In a message dated 97-04-18 00:51:29 EDT, redwood@speedlink.com (Redwood)
writes:

> Ron Lussier posted the specs to the Optima a couple of days ago, and the
>  full article is on his website at:
>             http://www.vanagon.com/beethoven/electrical.html
>  
>  I tried to compare the two lists of specs side by side, but was not able
to
>  interpret fully.   It does seem that the Gp 41 is 1" shorter than the
>  Optima, so no cutting *might* be required to fit it in under the driver's
>  seat.  

There's no cutting or grinding required for the Optima.  Just mount it on
it's side so that the"top" posts face forward.

>I found the Optima battery online at a couple of places.  Best price
>  was a plce called desertrat.com in Arizona [800.528.3402], $167.95
including
>  S/H delivered to CA.
>  
>  Their website,        http://desertrat.com/optimbat/optima.htm

In California Optima batteries can be found at Car Custom in Azusa
(818-334-4951) and also at 4 Wheel Parts Wholsalers (Gardena location
310-323-5337) - a chain with several locations.  I think Car Custom might
only carry the standard Optima "starting" batteries (about $130.) while I've
seen the Optima Deep Cycle batteries at 4 Wheel Parts Wholsalers.  (They're
name is "Wholsalers" but they do retail business)
  
>  has a good discussion w/ pictures of the Optima.  The price is actually
>  $129.99.  Shipping might differ to other places, and we are talking about
>  46.1 lbs.

This price is NOT for the Deep Cycle battery.  The Deep Cycle runs more,
about $160-$170 I think.  

Regards,
Jim Davis
87 GL Syncro
88 GL Wolfsburg (with an Optima battery)