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4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 4285
Location: MD
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 Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 7:13 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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The stove definitely lights off no problem. I think, err I mean that random person thinks, the tank is full. Didn't think to check before I went because the last tank this tank was filled was at least 25 years ago! I took it off the van, cleaned it, sanded it, painted it, and reinstalled it. Never thought to crack the valve to check if it had propane in it.
Imagine that, bringing the 25 year van back on the road and to the propane station and it turns out the tank has been full for 25 years!
_________________
'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition |
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coloradolife
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2016
Posts: 62
Location: Colorado Springs
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| Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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Well, I'm dealing with the same type of issue right now. Mine has been off the road for about the same amount of time. I just assumed it was empty so when the tank wouldn't take propane I immediately tried to light stove. No gas. So I have the opposite problem of you I guess.
Just got all the parts to refurbish the tank. Gonnna drop it this week, sandblast and repaint it. Then all new valves and regulators etc.
| 4Gears4Tires wrote: |
The stove definitely lights off no problem. I think, err I mean that random person thinks, the tank is full. Didn't think to check before I went because the last tank this tank was filled was at least 25 years ago! I took it off the van, cleaned it, sanded it, painted it, and reinstalled it. Never thought to crack the valve to check if it had propane in it.
Imagine that, bringing the 25 year van back on the road and to the propane station and it turns out the tank has been full for 25 years! |
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coloradolife
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2016
Posts: 62
Location: Colorado Springs
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| Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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Hey all,
Does anyone have any good ideas for how to deal with this rusty, beat up vent?
I just deleted the fridge so there's no need for a vent in that cabinet face anymore. I know I could repaint or replace this one and put it back on but I was hoping to see some ideas for doing away with it entirely in favor of something that would keep dust out of the cabinet?
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8471
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 3:14 pm Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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| coloradolife wrote: |
| I just deleted the fridge so there's no need for a vent in that cabinet face anymore. I know I could repaint or replace this one and put it back on but I was hoping to see some ideas for doing away with it entirely in favor of something that would keep dust out of the cabinet? |
Mine is still in good shape, so I simply installed a gray backing onto it to keep dirt and critters out since I use that cabinet as my pantry.
In place of that vent, however, you could get a piece of 1/2" wood, cut it to the same dimensions, paint/laminate it, then attach it to the door frame with dowels or brackets.
_________________
~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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coloradolife
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2016
Posts: 62
Location: Colorado Springs
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| Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 4:34 pm Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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I think the final solution is to make that whole cabinet face from scratch, but since that would be a major headache and be a lot more pleasant to execute with my wood shop set up (which it's currently not).... I think they grey backing idea is splendid. Pretty sure I'll just do that for now.
| kamzcab86 wrote: |
| coloradolife wrote: |
| I just deleted the fridge so there's no need for a vent in that cabinet face anymore. I know I could repaint or replace this one and put it back on but I was hoping to see some ideas for doing away with it entirely in favor of something that would keep dust out of the cabinet? |
Mine is still in good shape, so I simply installed a gray backing onto it to keep dirt and critters out since I use that cabinet as my pantry.
In place of that vent, however, you could get a piece of 1/2" wood, cut it to the same dimensions, paint/laminate it, then attach it to the door frame with dowels or brackets. |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8471
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 4:41 pm Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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| coloradolife wrote: |
| I think the final solution is to make that whole cabinet face from scratch, but since that would be a major headache and be a lot more pleasant to execute with my wood shop set up (which it's currently not).... I think they grey backing idea is splendid. Pretty sure I'll just do that for now. |
My vent is gray, hence the gray backing. I'd go brown, or even beige or cream, with yours. 
_________________
~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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Chris-a
Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2005
Posts: 151
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 9:03 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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Probably a dumb and lazy question, but I'll put it out anyways. The wedge shape pop top roof on the Westy really cuts down on the upper bed length if you have adult size feet.
Anyone seen a way to make the rear section of roof lift higher, or pivot the roof 90 degrees instead of wedge shape, or make the roof lift straight up?? Ive seen those options on bay windows, I don't think Ive ever seen one on a vanagon.
Just curious.
_________________
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I gotta have nice tools, just look at the cars I drive.
Current: 87 Syncro AHU Tdi Westy'ish?
Previous: 77 Westy, 72 Tin Top Camper, 69 Passenger |
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4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 4285
Location: MD
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| Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 9:10 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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You're aware that the canvas needs to be extended, right? I don't see why you couldn't create new brackets or a linkage extension to raise the top more. The hard part is creating a custom canvas top in my opinion.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition |
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SCM
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3400
Location: Bozeman MT
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| Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 10:39 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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On the rare occasion I use the top bunk I put my head toward the rear of the van. That way my pillows don't fall onto the floor and my feet have plenty of room height-wise and also are free to dangle off the the front edge of the bunk to adjust for my "tallness".
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
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vanagonjr
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Joined: October 07, 2010
Posts: 3635
Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
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| Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 11:01 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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| Chris-a wrote: |
Probably a dumb and lazy question, but I'll put it out anyways. The wedge shape pop top roof on the Westy really cuts down on the upper bed length if you have adult size feet.
Anyone seen a way to make the rear section of roof lift higher, or pivot the roof 90 degrees instead of wedge shape, or make the roof lift straight up?? Ive seen those options on bay windows, I don't think Ive ever seen one on a vanagon.
Just curious. |
a friend made a bed extender for my van (Weekender), a plywood box with one foot on it to keep it level on the weekender sides. It does make slipping downstairs nearly impossible, but one can vary the length.
