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..

I just got my Optima Yellow top the other day. Looking at the metal on the
back of the seat it looked like it might take a long time to cut through
(it's pretty thick). Therefore, I decided to just keep it upright and take
off the metal lid. The only problem is that the seat _just_ clears the top
when it swivels. How high do your battery connectors stick up when you place
it on it's side (do you have a photo of it?). I would much prefer to put it
on it's side but I don't want to spend a day working on the van with a hack
saw.

Scott Semyan
'85 Westie