Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 12:36:29 -0400
Reply-To: Jean-Guy Savoie <jgsavoie@NBNET.NB.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jean-Guy Savoie <jgsavoie@NBNET.NB.CA>
Subject: Re: Battery box behind driver's seat
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Ok, so here it is...
Unless you have a very different setup (unlikely), you CAN get a **- group
41 -** battery in there - or smaller.
You must turn the swivel plate 180 degrees from normal driving position. To
do this, in my experience, it is easiest to take the seat off the tracks,
before swiveling, by moving the seat all the way forward and releaseing from
tracks (lift the locking mechanism on both tracks). Oherwise you must clear
the back of the seat to the steering wheel. I add that you can swivel the
plate with the seat in place, but you must move the seat back and forth to
clear the steering, but that's a PITA.
Once the swivel plate is 180 (sitting in the driver's seat, if installed,
you would be facing the back of the van), open the box's door and move
anything out of the way, such as wires, relays or junk. Dont forget the
remove the battery harness (? what would you call the hold-down bar?) before
installing the battery. The fit will be tight. Install the battery with
appropriate wiring etc. Close door. Swivel the plate back 180 to original
position. Reinstall seat.
No modifications whatsoever to your vehicle, other than the intended extra
battery, of course.
Good luck.
JGS
84 1.9L Westfalia
Bleu Schtroumpf
----- Original Message -----
From: developtrust <developtrust@HOME.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2001 12:07 PM
Subject: Battery box behind driver's seat
> OK you all, many say you CAN get a battery into that box. I have tried
> everything. I CAN get to the box by turning the seat BUT it is still about
1
> and 1/4 inch too narrow due to the swivel plate.
>
> The only method I can think of is to take the plate off and cut a section
> about 1 & 1/2 inches off to make the "whole box" accessible. What a
hassle.
>
> I still say putting a battery under the sink is the way to go. No cutting.
> Easy to access and service. No mess, no fuss, and I can use the box for
> tools and such.
>
> What am I missing. Is the 1989 configuration different from the people who
> say they can get that yellow Optima in there? If you did, send me a photo.
>
> I will have my digital camera back from Polaroid in a week and will send
> photos to anyone who is curious.
>
> I guess we can not send photos to this list but I assume I can to each
> individual.
>
> William
>
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