My 1985 300Ds battery seems to have died

I had it disconnected all winter and car did start when I hooked it up a few weeks ago. It was a bit weak, so I charged it fully 2 days ago. But today, if it wasn't for the good compression, I would have been stranded. Checked voltage when I got back and it was just over 10V. Have it back on charge and will do a load test once charged.

Questions 1.
I always have a heck of a time getting battery in and out of car. I have to totally remove the air cleaner. The battery seems to fit the tray properly but perhaps it is too high? Invoice says it is a 49-850. What size battery do y'all use?

Question 2 (for Canucks)
The battery is a CT Motomaster Eliminator. Comes with 3 year free replacement warranty. After that warrantied for another 6 years on a prorated basis. I bought battery on Oct 29, 2010. So I have had 3 1/2 years out of it. If I understand the warranty, I will have to pay 3.5/9 = 38.9% of cost of new one. Anyone had experience with CT warranty?

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5