TheSamba.com :: View topic - What's your van-plan for 2018?

Mon Jan 01, 2018 6:27 pm

Not a resolution, just some goals.

Im planning to
1. over haul the front suspension w all new bushings.
2. brake job (pedal pulsates when slowing from high speeds)
3. get a 2" trailer hitch mounted to carry mine and my families bikes.
4. reupholster rear seats and bed cushions to match front seats
5. all camping equip working w fridge out and shelving in place.

This is actually a pretty easy list considering the goals Ive set in past years.
Id like to get all this done by July and If I do....Well then I can enjoy the van for the second 6 mos and just deal w the surprises.

Anyone else care to set some goals for the new year?

Mon Jan 01, 2018 6:44 pm

1. Drive 'til something breaks.

2. Fix it.

3. GoTo 1.

Mon Jan 01, 2018 8:09 pm

1. Complete TDI swap (weld intake manifold)
2. Fog light install
3. Install double DIN stereo
4. Fabricate new AC lines for ALH compressor.
5. Fabricate mount for cruise actuator
6. Fabricate shock absorber mounts to accommodate increased ride height.

Mon Jan 01, 2018 8:42 pm

Four-step van action plan:
a) finish all the things I never have...
b) start a few things I already should have...
c) road trip to Utah & back...
d) camp more nights than last year.

Happy New Year!!! 8)

- Dave

Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:20 pm

-Put on my Yakima 1A towers (need to buy shocks/struts)
-Solar panel on top
-12v Fridge
-New Radiator + coolant lines
-New gas tank
-hitch bumper (I think GoWesty)

Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:21 pm

- High-top roof rack to increase solar panal capacity from 75 watts to 200 watts and to add boat/board carrying capacity

- Swing-away rear rack to carry two bikes and a box for gear and a water heater

- Complete or ignore a dozen or so minor enhancements that I put on the to-do list at some time because they sounded brilliant at the time

- Turn the brand new tires into rubbish

Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:24 pm

2.5 Suby Swap via RMW
Fab F/R Bumpers with my boys
Swing aways
Drive More miles
See more places
Camp more

Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:29 pm

Provided it passes its upcoming emissions test ( :roll: ), not a darn thing except go road-trippin' (and perhaps recover the rear seat to match the new fronts... edit: and paint the drab grilles). :D Being ignored for most of 2017, my poor little Cabriolet will be receiving the bulk of my repair-based attention this year.

Mon Jan 01, 2018 10:30 pm

1. New Pop-Top Canvas
2. Propex -- need to decide on if I want to mount under van or get the one for inside
3. Small Solar Setup

Mon Jan 01, 2018 10:56 pm

I've got some body work to do. Both foot wells like in the picture, the lip on both bottom corners of the wind shield, as well as the lip on the driverside middle window.

I've also got to get my speed sensor on for my RMW subaru conversion. I've put 10,000 miles on the engine without it. I'm not sure how critical the VSS is, but i have a feeling it needs to be done.

I need to put on my steering rack powerflex bushings to finish out my front end rebuild.

I've got one final rubber brake line in the rear to finish out the complete brake overhaul.

Then I'm going to finish building my custom interior with birch ply. Building a galley cabinet that sits behind the front seats. This way I can take out my westy cabinets and have a full width bed. I'm going to build the bed raised up so I can have some drawers over the engine hatch. Pics below are my inspiration.

Mon Jan 01, 2018 11:30 pm

1. Re-install headliner
2. Re-cover German army issue olive drab fabric rear seat to something more grey.
3. Mount Hylift jack somewhere.
4. See if the Syncro system is actually working.
5. Fix 2 annoying noises. One rattling when the RPMs are at 3k and another while light braking at a slow speed.

After that, I just might have to call it finished and wrap up my build thread.

Tue Jan 02, 2018 8:36 am

I gotta get the air conditioning blowing cold. The kids can't handle the summer heat, and the windows down is too windy for them at their young age. :(

Beyond that, I want to use the van for way more fun, local day-adventures with the family, and a couple short camping trips. As the kids grow older, I hope the camping trips will increase in frequency, length, and distance. 8)

I will continue to stew on the idea of selling or trading my Multivan for a tintop Syncro. :-k

Tue Jan 02, 2018 8:43 am

dhaavers wrote: Four-step van action plan:
a) finish all the things I never have...
b) start a few things I already should have...
c) road trip to Utah & back...
d) camp more nights than last year.

Happy New Year!!! 8)

- Dave

Yep, even got the name right! 8)

Tue Jan 02, 2018 9:26 am

Yes, I plan to pay off the credit card from all the cool upgrades I did last year!

Tue Jan 02, 2018 10:07 am

Hmmm...

1) Finish building the drawer that will go above the Truckfridge (will have matching laminate and latch, should look stock-ish)
2) If it's in the budget get a T3 anti-sway bar and HD endlinks
3) Install a new luggage rack seal (and clean up under there)
4) Get new insurance
5) Camp somewhere new, like Joshua Tree or somewhere in the Southwest =)

Tue Jan 02, 2018 10:29 am

dhaavers wrote: Four-step van action plan:
a) finish all the things I never have...
b) start a few things I already should have...
c) road trip to Utah & back...
d) camp more nights than last year.

Happy New Year!!! 8)

- Dave

👍👍👍😆

Tue Jan 02, 2018 10:49 am

Get it out of retirement and back on the road.

Tue Jan 02, 2018 11:16 am

1). Camp 365 nights again (Oh, the Horror)
2). All interior panels, likely in wood (including floor)
3). Redo upholstery if right vendor/situation presents itself
4). Find solution to sagging lifter springs dealer/installer got so wrong :roll:
5). Repair damage from idiot backing maneuver, and then deer buck impact
6). Add to ever-growing bus campmates list
7). Camp 365 nights again (Oh, the Horror)

Tue Jan 02, 2018 12:30 pm

Fix my Automatic Transmission leak and solve the cold delayed upshift.

Find a replacement 14" wheel cover to replace the one that Nebraska "ate" this Fall!

Other than that..... I'm good!

Dave

Tue Jan 02, 2018 12:59 pm

1. Fix leaking valve guide seals in the Subaru engine.
2. Replace rear quarter panel.
3. Prep and paint van.
4. Finish rear headliner repair.
5. Front air conditioning?
6. More Solar capacity/compressor fridge?

.?? On the last two, as we all know life gets in the way of projects, or, put another way, we are often more optimistic than reality....