery in an emergency. Years ago I saved my 74 Beetle from total
distruction when an electrical fire broke out and I was able to pull out the
back seat and cut one of the battery cables. With the four screws or bolts in
place holding my battery lid down in the westy It would take a while to get
it open. So what are my options.

TIA
Jeff
83.5 Westy
NJ