You must be able to find/order the proper size battery, since the Vanagon battery box is the same size in the US and European models.

Try a different FLAPS.
In the US you can use a group 41 or 48 battery.

Metric and inch dimensions below for all standard batteries:
http://www.gglotus.org/ggtech/battery-bci/battery-bci-size.htm

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From:         Arkady Mirvis <arkadymirvis@GMAIL.COM>
Reply-To:     Arkady Mirvis <arkadymirvis@GMAIL.COM>
Date:          Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:15:59 -0000

>Hello, listees,
>I am getting back to the issue of batteries. Mine under the passenger seat
>in 1987 Westy became weak, and not because it is old. It is actually only 3
>years old. The problem is the use. This is a very bad winter, it seems
>everywhere. In USA, Europe.......... It was not colder than 40 F in Portugal
>and since November we had winds and rains with intensity even old timer do
>not remember. So my Westy was stationary. I occasionally started the engine.
>But lately the battery is weak and needs charging. I looked around and all
>the batteries I've seen are long and wide as the original, but 14 mm higher.
>Does anyone have the data on VARTA and european made batteries? I hope they
>may fit and I will be able to fit battery compartment lid.
>Ark.
>