Check the demensions carefully - It was inferred in the FAQ (or was it the
archives?  Or maybe vanagon.com??) the Optima dropped in on it's side, with
one person saying to bash out the bracket with a hammer.  Well, the bracket
on my '87 wasn't coming out unless I used a 25# sledge!  I cut it out with a
Sawz-All and still had to notch what was left a bit to get the Optima in.

If the Exide is any larger in either the height or width demensions, it will
not fit.  I've seen other people install batteries in the "hidden"
compartment where the AC outlet and breaker are, the little compartment next
to it, or under the backseat.  These latter two options allow you to get a
standard gel cell that give you better $$ per amp/hour.

Brian

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Hunter" <EVEHART33@aol.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 9:08 AM
Subject: Batteries: Optima vs new Exide spiral wound?

> Exide has a new, blue case, spiral wound deep cycle for $102 with 48 mo
> warranty rated 50ah. Optima dealer quoted $165, 65ah, 1 year warranty. Any
> experience or comments appreciated.
> Thanks,
>
> Ken Hunter
> 82 Westy 1.9D
> 84 Jetta 1.5D
> 89 Mitsubishi van