I cut a two pieces of 16-18 gauge sheet metal about 2" wide and 10" long bent about 1/2" of the ends 90 degrees to make two handles to slip in next to the battery on either side and pull it out.  Worked well, and I just stuck them in my tool chest.

Dan
Los Angeles, CA
"Winky" the '85 Westy Weekender

On Nov 11, 2011, at 9:08 PM, Michael Hart wrote:

> My trick for removing the battery - use a metal coat hanger (dry cleaner's type); unwind it to give you a piece of flexible wire with a hook on the end; thread it through the battery 'handle slots' and back up, wind it back on itself to form a simple handle & pull up. Next time put a cloth strap (old duffel bag strap) through the slots & under the battery before you drop it into the battery box, then you will have something to pull it back out with. Used this several times on both of my Westies.
> Mike
> 87 Westy
> Palo Alto, CA