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Wed Jun 11, 2014 6:34 pm

Apparently, the PO had an issue getting this battery in (or perhaps getting the old one out?), and beat the snot out of the battery box. He also tore up the carpet pretty bad, and pieces are missing. Can't swing replacing it all right now- any remnants out there? The battery is about 6 years old, but I'd like to put in a fresh one. Any recommendations?

Wed Jun 11, 2014 7:05 pm

I just use a reasonably priced Group 48 -- may be hard to find at WalMart but most FLAPS have a selection.

Though in theory all Group 48s are the same size I have found that some are slightly taller -- to the point that they would not allow the lid to close -- so you may do well to measure carefully before you decide.

For carpet: If it is a Westy, many or most recover the center the center floor with anything from hardwood to vinyl or tile --this might free up some carpet for repairs.

Edit -- Upon reflection, some use a Group 41 which is possibly correct and, in any case, not as tall as a Group 48. This may account for why I found height to be a close run thing.

Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:08 pm

I am pretty sure that Group 41 is the standard starting battery size. The most common reason that people destroy the outer perimeter of the battery compartment is because they don't know about the battery hold down clamp and try to pry the battery out of the box without removing the clamp.

This was the only damage of any kind that had been inflicted on my van when I purchased it from the original owner. When I went to replace the battery a few years later, I almost repeated the same mistake, but reconsidered my approach just before I started prying on the edge of the battery box.

The battery clamp is hidden on the far (toward the front of the van) side of the battery, down in the battery box. Remove the bolt and slide the battery clamp out and the battery should lift right out.

If there is no built in lift handle on the battery, a battery lift/carry strap that slips over the battery posts makes the process easy and helps to prevent skinned knuckles.

Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:47 pm

thatvwbusguy wrote: Remove the bolt and slide the battery clamp out and the battery should lift right out. this.
thatvwbusguy wrote: If there is no built in lift handle on the battery, a battery lift/carry strap that slips over the battery posts makes the process easy and helps to prevent skinned knuckles. and this!

Save the battery boxes! :)

Thu Jun 12, 2014 2:36 pm

Thu Jun 12, 2014 2:40 pm

Thanks- Finally figured out how to post an image from my Mac. The PO must have thought the battery was stuck down form corrosion or something. As I said- he also destroyed the carpet in that spot- if I can't find something, I may have enough of it to cover the top, and then I'll secure a folding step stool over the painted steel.

Thu Jun 12, 2014 3:20 pm

PAPI wrote:

"Me Zog have hard time with battery".

Holy crap :lol:

Robyn

Thu Jun 12, 2014 3:31 pm

I had a van with the battery box tore up like that from the PO taking the van to cheap-o tire store and requesting the largest deep cycle battery they could put in there. They beat the crap out of it just like that picture. What a mess.

He could have had a better starting battery and gotten a leisure battery under the drivers seat for what he paid. :evil:

As far as a battery recommendation. Get the best one you can afford from a store that will still be there in five years.
Name brand batteries are generally better than fly by night El-Cheapo.

Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:55 pm

Looks like they might have not known you need to turn the seat around too to get the battery out.

Fri Jun 13, 2014 7:02 am

I'll probably try to block that flange and flatten it with a dead blow, which will probably lead to more paint loss. As it doesn't look like I'll be carpeting that vertical area any time soon, anyone know the paint color names/codes for my 1984 Wolfsburg? (dark brown lower half, tan(ish) upper/interior)

Fri Jun 13, 2014 7:37 am

I picked up an Interstate Group 41 battery.

5 year warranty, year one and two are full replacement, 3-5yr is prorated.

Fri Jun 13, 2014 7:41 am

Man, that reminds me of my battery compartment. It was bent and twisted just like that. It took me a long time using a small hammer and pliers to slowly reshape it. I assumed it was just too small for the batter size and I would have a nightmare when I tried to remove it. I don't think I have a battery hold down, but I'll check. Thanks for the post.

Fri Jun 13, 2014 8:47 am

PAPI wrote: I'll probably try to block that flange and flatten it with a dead blow, which will probably lead to more paint loss. As it doesn't look like I'll be carpeting that vertical area any time soon, anyone know the paint color names/codes for my 1984 Wolfsburg? (dark brown lower half, tan(ish) upper/interior)

Here you go for the paint codes and other info on the 1984 Westy Wolfsburg.

http://westfaliat3.info/html/westfalia_1984_vanagon_camper_.html

Fri Jun 13, 2014 9:08 am

Great info Westified! Cheers!

Fri Jun 13, 2014 6:01 pm

I think I may have a cover for you next week when I stop travelling to look.

Sat Jun 14, 2014 5:21 am

Thanks Steve- I have the battery cover, it's that section of carpet that I'd like to replace. I can't swing a complete carpet kit right now, so I thought I'd see if anyone's recently changed theirs, but kept some of the old carpeting.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:13 pm

Now we know why it's called a BATTERy.

Sun Jul 13, 2014 4:34 pm

Here's what I ended up with- not ideal, but it'll do for now. Went with a Bosch group 41. Still have no idea what the PO was thinking- it's one thing to beat the hell out of the battery box, but he completely diced up the carpet, and big chunks were missing. Glued what I could to cover the corner, made a hinged flap for over the cover. Drawer pull from Home Depot threaded into a riv-nut, bungee, and Coleman step stool. Already proved handy!

Sun Jul 13, 2014 5:25 pm

When life throws you lemons...

(nice recovery)