The sealed type lid has no hinge and no rivets, period. It is held on to
the top of the box only with screws.  I don't think I have ever seen a
full Westy without a sealed compartment under the front seat, except for
models that had the battery in the engine compartment. The vents you
have can't do much without the sealed frame and lid, other than allow
crawly things into your whole van. I'm going to guess that a previous
owner removed the frame and riveted the hinged type cover. The added
frame makes doing anything to the battery a real PITA so removing it has
some appeal. I would plug the vents if I was to remove the sealing stuff.

Mark

Robert Card wrote:

>Mark ,
>
>My Westy in no way shape or form has a separate riveted in frame with a
>sealed compartment area.
>It does have a thin rubber gasket under the lid,and the lid is riveted
>to the end of the battery box.
>I think it does have a vent hose, but for sure I wouldn't consider it a
>"sealed box"
>as I would consider a marine sealed battery box to be.
>
>Other than that vent hose I don't see any difference to other Vanagon
>battery compartment area's.
>
>
>