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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:01 am Post subject: |
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Sold the 85 this past weekend, and in the meantime have done a little work to the Syncro. Should have an A/C switch on the way this week, but a new poptop vent and seal has been installed, a new 3 screen synthetic tent, and finally mounted our Fiamma F45 Hope to have another set of pics with another update later this week...
_________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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WestyBob Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2004 Posts: 2346 Location: Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 12:59 pm Post subject: |
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Looking better all the time.
How hard was it putting in that new tent ... am thinking about doing the same on my weekender syncro ?
Rack on the top - any weight problems lifting the pop-top ? |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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I've gotten very good at switching tent canvas. That was probably my 3rd one I have done. All told, I think I did it in about 2-3 hours. It really isn't that hard, just a lot of screws. If you take your time, I would think it could easily be tackled in a long afternoon for a first timer.
As to the rack on the roof, it definitely adds a bit of weight when opening and closing. I can do it just fine, but I am not sure if my wife could on her own. I think a set of poptop shocks would be the way to go. i will have to see the first time I load it up... _________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 7:30 am Post subject: |
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Probably the last of the exciting updates for a while Added a set of Rhein's running 205/70/15 Yokohama Geolander AT/S' Hopefully Van Cafe gets their steel rims in shortly so I can get the 5th tire mounted. Next step is to enjoy it a bit and then make sure the suspension is sorted properly so we can get it back to 4WD.
_________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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BoneStock67 Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2006 Posts: 439 Location: New Jersey
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Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 2:04 pm Post subject: |
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Those ac switches tend to burn out if there are electrical problems in the system causing excess current draw. So before you replace the switch, make sure that any underlying problem causing the demise of the first switch has been resolved; otherwise, you will be replacing it again very quickly.
Very nice van, by the way. My '86 weekender looks very much like it, except for the minor (!) difference that it's not a syncro. _________________ 1986 Wolfsburg Westfalia Weekender 2.1L stock
1967 Beetle, now becoming my daily driver again, after a long rest in the garage
"There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.” -Enrico Fermi |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 7:11 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the tip. I will be sure to check the wiring as best I can before burning the new one up Took it out to the local Omaha VW Club car show this weekend and had a good time with the family. Also got the blinkers/flasher working (it was the relay) and repainted the grill (upper and lower) passenger side power mirror housing, a couple door handles and the wiper blades. _________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 6:38 am Post subject: |
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Just a shot from the show...
Also have the A/C working Purchased a used switch out of the classifieds, and found out the PO did not have the old switch connected properly, as well as the back being cracked and a mess. All 3 fan speeds and the a/c pump were now operating together, and sorta cool air. Looking through all of the receipts that came with it, I saw that it had been converted to R134 already, so after a couple cans from the auto parts store, it is happily blowing cold air again. Pump is a little loud, and eventually I will clean out the system and put in Red Tek like I did with our 85, but for now it is working. _________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:43 pm Post subject: |
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It's been a while, and while nothing you can "see" there have been updates. I was happy to get my Van Cafe 15" rim for a spare, and really happy that the rim along with my 205/70/15 Yokohama fit in the stock clamshell without issue! I think I made Van Cafe's mortgage payment this month Replaced the front outer CV's, ball joints, and almost all of the front end bushings. Also took the driveshaft and had new U-joints pressed in and had it balanced. The Syncro is now back to being a all wheel drive again. Now I just need to test it out somewhere Also did a full tune up, new rear hatch struts and am getting ready to go through all the fuel lines. I have Van Cafe's kit, just haven't installed yet. Also scrubbed the pop top down and started with a coat of Penetrol. Have the luggage compartment done so far. Hopefully we will take it camping in the next few weeks. _________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender
Last edited by vwcampin on Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:48 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Orbitald Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2004 Posts: 320 Location: Oakland, CA
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Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 6:47 pm Post subject: |
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Question: why did you mount the rack-mounting-plates on the top of your top instead of on the sides?
Thanks,
David R.
Oakland CA _________________ '87 Syncro Westfakia, 1.9TD ADE (AAZish), 068 Injection Pump, K03 turbo, 2.5" exhaust, Mercedes nozzles, SAAB Blackstone charge-cooler w/ 800cfm fan, Micro-1000 EGT sensor pre-turbo, boost at about 13psi, 235/70/16 with stock gearing |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:49 am Post subject: |
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Orbitald wrote: |
Question: why did you mount the rack-mounting-plates on the top of your top instead of on the sides?
Thanks,
David R.
Oakland CA |
David, the only reason they are like that is because the previous owner did it So unfortunately I do not know his reason. I know he carried kayaks with it, but that is about it... _________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:59 am Post subject: |
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Since last fall (and since I last updated the post), we installed a Burley driveshaft (cured my vibrations, super beefy, love it!), pop top shocks (love them!), Rocky Mountain Westy under seat locking storage (again, well built, love it), Yakima Rocket Box, among other little odds and ends to get it ready for camping.
Last week myself, my wife, and our 4 yr old daughter loaded it up and headed from Omaha to Many Point lake in Minnesota
Long, hot trip up (as the midwest is locked in a heat wave currently), but it performed well. After 500+ miles we arrived at camp and set up shop to enjoy a week of camping.
