> In either case, it means your battery box is not sealed as it is supposed
to
> be... that means you could be getting a lung full of the toxics that are
> gassed off when the battery is charging... seal it.

I am confused.  I've driven air-cooled VWs for many years and the battery
was under the rear seat.  It was not sealed.  Matter of fact, I had to
install a farm-implement battery in my 6V '61 Beetle.  That battery had the
old-fashioned twist-off caps.  They were vented.

Are you telling me I should close off the area under the seat in my '70
Beetle?

I think those battery compartments are sealed off in the Vanagon because
when you slide the seat forward, they would get exposed to little prying
hands wielding metal toys.  So, because they were closed off so tightly, VW
decided to add a tube to vent it because as you mentioned, they give off gas
when being charged. Simple answer to a complex problem.

Is it Friday?  I think I'm dizzy from all those fumes, man.  :)