If I find it while packing tomorrow, I can share a pic.
_________________
John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798 |
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Chris-a
Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2005
Posts: 151
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 11:11 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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| SCM wrote: |
| On the rare occasion I use the top bunk I put my head toward the rear of the van. That way my pillows don't fall onto the floor and my feet have plenty of room height-wise and also are free to dangle off the the front edge of the bunk to adjust for my "tallness". |
You have no issues with hot head syndrome jammed down there? Or banging your forehead sitting up(probably do it once and never again)?
| vanagonjr wrote: |
a friend made a bed extender for my van (Weekender), a plywood box with one foot on it to keep it level on the weekender sides. It does make slipping downstairs nearly impossible, but one can vary the length.
If I find it while packing tomorrow, I can share a pic. |
I like that simplicity, I wonder if it could be "L" shaped to allow a little access down below.
Found this on the google machine. I think the bed extender maybe a better option that a new roof project...
_________________
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I gotta have nice tools, just look at the cars I drive.
Current: 87 Syncro AHU Tdi Westy'ish?
Previous: 77 Westy, 72 Tin Top Camper, 69 Passenger |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8471
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 12:16 pm Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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| Chris-a wrote: |
| I think the bed extender maybe a better option than a new roof project... |
Bed extension thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=469327 .
_________________
~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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Chris-a
Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2005
Posts: 151
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 7:03 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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Thanks. On the project list for this week!
Another question for ya all. When looking at a wiring schematic that is tied to a fuse in the main fuse box. How do I know which leg of the fuse goes where? For example in the below diagram the left high beam headlight is fed positive power from fuse #10. When I'm under the steering wheel and looking at the physical fuse block, is it the upper or lower leg socket that goes to the headlight? The illustration would suggest the lower??
_________________
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I gotta have nice tools, just look at the cars I drive.
Current: 87 Syncro AHU Tdi Westy'ish?
Previous: 77 Westy, 72 Tin Top Camper, 69 Passenger |
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AndyBees
Samba Member
Joined: January 31, 2008
Posts: 2643
Location: Southeast Kentucky
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| Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 7:23 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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To be sure, remove the fuse and then check each side with a multimeter for voltage.
_________________
'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI, two trips to Alaska, 2014 & 16. 1989 Tin-top unmolested.
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine, seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003. 1975 Bay hopeful. |
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crazyvwvanman
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Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 10393
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 7:50 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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The "hot" leg of the fuse can be either the top or the bottom, it varies.
The diagram does not give you any clue!
There are actually 2 factory versions of the 86-91 Vanagon fuse panel and that aspect is something that can be different between the 2 otherwise interchangeable panels.
Mark
| Chris-a wrote: |
[ How do I know which leg of the fuse goes where? For example in the below diagram the left high beam headlight is fed positive power from fuse #10. When I'm under the steering wheel and looking at the physical fuse block, is it the upper or lower leg socket that goes to the headlight? The illustration would suggest the lower??
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Chris-a
Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2005
Posts: 151
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 8:59 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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| AndyBees wrote: |
| To be sure, remove the fuse and then check each side with a multimeter for voltage. |
That's what I usually do, I was hoping there was a more solid/reliable "this is how it always is"... apparently not! HA!
_________________
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I gotta have nice tools, just look at the cars I drive.
Current: 87 Syncro AHU Tdi Westy'ish?
Previous: 77 Westy, 72 Tin Top Camper, 69 Passenger |
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AndyBees
Samba Member
Joined: January 31, 2008
Posts: 2643
Location: Southeast Kentucky
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| Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 12:34 pm Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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| Chris-a wrote: |
| AndyBees wrote: |
| To be sure, remove the fuse and then check each side with a multimeter for voltage. |
That's what I usually do, I was hoping there was a more solid/reliable "this is how it always is"... apparently not! HA! |
Yeah, back when I was doing my TDI engine install, I checked the Vanagon fuse panel and identified the power side of each terminal. I need to dig up my notes for future use.
_________________
'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI, two trips to Alaska, 2014 & 16. 1989 Tin-top unmolested.
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine, seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003. 1975 Bay hopeful. |
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TheVW_twin
Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2021
Posts: 7
Location: Atascadero, CA
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| Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2025 10:41 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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Hello All!
this may not fall under a stupid question but it is a question none of the less!
does anyone know or understand why the early Vanagon Models had a curved sway bar end link and late models had an upright sway bar end link.
I have only ever looked at newer vanagons with the straight end links and am not sure what would have caused the need for a curved end link. Just a question to satisfy my curiosity on this subject.
- Noah |
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GoEverywhere
Samba Member
Joined: December 13, 2020
Posts: 927
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2025 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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| TheVW_twin wrote: |
Hello All!
this may not fall under a stupid question but it is a question none of the less!
does anyone know or understand why the early Vanagon Models had a curved sway bar end link and late models had an upright sway bar end link.
I have only ever looked at newer vanagons with the straight end links and am not sure what would have caused the need for a curved end link. Just a question to satisfy my curiosity on this subject.
- Noah |
Because the steering knuckles are different early to late Vanagon. Straight endlinks foul the steering link on an early Vanagon.
Early:
Late:
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4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 4285
Location: MD
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| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 6:21 am Post subject: Re: Official lazy person's stupid question thread |
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| GoEverywhere wrote: |
Early:
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Oof, that is pretty. My goal is to one day restore a car to that level of detail.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition |
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