STARTING, SEALED Battery under passenger seat options

[JDub113]

Anybody runnin a sealed battery under passenger seat in a westy?

My sheet metal was butchered by PO getting in a stock group 41 and at that point, I'm venting fumes in the cabin.

Any previous experience is appreciated. If you have a sealed battery, please give the brand/model/group# please.
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84 Wolfsburg Edition Westy

[Team WorldTour]

I run an Optima Yellow Top in my van. As long as you don't have the original metal flap mounted, you shouldn't have any issues....
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1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
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"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!

[JDub113]

Would you mind grabbing me the group number or picture, both? The website does not directly identify anything fitting our vehicles. My last Red Top gave me 13 yr service in my Jeep..so I'm a fan
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84 Wolfsburg Edition Westy

[Team WorldTour]

...and it won't. These are generic fit batteries, that happen to be made real well.
Our vans use a Group 41 battery, and I have found the 34/78 battery to fit W & L just fine ( it IS a little too tall, hence the battery flap comment).

I also found that removing the top terminals and using the side terminals allowed me to swivel my seat around, too!
_________________
1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
Click to view image
H6 Subaru Engine Swap Thread
WV2ZZZ25ZFH094138(x)/ WV2YB0257LH057308(x)/ WV2ZZZ25ZLG113270/
"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!

[JDub113]

Ah. Sorry. Sometimes I'll read only what I want to I guess...

I do want to keep that plate there to step on it, etc. maybe somebody else will chime in.
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84 Wolfsburg Edition Westy

[kamzcab86]

My van has a Group 41 from AAA.

My Cabriolet also takes a 41, but the AAA guy didn't have one on his truck. He installed a Group 47 (aka H4), which is slightly smaller (length-wise), but with the same CCA's. I actually prefer the 47 in my Cabriolet and will probably give it a try when the van's finally croaks (it's now 5 years old).
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~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子

[JDub113]

What brand do they provide you with? I've only got roadside assistance anyways.
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84 Wolfsburg Edition Westy

[1621]

I've had great results using a pair of Odyssey PC1200 batteries for both starting and auxiliary. Due to the configuration of our vans' ground and positive wire locations, they have the positive/negative posts set up opposite one another. IIRC the starting battery is designated "PC1200L" for left post positive while the auxiliary is the standard PC1200. They are positioned on their sides with the terminals towards the front of the van, and a heavy piece of rubber sheet preventing any potential contact with the sheet metal. With this setup, the lid for the starter fits nicely. It does require you to change from SAE terminal ends on the van's wiring to smaller ring terminals, but that's a small price to pay. In my opinion, these are some of the finest batteries (AGM design) made today, better even than the Optima red top (gel design) I also used in a Jeep for a decade.
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'85 Westy

[Gruppe B]

Just build the battery box deeper and put in a Group 24

(driver side but same thing)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0

[bluebus86]

[kamzcab86]

[JDub113]

No fumes.. just for safety sake and no leaks. Battery box is spotless.
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84 Wolfsburg Edition Westy

[Team WorldTour]

[JDub113]

Good call on the odyssey batteries. I think I would want at least 650cca. I'll search some more. Thanks man
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84 Wolfsburg Edition Westy

[Abscate]

Go see the thread on four ruined sealed batteries and think this through carefully...
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.ssS!

[JDub113]

Do you have more info? Not finding anything. Not sure why there would be a difference.
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84 Wolfsburg Edition Westy

[dobryan]

[Abscate]

Thanks dobryan - thats the one.

Upshot - you need to keep charge rate on sealed batteries down, about 5 Amps or less, or risk overheating them and killing them
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.ssS!

[JDub113]

Thanks for the link, but (by all means tell me if I'm wrong) this doesn't apply here?

Or when I'm plugged in 110v at a campsite, it's possible to have an issue? I don't understand.
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84 Wolfsburg Edition Westy

[Abscate]

If you keep,the sealed battery isolated from the alternator and wire a low amp charger to the 110 AC , you will be fine.
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.ssS!