Batteries Under Seats in 1982 Diesel (Project)

[rotaecho]

Okay, I know a lot of people are placing them in their bench seat or within their cabinets, but I am not one of them. I like using that space to put shit into that I need quick access to.

The seats for batteries makes the most sense to me, because it's a location that's a PITA to get too without removing the seats. Not to mention, they are the original locations for a battery

I've routed my aux-power with a 6g marine grade wire off the starter post. I routed it along the belly and through the hole the battery wire comes into the cabin for a gasser engine as seen below. Note, I have been insulating the tip when driving, so not driving with a live wire.

After reading the post titled, Die Hard Platinum (Odyssey PC1750) Aux Battery under seat. I attempted the installation of the battery (an Odyssey 1750, as I have a 1200 for the starter) after seeing the successful Molly install (p4). Two modifications would need to be done for this battery to fit.

Being the engineer that I am, I'm not so concerned with modifying the body if it means solid improvements without loosing integrity.

This being said, I think I can fit this battery properly (not on it's side) with the posts facing towards the rear of the van with some slight modifications.

First, the metal door I'm tossing out. I just see it as a possible hazard for a short and really doesn't buy me anything. Knowing that, this lip closer to the rear of the van, could free up around 3/4th of an inch which was lopped off with the Molly install.

Would I be better off bending it up, tin snip the ends and bend it down and pinch it as a non sharp edge, or sawzawing it off? Just curious with anyone with some experience.

I also saw this lip towards the back and I cannot think what this is used for. Does anyone know what purpose this lip serves? I feel like just cutting it off to provide me more access.

Thanks for any ideas
_________________
-Will
1982 Westfalia mTDI (50deg) aka Betsy Bertha
http://www.tdivanagons.com

[dhaavers]

No answers for you (sorry), but watching your project with interest.

I'm also interested in maxing battery capacity in the stock locations;
the threads I've seen have been long on words & short on pictures.

Good luck & keep us posted!

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[rotaecho]

I hear you there! I try to do as much verbal (type here I suppose) as photos, as I think both really help bring the clarity across.

More photos to come as I move along!

[4x4BNB]

if ur tossing the lids...why limit the height of your battey...I believe there are a few batteries with like 100 ah that will fit (l x w) in that space....like a ub 121000 (12x6.63x8.63???

[rotaecho]

I've read bad things about the UB setup, so going one battery for a seat. I still want the seat to swivel, so can't go to high.

[rotaecho]

That is a single battery my bad. Normal lead acid type though. I think AGM is way to go based on my research.

[4x4BNB]

its a sealed lead acid battery....no venting

[rotaecho]

I'll consider it down the line. I already purchased the 1750.

[rotaecho]

Okay, here are some initial photos. I have some Blue Sea Rotating Cable Caps under way:

http://www.bluesea.com/products/category/Insulators/Rotating_CableCap

Photos of that when I get them.

I *believe* this will rotate as is, but the final test will probably be this weekend.

The lip that the door hinges on, I bent inward to create a non-jagged edge against the seat. It works very well, I just need to find some type of rubber lip to go over it. I think that'd make it look nicer; google isn't helping me much now.

Now for the photos:

_________________
-Will
1982 Westfalia mTDI (50deg) aka Betsy Bertha
http://www.tdivanagons.com

[rotaecho]

Okay, I'm still on the fence with this:

Why?

Well, this would be a good location if trimmed around the bolt hole (since having a bolt hole is always nice) for having more access to put a busbar or whatever battery related shit at behind on the top of the seat wheel-well location. I can get to it, but it's a real PITA more than it is already.

I looked at my other seat and that location isn't even an issue regarding safety that I can see.

Now my purist friend is freaking the fuck out when I said I was going to sawzaw some of the lip off till around 1" around the bolt hole. In his worse-case-mindset, he thinks I may be able to air-grind it where the weld-marks are and remove it to "restore later". I kinda think the whole original stock mindset is a joke with my 82' diesel. I'm all about logical and efficient improvements which usually leave the "stock" in history. The diesel just feels like a "non-stock" machine. Kinda like VW was like, "Here's the base, now go mod crazy folk!".

Any insights on this is greatly appreciated. I can't be the only one who's thinking, "WTF, it won't hurt anything" . . . or am I not seeing some magical scenario I'll regret later?

The whole "VW stock" mindset some VW owners have isn't a concern of mine, but I don't want to do something stupid that I think logical seems sound. I'm an engineer, so when Betsy asks for some improvements I am all too happy to help

Thanks anyone/everyone
_________________
-Will
1982 Westfalia mTDI (50deg) aka Betsy Bertha
http://www.tdivanagons.com

[dhaavers]

^^^ Is that the mounting point for the original battery hold-down?
I'm not sure, cause mine was long gone when we bought our baby.

Anyone...???

Like this:

_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[j_dirge]

[MarkWard]

As stated it was part of the battery holddown, but is a pretty stout piece of metal. It may preform a second purpose of reinforcing the seat base lip, but the base does have a stamped U just in front of it that adds strength. I'd say if you are going to remove it, to grind the welds back and take it off as a piece. Save it.

I have to say, that I'd be disappointed to buy a vanagon and find that lip bent over like that, but that is for the next owner to worry about. When camping, the passenger seat in ours, is always turned around. The battery box ends up being a foot rest at times. You may want to think about some sort of cover if you do turn the seat around.

[Michael4104]

To the OP.
Your foul language adds nothing to your build. Why use it?

[rotaecho]

Because, that's how I am. I curse. If people don't like it, don't read the thread/reply. It's no different than cuss word on T.V. or the stereo.

People concerned with with foul language tend have little else to be concerned with in my experience.

[rotaecho]

Thanks everyone for the battery hold down. I didn't think of that, so I'll leave it as is. I don't see my odyssey bouncing out of this, but never know.

RSXR, if that lip where the lid goes wasn't such a waste of space, I'd keep it. But bending that down let the battery slip right in. Very snug and feels perfect.

I do turn the seat around often, but I have purchased thick insulated covers for protecting the posts. I'll post photos of that tomorrow. I also like them kinda open to help reduce the venting or heat the battery will produce.

Not many people to be concerned with that other than me and the pups

As for a future owner, I honestly see this van either being totaled or my death happening before my selling hehe. Hopefully, she is around till I die.

[rotaecho]

Photo

_________________
-Will
1982 Westfalia mTDI (50deg) aka Betsy Bertha
http://www.tdivanagons.com

[rotaecho]

This is the photo of my driver (also aux) setup with my solar / aux fuse block above it

_________________
-Will
1982 Westfalia mTDI (50deg) aka Betsy Bertha
http://www.tdivanagons.com

[Abscate]

Batteries need to be covered. At least cover the terminals with something. An umbrella, a mylar balloon, all kinds of things can fall in and create a 1kW short
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[DLJ]

Nice work so far. The thick bracket you refer to is for a battery hold down.
Also you may want to consider using a different battery lug attachment. One that bolts on the side. This will give you a little more vertical hight space.