That is an option.  When I bought my van, it had a smaller battery than the original.  In fact, the thing was pretty easy to get in and out, as it was only about 2/3 the length and 4/5 the width of the factory battery.  The clamp was in the compartment, wrapped in newspaper.  I found a way to clamp the too small battery in place, using the original clamp.  When I replaced that battery with the proper one, I fitted the clamp as I explained in my earlier reply to this thread.

Should an accident occur, something like a rollover, what happens to an unsecured battery?  To me, the clamp was an engineer's response to an obvious hazard.  I don't know of any vehicle without a clamp for the battery.

mcneely

---- Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM> wrote:
> Leave it off?  Mine's been off since 1988.
>
> Karl Wolz
> Sent from my electronic umbilicus
>
> On Nov 15, 2011, at 11:36 AM, Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> > Hi Folks,
> >
> > I have 91 Westy 2.1 2 wheel drive that I just replaced the starting battery
> > this last weekend.
> > Unfortunately, I cannot get the dang hold down clamp back in there with
> > it.   I tried shoving it
> > around the edge but it just won't go.   Any suggestions?
> >
> > Steven
> > 91 Westy

--
David McNeely