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Wilson's Retrofit / Mod's / Solar Power and Dial In Work
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billwilson
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Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
billwilson is offline 

PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 10:36 am    Post subject: Wilson's Retrofit / Mod's / Solar Power and Dial In Work Reply with quote

Gents
(fyi- i am going to continue to edit this
post with odds and ends about the various stuff because:
1) i am so freaking happy with the end results
and
2) being the OC person that i am, i cannot help myself Smile

Thank you all for making this possible

Rough Costs
Purchase Price $8,900
Parts & Labor $6,000

includes, wheels, tires, truck fridg, fiamma, new propane, 200 amp hours
of batteries, 130 watt solar panel, solar controler, battery combiner/seperatior, rebuild front end, full major tune up, new belts
install fridge, rewire rig, hard wire 5 new lights (4 lights, 1 flashlight, four 12 v outlets, install yakamas and bombay lifts, new seatbelts, install mud flaps,
and a bit more

also included above is detailing of Wilson by
Steve, of Selective Auto Detail in Orange County California
- Steve spent THREE FULL DAYS inside Wilson
- A mere 6 hours outside

Misc $1,000
Yes i could have saved a bunch by shopping more
and doing installs myself
But:
1) would have missed Income at my Shop
2) would have not been able to camp during mechanic visits

All major mechanical gone thru

All work and installs done by Unique Imports in Mission Viejo California
Chip and his crew are GREAT


well not true, i did the closet mod and installed the Farang Buddha
(hula girl), and i will be stiching on the wheelskin cover

No new motor or tranny
Runs great
I am happy with all mods and installs
I will detail them in detail when i move pics

Solar runs everything
REAL happy i did not get the GW solar

Only big pieces to do
- propex
- back up motor and tranny / considering WBX alternative & TenCent

thanx again guys and gals

Several small planned trips this summer
A two weeker to Utah & Montana
Then a month in The Baja

The Wilson

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Coco Mats from http://www.cocomats.com/Custom.htm
full three piece set
The owner sent me paper templates and color samples
I doctored up the patterens and chose my color
They rock, i have a set in my Grand Cherokee also

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Mud Flaps Tires and Wheels

Tires = General Alimax RT 215/60 - R.16 95T

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Cooper the Westy and Wilson the Westy & back of "Farang Buddha"

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Fiamma Solar and Yakimas
Panel is Kyocera 130 watt
Yakimas are from GW

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BVG XR2 Revolution Swing-Away Bike rack from RackNRoad.com
on GW bolt on hitch

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Closet mod


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Xtra interior lights
2 florecent from GW
2 Oshram map lites
1 Streamlight hard wired flashlite ( can see in the upper right corner)

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New Propane tank - GW

FYI:
The Propane tank needed to be "purged or flushed" or some BS deal
My local Uhaul dealer could not do the deal
The instructions also mention that
We wound up putting in 0.2 propane and bleeding it out
for 30 min
Worked fine
I will still find a propane specialist to do the deal just on general principals


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Solar meter Xtra lite and Oshram # 1

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TEMP battery bank # 2 location showing Sure Power Battery combiner/seperator

(battery bank # 1 is Karls "4pac" under driver seat)
see last battery pic...


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Driver seat back showing Hard Wire Jumper cable outlet

from Terry at http://community-2.webtv.net/VanStuff/VanagonWestfalia/
I also have his Upper Bunk step

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TEMP location of solar controler and fuse box under Truck fridge

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Truck Fridge and lower cabinet and carrot cake cupcakes !
AND one of FOUR 12 v outlets from West Marine


Ordered from Vengor listed on Karls site

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Another 12v West marine outlet in back seat
and two more on dash, at top of photo

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Turbo fan, noisy but blows ALOT
(NO, that is my Wifes I phone!)

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Folding wash station and bucket from REI

Wife loves it!

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Buse Shelf IT ROCKS!!!

notice my shims to hold it level instead of cranking down the U-bolts

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Life is good!

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_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!


Last edited by billwilson on Thu May 07, 2009 6:49 am; edited 5 times in total
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billwilson
Samba Member


Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
billwilson is offline 

PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I will post a full parts and price detail soon in my
gallery along with why and how i chosed some of the
things

BW
_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
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HeftySmurf
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Joined: June 15, 2008
Posts: 879
Location: Washington, USA
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Awesome man, in about 2 weeks ill be making a similar photofilled collauge of van porn......
Van looks dope, did you mod the front mudflap?
_________________
-Lorenzo
90 GL w/ Bostig
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billwilson
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Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

HeftySmurf wrote:
Awesome man, in about 2 weeks ill be making a similar photofilled collauge of van porn......
Van looks dope, did you mod the front mudflap?


thanx buddy
serious porn!!

flaps came with NO instructions

I drilled the front so it would wrap with the body molding
there is one screw from the back into the flap
holding the curve

the rears i used the factory holes

i like em
i did not at first, wanted to black out the stainless
now i am down with it

side bar
wife and i have been home from sunday errands
she is still puttering around Wilson 90 min later
cool

