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SCM
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Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 785
Location: Bozeman MT
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 Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 2:11 pm Post subject: |
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| dobryan wrote: | | The North Rim is usually closed well into May due to snow |
A client of mine did a 5 day backpack trip from the North Rim a few weeks ago. He said that the official entrance was gated shut but that there are a couple unmaintaned roads that bypass the official route.
To quote him "it's a bit of an intelligence test as to whether you and you vehicle should travel those roads". But I imagine a Syncro would have no problem if you can find them.
As an aside, wifey and I are leaving for Moab/Fruita/Vernal this Saturday. Our Westy is still on "local duty only" until a few more items are squared away. I suspect we'll catch glimpses of you guys and will feel quite jealous when we do.
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic
2.3L GoWesty Engine |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 2081
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 5:37 pm Post subject: |
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| SCM wrote: | | dobryan wrote: | | The North Rim is usually closed well into May due to snow |
A client of mine did a 5 day backpack trip from the North Rim a few weeks ago. He said that the official entrance was gated shut but that there are a couple unmaintaned roads that bypass the official route.
To quote him "it's a bit of an intelligence test as to whether you and you vehicle should travel those roads". But I imagine a Syncro would have no problem if you can find them.
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Sounds like fun! 
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 w/ TBD and Locker
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stephenson |
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photogdave
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Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 1177
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
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| Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 1:53 pm Post subject: |
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STRESS! Getting the van ready, did a cursory check of the coolant fill tank - EMPTY! Just replaced the rad, heater valve and some hoses less than two weeks ago!
Sure enough got a nice little pool of coolant in the spare. Van is at the shop and my fingers are crossed. 
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| carterzest wrote: | | That was such a tight exhaust before that little ditch |
89 Syncro GL Westfalia 2.1 WBX
My Westy Movies:
http://vimeo.com/user8267150/videos |
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IdahoDoug
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Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 3654
Location: N. Idaho
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| Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 5:40 pm Post subject: |
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Ive got tools..
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photogdave
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Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 1177
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 5:04 pm Post subject: |
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I'm all packed and about to hit the road.
After going through two brand-new crappy aftermarket heater valves, the garage finally replaced it with a stock valve that they pulled from a junker.
Good news - no leaks. Bad news - heat doesn't shut off all the way. This won't be ideal in the Utah desert!
If anyone coming to the Solstice wants to put the parts together for the TK-style shutoff valve (and help me install it) I'll gladly pay you back in beer, cash or manual labor.
Next stop Washington State, then Idaho Doug's!
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| carterzest wrote: | | That was such a tight exhaust before that little ditch |
89 Syncro GL Westfalia 2.1 WBX
My Westy Movies:
http://vimeo.com/user8267150/videos |
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carterzest
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2008
Posts: 3203
Location: PDX/RipCity/StumpTown
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 6:09 pm Post subject: |
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| photogdave wrote: | I'm all packed and about to hit the road.
After going through two brand-new crappy aftermarket heater valves, the garage finally replaced it with a stock valve that they pulled from a junker.
Good news - no leaks. Bad news - heat doesn't shut off all the way. This won't be ideal in the Utah desert!
If anyone coming to the Solstice wants to put the parts together for the TK-style shutoff valve (and help me install it) I'll gladly pay you back in beer, cash or manual labor.
Next stop Washington State, then Idaho Doug's! |
A well placed set of small vice grips to the left of the glovebox will MacGyver fix that for you  Buy a cheap set at Harbor Freight.
Safe travels to you and enjoy Moab. I will be there two weeks after Solstice. Can't wait!
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Jeffrey Carter ~o~ PDX Thread ~o~NWMF2013
86 SyncWesty/86 SyncTintop | tencentlife wrote: | | Get lost! It's fun! |
| tencentlife wrote: | | Personally I think discussing conversions is always fine, but YAECT'ers are a special breed of asshat. |
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IdahoDoug
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Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 3654
Location: N. Idaho
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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Details? My stock heat doesnt go all the way off. What n where should b clamped?
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carterzest
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2008
Posts: 3203
Location: PDX/RipCity/StumpTown
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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| IdahoDoug wrote: | | Details? My stock heat doesnt go all the way off. What n where should b clamped? |
From this thread in the stickies
Here is a pic of the valve installed, but, that is also the line that one can clamp off the flow with a set of cheap vice grips. Saw Bud from HappyCampers Hawaii and a friend of his do this on the fly while going out on a trailride from NorthWest MogFest last summer.
| McVanagon wrote: | I've seen this mod before. This guy made a trip to the Home Depot.
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Most vanagon types could do this mod by themselves.
