Battery Size?

It's worth pointing out that the battery autozone sells for the beetle does come with a plastic postitive terminal cover, but it is NOT up to the task. You need to completely cover the battery to be safe.

Couple months back I was washing windows in the super slug and sure as hell, sat down on the back seat and heard something 'odd', started smelling something bad, and sure enough...the seat spring had shorted to the battery. It got hot in a hurry, no fire thankfully. I cut a piece of plywood to cover the entire battery tray area as a precaution after that incident.

Chris

i have done this to nearly every vw i ever owned, due to an incident nearly identical to the one you describe....i have also swapped out battery leads to use sidepost before....i have an optima(red) in my bug now, so i also cut a piece of plywood....

The side-post battery is a good idea, I might try that next time I need to replace mine. The optima's are supposed to be pretty good, a bit pricey last time I looked but everyone I've talked to that installed one has been happy with it.

Chris

i got the optima because it is sealed....pan protection, i guess...

yes because its sealed, and afaik yes a bit spendy compared to the average

65dollar FLAPS battery but you pay double an usually get about triple the longevity