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Sat Sep 20, 2003 9:25 pm

I just bought a 76 and want to convert it to a weekend camper. I Can make all the Cabinets and install all the bells and whistles, I just need some help in locations(where to put the stuff). I'm new to the vw life but so far its fun., I also need to get a windshield any ideas?[/quote]

Sat Sep 20, 2003 9:56 pm

Any auto glass shop should be able to hook you up with a windshield, or you could possibly luck out at a junkyard, I once came across a brand new one, inside a van. I didn't have a van at the time, so I never got it, but it would have only been $20, I wish I'd have got it and stuck it in a closet! As to locations It depends on what you want. The later models seem a bit more spacious, with all the cabinets along the driver's side, but the bench seat is only 2/3. Some campers have cabinets behind the driver's seat, and the passenger seat. You ought to search the gallery a bit, and check out some of the layouts out there. Jeremy

Sun Sep 21, 2003 6:58 am

I could make it real easy for you. I have a complete camper interior for sale, including the jalousie windows. The interior is from a 68-71 westy, and will bolt right in your 76. Email me if interested and I'll send you pics. Will sell it cheap, just needs to be gone. thanks.

terry
phishfud@cs.com

Mon Sep 22, 2003 6:20 pm

I think bolting in a westy interior might be the easiest way to go, but personally I think the westy interior's are a waste of space. If I were you I would opt for a Z-bed and add some curtains. If you don't really need to carry more than 2 passengers, you might also want to get rid of the rear seat entirely and replace it with a custom built box. Build the box so that's even with the sheet metal over the engine and build it out to where the sliding door opens. Put a hinge on the box and put a futon mattress on top and now you have storage and a full size bed.

Mon Sep 22, 2003 10:54 pm

I agree on the "westy interior as wasted space" viewpoint. For us hardtop camper owners, a full bed is much more valuable than a builtin cabinet, etc. For me, the solution was to modify the fold-down seat in the back by moving the whole assembly forward toward the cab about a foot and a half (moving the studs isn't all that hard) and then building an extension to the rear deck behind the new seat location such that when I fold down my rear seat it yields a full-size bed. There is still plenty of room without the middle seat installed, and your backseat passengers no longer feel like they're a mile away when driving!