Bill,
    Thanks for the info.  I saw that in past posts that it voided the
warranty, but did not care about that, if it worked.  I did not realize that
it would ruin the battery, for all I really  did was cut off a hunk of lead.

Adam Puzerewski
81 westy
74 beetle
86 cabrio
Vanagon Partsmobiles
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Davidson" <wdavidson@thegrid.net>
To: "Puzerewski" <Puzerewski@email.msn.com>; <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2000 9:40 PM
Subject: Re: Need Battery help

> > I have recently put the Optima yellow top in for an aux battery.  I did
> the
> > list suggestion of cutting off the top posts, and using the side posts.
>
> It is NOT list suggested to cut off the top posts... I have posted several
> times that I called Optima and their tech department confirmed that this
> will void their warranty....
>
> > This battery will not charge over 7 volts.  Is it ruined?
> >
>
> You could call Optima and ask them if it can be fixed. I think a battery
> shop might be able to repair it... not sure.
>
> > If it is ruined, I have a 81 Vanagon westy.  What size battery do I
need,
> > for I am going to order one that fits correctly.
>
> You don't have to cut the posts of an Optima to get it to fit into later
> model vanagons... dunnor about an 81... but you do need to cut two slots
in
> the lip at the forward upper edge of the battery compartment... the slots
> are for the top posts to pass through while they are pointed forward and
the
> side posts are up.... also cut out part of the metal lid to prevent
contact
> with the side posts... that's pretty muc it..
>
> Bill
>
>
> > TIA
> > Adam Puzerewski
> > 81 westy
> > 74 beetle
> > 86 cabrio
> > Vanagon Partsmobiles
> >
>