The whole thread is worth a read
| tencentlife wrote: | | The Reflectix wrap I put on under the carpet solved my hot-foot definitively; I've never even noticed my foot getting warm since doing that. |
Terry Kay does have a solution pre-sorted, but, as Chris says above, that may not fix everything.
| Quote: | 83.5 to 91Acccessory Front Heater Shut Off Valve
Here's the answer for your hot feet durring 100 degree weather---
A positive, absolute, never leak, hot water shut off valve.
Ever tried to either adjust the stock front heater valve, or move the cable on the cheap VW stock retaining clip?
It's a pain to get to, and a bigger pain to adjust.
Here's a simple solution---
Install this valve either under the front heater cover on one of the horizontal hoses, or anywhere under the Vanagon on either one of the front heater hoses.
In the back of the Van or in the front., it makes no difference.
Now you can positivly shut down the water flow duriing the summer---simple & easy--and it won't leak any hot water to the front heater core creating more heat than you really want up front.
You'll be amazed at how much better your AC unit will work without fighting the heat blowing out of the front floor vents.
Your tootsie's will thank you too---
And for winter running it's as simple as flipping the lever open--a 2 second job.
I mounted the valve under the front heater cover in front of the shfter.
I pull the cover, flip the valve the heat is on in the winter and off in the spring.
Installation Time?
Maybe 5--10 minutes at best.
The custom made heater valve assembly complete with the stainless clamps is $29.80 plus priority mail shipping.
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http://community-2.webtv.net/VanStuff/VanagonWestfalia/
scroll down for the valve/
Jeffrey
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Jeffrey Carter ~o~ PDX Thread ~o~NWMF2013
86 SyncWesty/86 SyncTintop | tencentlife wrote: | | Get lost! It's fun! |
| tencentlife wrote: | | Personally I think discussing conversions is always fine, but YAECT'ers are a special breed of asshat. |
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IdahoDoug
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Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 3654
Location: N. Idaho
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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Nice - thanks!
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carterzest
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Joined: January 22, 2008
Posts: 3203
Location: PDX/RipCity/StumpTown
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 11:35 pm Post subject: |
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| IdahoDoug wrote: | | Nice - thanks! |
You are welcome Doug.
Why don't you rally with me to Moab later this month, we will meet in BOI,
And break "Georgia May" in 
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Jeffrey Carter ~o~ PDX Thread ~o~NWMF2013
86 SyncWesty/86 SyncTintop | tencentlife wrote: | | Get lost! It's fun! |
| tencentlife wrote: | | Personally I think discussing conversions is always fine, but YAECT'ers are a special breed of asshat. |
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IdahoDoug
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Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 3654
Location: N. Idaho
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| Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 12:36 am Post subject: |
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So Dave is outside my home nestled in his gorgeous Westy Syncro. Plugged into the house power and plugged into the WiFi, and stuffed full of pasta. I'm really glad he made the stop here - super guy.
He pulled up with precision timing just after I'd disconnected the driveshaft and was about to lower the transmission to work on the starter connections (yuk). So, saved me from the difficult part. Instead, we yakked, then drove down the hill to Dragonfly Vans to make intros and yak some more VW stuff, while taking pictures of 3 red Vanagons - 2 Syncros parked side by side.
Then back to our home for Pasta, aged Balsamic over cukes and tomatoes, veggies and choc mousse pudding for dessert. After that, a late evening walk around the neighborhood and back home. More yakking, then showed Dave my Moab videos, and then we all pored over maps of his intended travel destinations with tea. Setting him up for breakfast the next morning, Dave was glad I use Kicking Horse Coffee from his neck of the woods.
Then, my wife wanted to see the Westy in the dark, so Dave gave a nice tour. Then a shower and I shut off the house security lights so he's got nothing but stars in the windows. Hope the newspaper delivery guy doesnt wake him before I can get that coffee on.....
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GWTWTLW
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Joined: April 22, 2008
Posts: 1681
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 3:06 pm Post subject: |
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| carterzest wrote: |
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Sorry to hijack an already hijacked thread, but what is the best way to get this panel off? I've managed to get mine about half way and broken something so it won't go back together again. I don't want to break anything that will stop me from putting a new one on. I need to get my syncro panel installed.
Thx!
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89 Syncro Westy - 75% of a GW 2.5 |
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Classicvibe
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Joined: August 03, 2009
Posts: 716
Location: Salt Lake City
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| Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 3:27 pm Post subject: |
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| IdahoDoug wrote: | So Dave is outside my home nestled in his gorgeous Westy Syncro. Plugged into the house power and plugged into the WiFi, and stuffed full of pasta. I'm really glad he made the stop here - super guy.
He pulled up with precision timing just after I'd disconnected the driveshaft and was about to lower the transmission to work on the starter connections (yuk). So, saved me from the difficult part. Instead, we yakked, then drove down the hill to Dragonfly Vans to make intros and yak some more VW stuff, while taking pictures of 3 red Vanagons - 2 Syncros parked side by side.
