In a message dated 97-04-17 20:57:00 EDT, JMatthisen@aol.com writes:

> Optima Deep Cycle Battery (not gel, new spiral wound technology)
>  52 amp hours
>  700 or 750 cranking amps
>  Sealed -- no gases
>  Can be charged harder than gels without risk of frying
>  Also expensive ($160-$180)
>  
>  Fits under seat but is a little too tall -- however comes with side and
top
>  terminals, so I am going to use the side terms and drill holes in the
black
>  access cover (and carpet) for the top terminals -- the access cover then
>  closes.  Top terminals come with plastic caps and will stick up through
the
>  carpet (but not so high that the driver's seat won't swivel).  They will
be
>  out of harms way when driving, and if I need to jump-start someone I can 
> just
>  slide the seat forward a bit and take off the plastic caps.

STOP!!!!!!!!  Don't drill or cut anything.  You don't need to.  
Just install the Optima battery on it's side with the "top" posts facing the
front of the van.  It fits fine this way.

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