TheSamba.com :: View topic - Tin-top Weekender cabinet plans or templates?

Wed Sep 26, 2012 11:18 pm

I searched for a while here and didnt want to start a new thread if this is out there somewhere. If there is a thread already for this please point me in the right direction.

I have an 84 Vanagon ASI pop top. No camper equipment and I prefer it that way. I would however love to have more storage. I am looking for the plans or templates of either stock or custom cabinets.

Since my van uses the sun roof as the pop top entrance unlike the Westy I am looking for the corner weekender style that allows for a full seat all the way across (z-bed) and the top cabinet above the rear window where most people have speakers.

I am handy with the mechanics aspect of all my VWs buy wood work is not one of my gifts. Perhaps someone has some schematics they are willing to share.

Thanks!

Thu Sep 27, 2012 3:21 am

I want to do the same thing with my 86 CHC Syncro. 7 Pass van now. I don't have plans but have found these nifty pics, gonna copy them soon (except likely not near as nice).

I really like this idea, might bring it out a bit closer to the engine compartment. Probably won't put swinging doors on them, want to access without unloading half the back end.

Heres the overhead. I'll probably just do some wire shelving.

Not this big, want to keep most of the windows. But it still looks nice!

I like this too...

Thu Sep 27, 2012 9:03 am

kbeefy wrote:
I like this too...

Ooooh, sexy. I like the look of these a lot, plus I do need some more storage.

Robyn

Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:04 am

squeegee_boy wrote: kbeefy wrote:
I like this too...

Ooooh, sexy. I like the look of these a lot, plus I do need some more storage.

Robyn
Me too.

Almost perfect.....

Is something like this commercially available?

Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:36 am

Not that I'm aware of. Sewfine would be the most likely, but I don't believe they have anything.

Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:52 am

r39o wrote: squeegee_boy wrote: kbeefy wrote:
I like this too...

Ooooh, sexy. I like the look of these a lot, plus I do need some more storage.

Robyn
Me too.

Almost perfect.....

Is something like this commercially available?

almost perfect... just don't leave any marbles or wrenches in there when you open the hatch all the way.

and you'll need good struts.

Thu Sep 27, 2012 2:57 pm

edgood1 wrote: r39o wrote: squeegee_boy wrote: kbeefy wrote:
I like this too...

Ooooh, sexy. I like the look of these a lot, plus I do need some more storage.

Robyn
Me too.

Almost perfect.....

Is something like this commercially available?

Awesome Idea... me like. as for the cabinets I like them both but don't think i could make anything worth putting in my van without plans. I am just not that handy with wood. :P

almost perfect... just don't leave any marbles or wrenches in there when you open the hatch all the way.

and you'll need good struts.

Thu Sep 27, 2012 5:06 pm

I plan on building something for mine in seattle between november 17th and 23rd, if it turns out useable you can take dimensions/pics whatever. I'll try to save a side profile template for you.

I am also all thumbs when it comes to woodworking.

Thu Sep 27, 2012 5:18 pm

kbeefy wrote: I plan on building something for mine in seattle between november 17th and 23rd.

Seattle is home for me perhaps I can give you a hand and earn my keep...

Also once lived in Hawaii when I was a kid. (Waikiki)

Wed Jun 08, 2022 11:31 am

I have a 1985 GL with the full width rear seat/bed.
If I were to put in a Weekender rear cabinet on the driver’s side.
How and what does the cabinet attach to?

Chris

Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:08 pm

These are the cabinets I'm slowly roughing in on my Frankenvan. I can measure them up if they are of interest. I wanted to maintain the ability to put a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back of the van, that drove my "design".

Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:42 pm

Thanks Steve.
Two cabinets is great for storeage.
But i'm looking for the Tin-top Weekender cabinet. The one on the drivers side and how to mount it.
Chris

Thu Jun 09, 2022 5:45 am

SmallCar - the folks who make Suby conversion components and do Suby conversions as well as in-dash AC, are in the process of developing retrofit cabinetry for the vanagon.
Contact them - as I understand it - the cabinets will be shipped in "knock down" format but easy to assemble and install and will be very close to the original VW/Westfalia designs.

Thu Jun 09, 2022 8:34 am

havenot001 wrote: I have a 1985 GL with the full width rear seat/bed.
If I were to put in a Weekender rear cabinet on the driver’s side.
How and what does the cabinet attach to?

Chris I built mine version of the Weekender Cabinet, attaches to the cargo floor with 2 small L-brackets and screws. Then, I used 1 upper mounting bolt, through the side of the cabinet, to the Unused Seat Belt Threaded Nut that's welded into the side of the Vanagon, on either side for 2nd row shoulder belts or other belt system.
I've seen a few Weekender Cabinets for sale here on Samba from time to time, along with the longer Westy Cabinet, but if you have your heart set on a Factory version, it's cheaper and easier to pick one up at the Seller's location vs having it shipped.
Pictures of the cabinet process I went through. I elected to use Sliding Doors on ours, so loads don't need to be move out of the way for normal/stock swinging/hinged cabinet doors if you've loaded the back end with stuff and you want to access something in the Cabinet quickly.
You might be able to see the floor bracket at the front in the installed picture, but the other one is a bit hidden under the rear of the cabinet, onto the floor, away from the engine access cover by a few inches. I can always take more pictures if you're curious, esp the large bolt in the middle of the cabinet side that ties to the body for real anchoring strength.

Here's a picture of the Factory Hold-down hardware from the Classified Section

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1998169

Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:48 am

Thank you jlrftype7.
THis what I was asking for. I know other have the same questen.

Chris