if a correct battery appearance is only important when you are showing the car, drain the acid out of the dead one, rinse it thoughly with distilled water and only put it in at shows. PITA i know but a battery will only last so long before it's eaten itself alive. then it will attack the case and unnoticed you will have a bigger problem on your hands - don't ask how i know! and thanks again for the GREAT customer service! i recommend you every chance i get!