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Date:         Tue, 10 Feb 2004 08:35:16 EST
Reply-To:     RAlanen@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Calling all OPTIMA BATTERY USERS!
Comments: cc: bbutler@PRODIGY.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 09/02/2004 7:59:31 PM Eastern Standard Time, LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

<<<<I posted this question a few weeks ago, but didn't really get the replies I was hoping for. In the past I have seen a number of discussions about how great the Optima batteries are. Now I want to put a Red Top model in my van and can't seem to get any help. I want to put it under the Passenger seat as my primary and only battery. The battery dealer, who is also a shop that works on vanagons, says it won't fit-it is to tall and will cause a fire. I asked if it could be layed on it side. They said they would sell me the battery, but installing it is up to me. I measured a red top and the compartment under the seat and it seems like this could be the solution, (laying it on its side). I am open to suggestions to other Optima models as my primary/starting battery, If there is indeed an Optima that can be used for this application.(If there are no Optima batteries that work for this application, I would listen to suggestions regarding other high quality options). Please reply with any advice rearding this subject. Please do not reply if you have found a groovy way to wire your secondary battery and strap it to the roof, or any other, or any other subjects which do not pertain to my query. Thanks in advance, Brian Butler>>>>>

Brian, I have installed the OPTIMA red top battery in the compartment under the passengers seat of Vanagon Westfalias for customers of mine. You will need to invent a new cover as the battery is too tall. The compartment does not need to be sealed as is the case with an ordinary battery that my give off toxic gases. Since the OPTIMA is totally sealed there is no out gassing. You just need to devise a cover to insulate the top terminals and still allow the seat to swivel. It can be done as I have done it. Not a big problem. I like standing the battery up as opposed to lying it on its side because it is easier to remove and install, You have easy access to the top terminals for jump starting or other needs and no modifications are needed to the box. If you lie the battery on its side you will need to make some slight modifications to the battery box, in Westfalia's only, to allow the battery to fit in this orientation. The same is true of the battery box under the drivers seat and for te OPTIMA yellow top as the two are the same dimensions.

Cheers,

Frank Condelli Almonte, Ontario, Canada BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 10 ~ 13, 2004 '87 Westy & Lionel Trains Member: Vanagon List, LiMBO, IWCCC & CCVWC Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers Frank Condelli & Associates or http://frankcondelli.com


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