Folks:  Just bought an Autocraft H-6 AGM battery for like $170 at
Advanced Auto in hopes I'll find a solution to cold starting up here in
Iowa.  I've gone through two Interstates over the last 7 or 8 years and
they are lasting just about long enough that it's not worth using up the
remaining warranty trading it in on a new one.

The H-6 has the recessed terminals and fits in the Vanagon box just
fine, but is about a half inch too tall for the metal lid to properly
close.  I drilled out the small rivets holding the hinge on the rear of
the lid and will make a small shim and reattach the lid as time allows.
If that doesn't work.  I have a couple of wood and/or fiberglass
options that should work and still have clearance for the seat sliding
if the shim idea isn't workable.   I keep a thin piece of conveyor belt
glued to the underside ofthe  metal lid for extra protection in the
positive terminal side of the compartment.  The facytory hold down clamp
was modified slightly so it could contact the battery housing properly

The $170 for the battery is a lot for someone on my budget, but the
glass mat technology intrigues me and having the 950 CA/760 CCA rating
should help out this time of year.  I'm not saying for all of your to
run out and buy one just yet, but I will be monitoring how it performs
this winter.

DM&FS