In a message dated 09/02/2004 7:59:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

<<<<I posted this question a few weeks ago, but  didn't
really get the replies I was hoping for.
In the past I have seen a  number of discussions about
how great the Optima batteries are. Now I want to  put
a Red Top model in my van and can't seem to get any
help. I want to  put it under the Passenger seat as my
primary and only battery. The battery  dealer, who is
also a shop that works on vanagons, says it won't
fit-it is  to tall and will cause a fire. I asked if it
could be layed on it side. They  said they would sell
me the battery, but installing it is up to me.
I  measured a red top and the compartment under the
seat and it seems like this  could be the solution,
(laying it on its side).
I am open to suggestions  to other Optima models as my
primary/starting battery, If there is indeed an  Optima
that can be used for this application.(If there are no
Optima  batteries that work for this application, I
would listen to suggestions  regarding other high
quality options).
Please reply with any advice  rearding this subject.
Please do not reply if you have found a groovy way  to
wire your secondary battery and strap it to the roof,
or any other, or  any other subjects which do not
pertain to my query.
Thanks in  advance,
Brian Butler>>>>>

Brian, I have installed the OPTIMA red top  battery in the compartment under
the passengers seat of Vanagon Westfalias for  customers of mine.  You will
need to invent a new cover as the battery is  too tall.  The compartment does
not need to be sealed as is the case with  an ordinary battery that my give off
toxic gases.  Since the OPTIMA is  totally sealed there is no out gassing.
You just need to devise a cover to  insulate the top terminals and still allow
the seat to swivel.  It can be  done as I have done it.  Not a big problem.  I
like standing the  battery up as opposed to lying it on its side because it is
easier to remove and  install, You have easy access to the top terminals for
jump starting or other  needs and no modifications are needed to the box.  If
you lie the battery  on its side you will need to make some slight
modifications to the battery box,  in Westfalia's only, to allow the battery to fit in
this orientation.  The  same is true of the battery box under the drivers seat
and for te OPTIMA   yellow top as the two are the same dimensions.

Cheers,

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario,  Canada
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 10 ~ 13,  2004
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: Vanagon List, LiMBO, IWCCC  & CCVWC
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa  Valley
STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers
Frank Condelli &  Associates or http://frankcondelli.com