Left last Friday and decided to head to Okoboji/Spirit Lake region of Iowa as our daughter loves the Arnolds Park old fashioned amusement park. Just as we were entering Spirit Lake, it happened.
We were just getting to the outskirts of town heading down a county highway when we were coming up on a road that buypassed the two lane highway. Noticed a truck at the stop sign and thought nothing of it. Unfortunately he never saw us (don't know how!), and pulled out and across the highway directly in front of us. Locked up the brakes and swerved at the last second, but collided at around 50-55 mph. Luckily no one injured, minus bumps and bruises, including the occupants of the truck (they had 3 boys with them). Truck was cited and given a ticket. The guy was incredibly sorry and just never saw us. The Syncro did its job, but it took a really hard hit. Needless to say we ended up with a U Haul for the remaining 4 hours home.
I can't wait to start dealing with the Insurance company and will be reading the different threads on here, but I am sure will have questions as it plays out.
The entire Yakima rack flew off the roof. The windshield popped first as you can see it underneath.
Truck we hit:
_________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:02 am Post subject: |
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Question for the forum:
Since the Syncro is currently about 4 hours away (luckily in covered, locked storage), I am not comfortable with it being that far away and dealing with insurance adjusters, etc, I would like to get it back to Omaha.
If I removed the driveshaft/prop shaft, would it be safe (safe for the transmission) to tow it home on a 2 wheel tow dolly? While the steering is currently not functional, I can drive it straight onto a tow dolly. _________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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Bman Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2005 Posts: 895 Location: South Coast, Oregon
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Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:28 am Post subject: |
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DAMN! that absolutely sucks!! I'm sorry for your loss, but releived that no one was hurt.
Are you asking if you can lift the front end onto a tow dolly, with a disconnected driveshaft and tow it home?
From what I remember about reading in the VW manual on towing, is that it is not advisable or safe (for the tranny) to tow with a lifted front end for more than 20-30 miles (2WD, syncros were always advised to get flatbed towed). To salvage the drive gear I would seriously look at a flat bed tow or trailer from u-haul, or some such.
Good Luck. _________________ ~Bryan
1990 Burgandy Tintop (Wife's Daily Driver)
1989 Tiico Westfalia "Taj"
2WD Doka build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503578&highlight=
FaceHook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/VW-T3-DokaSinka/129026087217120?ref=hl |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:02 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Bman. That is what I thought I remembered as well, but wanted to get the feedback from those who know way more than I do on this forum _________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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davideric9 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2009 Posts: 998 Location: Oakland CA
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Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:05 am Post subject: |
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Remove the drive shaft, and tow with rear two wheels on the ground, this will not hurt the 4wd system as the VC will not even know the van is moving. To be for sure, remove the rear CVs and axles, then the transmission won't even turn.
So glad you are all ok. We all know that its just a matter luck that these are not our own pictures. I will be driving very carefully today. _________________ 1987 Syncro Westfalia, stock (bought 1994)
1986 Syncro Westfalia SVX, 3 knob (bought 2008)
1987 Westfalia (bought 2010)
1988 Wolfsburg GL (bought 2012) |
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fatboypaul Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2004 Posts: 432 Location: Emeryville, Ca, SF Bay.
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Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:33 pm Post subject: |
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Perfectly safe to use a tow dolly with the rear wheels down and the driveshaft removed, I have thousands of miles doing just that, with absolutely NO damage. No need to remove the axles.
But do have a substantial tow vehicle; I use a Ford F250.
Very sorry for the loss, but rubber and tin are replaceable, it still plain sucks!
Paul in Emery vile, Ca. |
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vwcampin Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2002 Posts: 392 Location: Omaha
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:25 am Post subject: |
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Looks like it is time to find a friend with a truck we can borrow then. I just don't like the idea of going through the insurance hassle with it being 4 hours away _________________ 1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender |
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tschroeder0 Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2008 Posts: 2096 Location: Boulder CO
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:39 am Post subject: |
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man, this just makes me sad. Glad everyone is ok though. |
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Timwhy Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2009 Posts: 3990 Location: Maine
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:02 am Post subject: |
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Sorry about your Westy! That sucks!
This is one of my fears while driving my Westy. I see people take chances to get
in front of me while I have been on the road to a many a campground. The short time
that I may be in front of them seems too long to wait. Had a car pull onto the highway from
the left to get in front of me and a large RV that was behind me. They never even looked
to their left for on coming traffic. A near hit, with alot of horns blowing. I envisioned them getting
hit and then them hitting me, but everyone made it onto the highway in one piece. That car that
pulled out in front of us went down the highway two miles and then turned off. Wow! _________________ '15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary
http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee |
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GBA 88West LA Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2008 Posts: 1279 Location: New Hampshire
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 6:40 am Post subject: |
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wow , deepest sympathies very unfortunate, so sad...she can be fixed though , thank goodness the family is OK , get her home , you both will feel better dealing with the claim from a safe & secure place _________________ 88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th..solar powered cabin |
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