I own a 1987 Vaganon GL with the Westfalia conversion.  I am the third
owner and have owned it for just under two years. It appears that the
battery is on its way out and I have no idea how old it is.   My only
clue is that the battery is not sealed, i.e., water can be added by
removing two plastic covers which expose the cells and this tells me
(rightly or wrongly) it is old.

I have experienced the same problem twice in a two week period.  I left
work and the car started fine.  I made a stop and shut the engine,
lights, and radio off and the van started fine after I returned in about
5 to 10 minutes.  I made another ten minute stop and the van would not
start.  Everything had been shut off again.  After a jump, it started
and I returned home where I connected the battery to a charger and did a
slow charge overnight and had no problems until last night when the
scenerio above replayed itself.

Do I need a new battery and how can I determine if the battery is the
sole source of the problem?  If I do need a new battery, what is the
best brand to purchase and what is a good/reasonable price for it?  Also
can I expect to be able to install it (given my limited mechanical
apptitude) or should I pay the installation fee?

Thanks in advance for any and all speedy replies as my friend is getting
of tired of providing road service.

Dianne
1957 Mercedes 220S (not running and for sale)
1974 Super Beetle (not running)
1987 Vanagon GL Westfalia
1989 Jetta GL (in the repair shop)