12 Volt Battery in a '64 (square peg in a round hole?)

[Peter D.]

I did a search and couldn't find an answer...

Right now I'm test fitting a 12 volt Optima battery in the stock location on a '64 using a new battery cover from CIP1 (which actually seems very sturdy and well made) and what I'm starting the think is a 6 volt only battery strap.

The cover just barely fits on and I know I'm going to have clearance problems with the cables hitting the sides because the terminals are so far to the edge. I'll either insulate the terminals with some rubber covers or cut the sides of the cover.

Anyway, the strap is obviously too short so I made it longer with a bolt. But there's just no way it's every going to lock shut. The latch just flops open.

I've seen a two piece battery strap for sale from Wolfsburg West and a few other places. Would that do the trick? https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=113915305A

I hate buying parts that don't fit together and paying for shipping, etc. so any advice would be appreciated. I hope to get this battery to work because I paid $160 for it!
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2019 Golf Alltrack, '65 Ghia Coupe Restoration in Progress

[Braukuche]

You can just lay it down on its side, the terminal locations are weird, all mine are on top.
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Go Reds! Smash state!

Retirement is here!
1956 Ghia
1959 SO-23 Westfalia
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now

[anthracitedub]

That spray foam in the inner panel is scary business.😬

[Trylon]

Here’s a pic of what the PO did:

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1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire

More tomfoolery on
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