Afternoon Rod : just noticed your battery info request. I've been out of the battery business for a long while so I too am unsure about 6-volt Bosch items. I worked for an agent stocking LINCON batteries for many years and indeed have one of theirs on my 1956 . It might be worth looking at their website (They're based in Leigh-On-Sea) and comparing specifications. When arriving in Ramsgate in 1956, beetles were fitted with mainly EXIDE batteries . My uncle who bought the car new always said the first thing to go wrong was the English battery which only lasted eight years !! Lincon's type 501 88 amp/hr capacity matches the dimensions of the original item exactly. Later 6 volt beetles were fitted with a type 404 (nominally 71 amp'hr capacity). The simplest guide to what was fitted originally is provided by the size of the metal lid and retaining strap. Try not to be tempted by the MBG six-volt type : though similar in capacity, they were known to foul the underside of the rear seat when ample-reared aunts were being taken out shopping ! There's nothing mysterious about higher capacity fitment. Liken it to venturing into the desert with a large tank of water as opposed to a small one. Basically The spec stating ampere hour capacity is an indication of the amps available over a stated period, eg my ovals sidelights draw about 4 amps ( bulbs totalling approximately 24 watts divided by six volts equals 4 amps ) so in theory my 88 amp battery would last 22 hours ( 4 amps for 22 hours equals 88 amp/hrs ). Unless you intend drag racing your car, I'd opt for the largest capacity six volt that space allows. It is worth remembering that staying six volt means cables carry higher amperage than an equal wattage load would impose on a twelve volt circuit so never be tempted to run thinner cables when replacing or adding to beetle looms. Hope this helps !
Jollychuffy wrote:
