I like the interstates also, I visit my local dealer = about every 18-24 months - he's always had a supply of used = interstates, for $6 I get a 6 mo replacement guarantee and a 18-24 = month battery.  I just remember to check with him before I take = that long summer trip on the 2nd year.

For the "no finger space" problem, I use 4 = tie wraps - hook them together in pairs, pass the pairs around each end = of the battery, lower the battery in place and leave the tie wraps = there, come 2 years, undo the cable connections, grab the tie wraps, = lift the battery out, clean the tray and sides of the compartment, = occasionally it might need some rust inhibitor, then put in the = "new" one and off I go....

I've not had one of these batteries go out while I = was away from my home, but I believe that Interstate is in almost every = state...

YMMV

David Palmerston
88 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joe Fortino [mailto:biker.pride@USA.NET]
> Sent: Friday, April 20, 2001 10:04 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: [Buying New Battery Today: = Advice?]
>
>
> I like Interstate, think i have both a 12v and = 6v. they
> should make a 41
>
>
> Joe
>
> PSavage <psavage@SABER.NET> wrote:
> Have decided to buy a new battery for my '85 = Westy today.
> I understand I need a type 41.
> All I want is a reliable battery that I can = find & have installed
> TODAY  in a small town an hour from = me--otherwise, I may find
> myself stuck
> under the redwoods.
>
> Questions:
> *Do all type 41 batteries *fit* in the seatback = compartment?
>
> *Is there anything critical I should know to = supervise re the
> installation of the battery?
>
> *Warranties & cost aside, are all commonly = available type 41
> batteries more or less created equal?
>
> Thanks,
> Phaedra
>
>
> = ____________________________________________________________________
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