FYI gents
dont flame me too much
because i am so SENSITIVE Embarassed
but feel free to ask hows and whys

so far with three 2 niters under my belt and
a week or so of daily driving/running errands
i am STOKED with Wilson
now if i can get my staff to actually work
when i am not there so i can Roadtrip with the Wife

bw
_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
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View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
HeftySmurf
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Joined: June 15, 2008
Posts: 879
Location: Washington, USA
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yeah they are suposed to be set back a bit like the rear.
I havent put mine on yet, wtf is up with no directions. i got the proper instruction though. I will be painting the hardware, even though its a PIA, but it'll bug me if I dont. Mad
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-Lorenzo
90 GL w/ Bostig
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woggs1
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Joined: February 22, 2007
Posts: 531
Location: South Pacifica California
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bill,
Thanks for posting all that, your van is very nice! You gave me some ideas, thanks again.
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ohlott
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Joined: March 28, 2007
Posts: 294
Location: san clemente CA
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bill,
Van looks great...Let me know when you are camping in San clemente. I will stop by. I am looking to do the same set up as you for the truck Fridge.
Happy Camping!
Lott
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billwilson
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Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

HeftySmurf wrote:
Yeah they are suposed to be set back a bit like the rear.
I havent put mine on yet, wtf is up with no directions. i got the proper instruction though. I will be painting the hardware, even though its a PIA, but it'll bug me if I dont. Mad


the van is pre drilled to have front and back
flaps set back

i tweaked the fronts and defaulted on the rear
_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
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?Waldo?
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I love the Westy with the Westy.

Andrew
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billwilson
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Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ohlott wrote:
Bill,
Van looks great...Let me know when you are camping in San clemente. I will stop by. I am looking to do the same set up as you for the truck Fridge.
Happy Camping!
Lott


Will do buddy

Laughlin in two weeks

then end of month in Carlsbad

may do an overnite local on the walk in deal
_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
billwilson
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Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Andrew A. Libby wrote:
I love the Westy with the Westy.

Andrew


The dog started this all

was trying to find a dog for the New Mrs. Wilson
drove to BFE and back a bunch to breeders
for diff kinds of dogs

got home from Ramona one nite and my buddy had suggested
a Westy.

So i googled "westy" and a pic of a westy dog came up on some lake with a couple in a westy camper

i am looking at dog
the wife says, i like both
so, wtf, now i have both

best of all my Wife is happy
_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
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guggenheim
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Joined: July 16, 2007
Posts: 252
Location: Portland
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice mods Bill. That GW propane set-up looks nice.

What tires are you running? Size?
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levi
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Posts: 5522
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow, that's got to be about the cleanest van I've ever seen.
_________________
One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way

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Bruce Wayne
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 6:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

very nice.
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j8
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 6:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

looks really sharp... and you're giving me ideas for our westy! (van westy, not the dog westy)
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'89 2WD Westy (No end to names...)
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madspaniard
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 8:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks Bill,

about time you posted some pics and info, I was waiting anxiously. Now, would you tell me what battery you have in the rear bench and if it is connected directly to the alternator/starter?
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Vanagon Nut
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 8:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey man. Great pics and mods.

I've been so focused on mechanical things, I'm currently running a pretty minimal/low tech set up in terms of camping. (though it works well enough) Nice to see how things can be done right and look great.

btw. Thanks for pic on hardwired jumper connections. I was thinking of what one could install for that purpose just today. (yah. I left my lights on twice this month Rolling Eyes Laughing )

Cool beans man.

Neil.
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1988 West, 50º ABA

Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:
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billwilson
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Joined: March 16, 2009
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Location: San Clemente, CA
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 9:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

madspaniard wrote:
thanks Bill,

about time you posted some pics and info, I was waiting anxiously. Now, would you tell me what battery you have in the rear bench and if it is connected directly to the alternator/starter?


batteries
Qty Item Options Price
1 4 Pack Universal Power UB12220 Bolt On (12V, 22AH)
Item # 360052729773 $144.88 USD
1 UNIVERSAL UB121100 (110AH) 30H MARINE MEDICAL BATTERY NEW
Item # 360007112333 $170.88 USD
1 Discount amount
Item # DiscountAmount $0.00 USD
Amount $315.76 USD

this is a cut and paste from the emai on line seller "factories on line"

I followed Karls advice and went with the UB batteries
I shopped on line for a while, price is ok

If i was not so lazy i would have driven to pick them up
However, still not a bargen as i would have had to take time off work

as i said in my post, i have been shore power free for a couple of weeks now

I have one popcicle left in the freezer......
_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
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JeffRobenolt
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 9:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

the only thing your missing is tint
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billwilson
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Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
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PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2009 9:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

guggenheim wrote:
Nice mods Bill. That GW propane set-up looks nice.

What tires are you running? Size?



Thanx man

The Propane needed to be "purged or flushed" or some BS deal
My local Uhaul dealer could not do the deal
The instructions also mention that
We wound up putting in 0.2 propane and bleeding it out
for 30 min
Worked fine
I will still find a propane specialist to do the deal just on general principals

tires
I believe they are 165-60
I will ck it out

I will also post the rim specs and tire brand
_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
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