TheSamba.com :: View topic - Westy Table vertical slider modification (How-to)

Sun Nov 20, 2022 11:01 am

I need a better solution, mine (on p1) works “ok”, but is just barely strong enough.
The simplicity of the magnet as a holder still appeals to me.
I might try larger magnets (3/8 diameter).
But if that doesn’t work maybe try something like jimf909.

Regarding those neodymium magnets screwed to the wall.
They don’t break at the screw hole?
Neodymium is brittle as glass.

Sun Nov 20, 2022 2:11 pm

Sodo wrote: Regarding those neodymium magnets screwed to the wall.
They don’t break at the screw hole?
Neodymium is brittle as glass.

You can buy predrilled versions: https://amfmagnets.com/products/neodymium-ring-12-5mm-x-3mm-x-6mm-sth-c-sunk-face

https://totalelement.com/products/1-2-x-1-2-x-1-4-...52-10-pack

Best idea for table swing, IMHO:

plummerdesign wrote: The elevating table is neat, especially to access the bins below. My fix was not for bin access, but for keeping the table in place when not using it. Simple solution using a child latch...cheap and works like a charm. No more swinging table!

Sun Nov 20, 2022 8:16 pm

This magnet (see prev. page) has worked swimmingly since 2019 for me, nothing has broken after hundreds(?) of cycles. I believe I tried the round magnets and didn't get enough stick-to-it-ive-ness with them. I don't believe the table has ever released from this magnet in my high-speed slalom runs on the skid pad. :wink: :D

p.s. I wish the straps I screwed to the table looked better but I haven't noticed them in years...until looking at that post.

Oy! I paid $8.76 for it back in 2019.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013L36SXA/ref=p...15e690da65

Sodo wrote: I need a better solution, mine (on p1) works “ok”, but is just barely strong enough.
The simplicity of the magnet as a holder still appeals to me.
I might try larger magnets (3/8 diameter).
But if that doesn’t work maybe try something like jimf909.

Regarding those neodymium magnets screwed to the wall.
They don’t break at the screw hole?
Neodymium is brittle as glass.

Mon Nov 21, 2022 10:26 pm

PDXWesty wrote: With the table up, you can get in the bins but you can't use the table or get in the closet. I like to get in the closet. I'm glad it works for someone!

I despise the closet so much that we took it out! Rather, we cut a huge hole in the inside of the closet insert, and put more shelves in there. We were going to put sliding doors on it, but after using it, we like it open.

I guess if you have clothes that hang, you need a closet. When we're camping, clothes that require hanging are banned.

Mon Nov 21, 2022 10:36 pm

I LOVE the raised table and if I put the small table there I can open the closet

Fri Jan 06, 2023 5:23 pm

So I've got the Van Cafe rear table extender kit here, and first step is to remove the table leg...which apparently has a flange at the bottom in my 1982! Do I need to get out the sawzall or maybe hack saw and take that off so I can install this baby? Anyone have experience with this issue? It's after their hours and I'd love to finish this project so I can put my van back together to travel tomorrow 8)

Sat Jan 07, 2023 6:31 pm

Beast McGee wrote: So I've got the Van Cafe rear table extender kit here....
The Westy table leg simply slides vertically out of the hole.
Do you have a Westfalia?

You should probably float us a pic of the problem before going after it with the SawZall.

Sat Jan 07, 2023 7:35 pm

Sodo wrote: Beast McGee wrote: So I've got the Van Cafe rear table extender kit here....
The Westy table leg simply slides vertically out of the hole.
Do you have a Westfalia?

You should probably float us a pic of the problem before going after it with the SawZall. I seem to remember a rivet that had to be filed off. But it was a long time ago...

Thu Jun 12, 2025 10:31 pm

This is an oldie, but new to me!
I ran out got the 24" length of 3/4" BIP and 2 1/2" electrical conduit lock nuts and had this done in about an hour! (cut off about 1.5" for total length of ~22.5")

I added an LDPE washer at the bottom to make it turn smoother (instead of metal on metal) when its all the way down.

And then I cut a collar of the same LDPE and stuck it in the end of the table leg pipe as a spacer. (don't know if it will move in the long run, but it seems pretty stable so far

Thanks to all the posters for this one! I wouldn't have realised how much I needed this mod without seeing it!

Amazing. My wife cant stop smiling about this one! ($10 bucks!!!)

Makes me wonder what other goodies are in the depths...

Maybe we should have a best mod thread!

Thu Jun 12, 2025 10:51 pm

latelogan wrote: ...

Maybe we should have a best mod thread!

Great reading here as to that: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=171071&highlight=favorite+mod

And I agree, that table mod is fantastic. One of our favorites.

Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:14 pm

latelogan wrote: Amazing. My wife cant stop smiling about this one! ($10 bucks!!!)
Makes me wonder what other goodies are in the depths...

You could drizzle these out as-needed....

Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp

Westy Table support knee bend