DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

I have just tried to fit a battery and spare wheel in my 356 coupe replica.

Using a 12v 065 battery in the base of the spare wheel well, theres no way the 155x15 wheel will go in. Theres quite a bit of space but access is pinched between the top of the battery and the bonnet catch

I tried putting the wheel over the fuel tank but the lid won't close.

I have found a solution with the battery up behind the dash under the scuttle, but its not a place I have ever seen it done and does require a fairly long cable to starter which I luckily have.

What has everyone else done, maybe no one carries a spare nowadays. I don't think its a coupe issue as speedsters would be the same under the front.

Before I start wiring it all in, can anyone point out what I am missing.
Cheers
Richard

Hi Richard

Have you looked at Optima batteries, they can be mounted in all directions and they are small. Have one lying flat in my 356.

Barry

Thats an idea.

Having a quick look at Optima yellowtops, something with around 45-50 Ah is not that much smaller than the equivalent lead battery. On its side it might be a bit flatter.

Seems like the CCA of the Optima's is higher than lead though, A typical battery for VW has 400-500CCA, the comparable optima battery is only 38ah but is significantly smaller.

Anyone know whats more important Amp hours or CCA. I am conscious that the 356 has its battery up front whereas the Beetle has it in the back close to the starter

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In most of the early 911's I've owned - plus my 904 replica - I used a lightweight Odyssey 680 battery.

Also used one in a variety of other non-Porsche cars.

You can pick them up easily with one hand.

However, I had the minimum of electrical requirements in my cars.

If you decide to go down this route make sure that you shop around though as there is always a tremendous variation in prices ...


https://raceandrally.com/odyssey-extrem ... gJxRfD_BwE

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I’m with you Andy. I also use the Oddessy 680 in the Speedster. Not had any probs so far.

I do carry a spare only if I’m going out the country. Just in case to speed things up.

So the odyssey 680 is 16ah and 220cca. Thats about half a beetle spec battery. How is it man enough

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All I can say is that I've never had any problems starting the cars - & the engine in my 904 was a high compression twin-plug version.

Mind you, I always fit a lightweight high torque starter as well.

Thanks, useful to know.

I am using a small race battery similar to the Odyssey. It is 230 CCA. My car is still in the build stage but it is a similar CCA requirement to the Beetle and I’ve been told this should be sufficient.

It sits in an aluminium bracket in the right hand side of the engine compartment. Fixings bolt the bracket through the firewall to the steel frame under the rear wheel arch (mine’s a Speedster Clinic coupe). It’s a squeeze but I wanted to mount the battery near the starter and keep the wheel well clear and minimise wiring under the bonnet.

I have a Beetle loom, no significant mods were required.

I did get an odyssey battery in the end, a fairly big one, but way smaller than lead acid one. Not cheap though!

Have you tried the battery yet - i am curious as to the outcome on this.

Also, does anyone have experience with the different starter motors that are available. There is a big difference in price between them and i don't know if this is an area where i should pay £260+ for a Genuine VW one or go for a £70 SSP version.

Any advice on this??

Thanks

Yes, i went for odyssey extreme 30 battery. A good chunk smaller than a lead battery. Its in the car, but i havent finalised its position yet but there are several options that also fit the spare tyre too.

It seems to start the car fine and the numbers sounded ample to me, 34amp, 400cca. Not cheap though!

I wouldn’t pay £260 for a starter motor. I’ve had Aircooled VWs since 1990 and the aftermarket starters I’ve bought have always been fine.

Thank you both for, i will now also look at the same battery and NOT pay over the odds for a starter motor!