Then back to our home for Pasta, aged Balsamic over cukes and tomatoes, veggies and choc mousse pudding for dessert. After that, a late evening walk around the neighborhood and back home. More yakking, then showed Dave my Moab videos, and then we all pored over maps of his intended travel destinations with tea. Setting him up for breakfast the next morning, Dave was glad I use Kicking Horse Coffee from his neck of the woods.
Then, my wife wanted to see the Westy in the dark, so Dave gave a nice tour. Then a shower and I shut off the house security lights so he's got nothing but stars in the windows. Hope the newspaper delivery guy doesnt wake him before I can get that coffee on..... |
Holy smack, I would like to make my reservations next @ La driveway del Doug-n-wife. Dave is going to show up a happy(er) man!
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Peace, Johnny
...on a mission
The destination is just an excuse.
My van is going to kick ass for the next Solstice...I'm just sayin'
1986-n-a-half Pop-top Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition Weekender Syncro Kombi |
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photogdave
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Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 1177
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
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| Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 11:06 am Post subject: |
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Made it!
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| carterzest wrote: | | That was such a tight exhaust before that little ditch |
89 Syncro GL Westfalia 2.1 WBX
My Westy Movies:
http://vimeo.com/user8267150/videos |
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carterzest
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2008
Posts: 3203
Location: PDX/RipCity/StumpTown
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| Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 12:25 pm Post subject: |
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| photogdave wrote: | | Made it! |
Woot! Can't wait for pics. Just noticed the Syncro Solstice 2012 thread got moved to Shows/Events/Camping/Club's thread in case anyone is looking for the main thread. Glad you made it. Have a great time!
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Jeffrey Carter ~o~ PDX Thread ~o~NWMF2013
86 SyncWesty/86 SyncTintop | tencentlife wrote: | | Get lost! It's fun! |
| tencentlife wrote: | | Personally I think discussing conversions is always fine, but YAECT'ers are a special breed of asshat. |
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IdahoDoug
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Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 3654
Location: N. Idaho
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| Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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Great news, and also looking forward to some visuals from the event to appear on Samba. Be safe and have a relaxing time.
On the panel removal, I'm assuming the panel that's missing in the pic? The large one? It's a not-so-obvious straight friction pulling out once the screw are removed. Carefully look at it with a flashlight and you'll see the logic in the design. Easy to break if you're pulling in the wrong direction but pops right off if you have a look and see what needs to be done.
The locker panel can be put together in the wrong sequence, also. You'll have to disassemble and start over. So, pay attention as you're installing it so you don't have to start over. Heh....
DougM
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ranchero
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Joined: October 11, 2006
Posts: 334
Location: Salida, CO
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| Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 6:10 am Post subject: |
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Dave - you should have come down to Overland Expo - It has been a blast! Just a few out of 500 or so (?) vehicles are Syncros. Hope your trip is going well. A Syncro Westy is a bargain compared to most of the iron here.
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'90 Westy Syncro EJ25 (money pit #1)
'95 Audi S6 Avant (money pit #2)
'96 FZJ80 (cheap by comparison^^) |
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GWTWTLW
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Joined: April 22, 2008
Posts: 1681
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 8:38 am Post subject: |
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| IdahoDoug wrote: |
On the panel removal, I'm assuming the panel that's missing in the pic? The large one? It's a not-so-obvious straight friction pulling out once the screw are removed. Carefully look at it with a flashlight and you'll see the logic in the design. Easy to break if you're pulling in the wrong direction but pops right off if you have a look and see what needs to be done.
The locker panel can be put together in the wrong sequence, also. You'll have to disassemble and start over. So, pay attention as you're installing it so you don't have to start over. Heh....
DougM |
Turns out the PO had screwed the panel in with brackets. I was able to get it out and I have successfully installed the new panel with the locker controls. All I need is a harness that plugs into the light board or I need to solder onto the existing one. I have a temporary light in place for now...
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89 Syncro Westy - 75% of a GW 2.5 |
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IdahoDoug
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Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 3654
Location: N. Idaho
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| Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 8:42 am Post subject: |
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IIRC the wiring harness merely slides onto the edge of the circuit board with the simplest of possible springy metal friction connector. So, soldering would be in improvement. Just make a pigtail you can disconnect for disassembly.
Nice job.
Doug
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photogdave
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Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 1177
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
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| Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 7:35 pm Post subject: |
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| ranchero wrote: | | Dave - you should have come down to Overland Expo - It has been a blast! Just a few out of 500 or so (?) vehicles are Syncros. Hope your trip is going well. A Syncro Westy is a bargain compared to most of the iron here. |
Yeah, would have been nice but I just had too much to do. It was cool to be camping neighbors with you and Ian. What a great time!
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| carterzest wrote: | | That was such a tight exhaust before that little ditch |
89 Syncro GL Westfalia 2.1 WBX
My Westy Movies:
http://vimeo.com/user8267150/videos |
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