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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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 Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 9:54 pm Post subject: |
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I like them. I had them on my Jeep so I trusted them. They are plenty rated for the weight of the vanagon Westy and I trust them offroad since that's where I like to camp. I have 0 complaints so far!
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1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
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cvbill
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2007
Posts: 208
Location: Carmel Valley, CA
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| Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:49 am Post subject: |
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| i love the BFGs. E rated, 10 ply, 245 75 16" on my van. Beat the hell out of them for five years, and still not down to the wear bars. No flats, the spare never hit the pavement. Running Goodyear 215 85 16 now (same diameter). More road noise though. |
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 1:59 pm Post subject: |
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I moved the voltminder to a better position closer to the rear batteries. Very easy install. I'd say a 2 on 1-10 meter since I had to drill a hole.
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1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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| Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2011 8:57 pm Post subject: |
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I put in a stick shift extension. Man is it sweet not to have to lean forward when shifting into third! Although now I see why there is a "short shifter" kit because the extension definitely increases the "throw" of the shifter.
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1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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| Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:24 pm Post subject: |
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We cruised down to the dirt road of the hot springs and began our descent. The first thing we noticed was how smooth the road was! It became apparent that a grader had recently run the road. I wasn’t going to complain in the Westy! That is until we came to the ROAD CLOSED gate halfway down the trail….
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1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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| Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2011 1:32 pm Post subject: |
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Let's see. The van has gone to Big Bear and Tajiguas beach. Just need the photos from the gf, who is super busy at the moment.
As far as mods go, I installed the foot pedal from GW to run water and that's pretty sweet. Saves lots of water for sure since I don't have to attempt to grip anything with slippery soapy hands!
I just finished installing Jack Bombay's pop top shock kit. AMAZING. It's a little biased towards opening right now, but once I go solar or get a roof rack it won't be an issue. I LOVE it. It's definitely going to save my back since I won't have to contortion anymore. That's because of the type of pad we have up top, we need to leave the bed folded out all the time so lifting the roof was kind of a PIA. Not anymore!
Happily, THAT'S IT! All the parts to go on the van have now been done! (except fuel filter). Next up - removable swingout for jerry cans/extra water cans. We are going for 6-7 days up to Monache Meadows in CA in August and can't wait!
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1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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| Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 5:55 pm Post subject: |
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Made it back from Baja. Super chill down there and all the restaurants were SUPER nice!
Got some hiccups on the way back, but we powered through. Arriba!
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1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
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MacFhearguis
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2011
Posts: 179
Location: Flagstaff
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| Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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| Where in Baja? |
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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| Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject: |
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| MacFhearguis wrote: |
| Where in Baja? |
This was a generic relaxing trip at a friend's beach house in Baja Malibu. It's only 20mins south of the border in a gated community.
I generally like to go south of Ensenada for camping, but that wasn't on the agenda.
_________________
1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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GBA 88West LA
Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2008
Posts: 1279
Location: New Hampshire
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| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:41 am Post subject: |
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how that solar set up working out for you?
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88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th..solar powered cabin |
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:53 am Post subject: |
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The solar set up is fantastic. Everyone that sees it loves the portability aspect. I love that part as well. I can leave it out all day and move it for maximum exposure (the desert got me 14.5V charging power), or I can just face it in a general direction and go hiking/riding all day. Also, it's very easy to park in shade and run it out to the sun.
So far, for my uses of camping up to 3 days, I can run the radio (w/ amp, woofer etc) until bedtime or quiet time; run the fridge all the time; and charge phones, batteries, etc. It won't drop under 11.5V by morning.
edit: Keep in mind that I have two deep cycles under the backseat for 110AH storage (Optima Yellowtops left over from the Jeep setup).
_________________
1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
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SWbySWesty
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010
Posts: 327
Location: Adventureville, CA
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| Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 4:39 pm Post subject: |
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Well, it's time:
Yup, that's right, it's for sale or trade. My gf and I split, and I'm looking to get a more aggressive camper again. Since I'm carrying my dirtbike more and more, I'd like to have a pickup and slide in camper (like a FWC) to be able to get up to more remote places. Also, it would be easier to use a pickup vs camper if I do single day moto trips.
2.1 Liter with 107,500 miles. No rebuilds that I know of. I am supposedly owner #3. I used it as a camper so like the previous owners (obviously from the low mileage) we only drove it for camping.
$15,000 or trade for pickup w camper
Pros:
New in tank water pump for the camper
New water delivery lines.
New faucet like a sink faucet sprayer (it stretches out of the window above for a cold shower in a pinch)
Foot switch by GoWesty.
Dual Optima Yellowtops under the rear seat.
All interior lights replaced with High Output LED kit from Van-Cafe.
Voltminder mounted above closet.
Pioneer speakers, subwoofer and headunit with iPhone/USB hookup. Woofer will need replacing soon.
New radio antenna.
Camper electric runs separate from starting batteries.
The engine runs top.
I've performed all maintenance according to the Bentley Manual and have written it all down.
Stainless steel cooling pipes and fresh radiator from previous owner (prof done).
New exhaust system from Van-Cafe.
Trailer light kit from GoWesty.
Pots, pans, silverware, etc.
I put fresh BFG A/T tires on it, sprayed the rims with wheel paint and put VW hubcaps on.
Custom rear bumper with integrated tow hitch. 2'' receiver.
Airlift airbags in rear springs with easily accessible air lines in wheel wells.
Spare brake pads from BusDepot.
Poptop shocks by JackBombay (TheSamba)
I have tried to keep this van as original as possible - no tricking it out, no special air filters...
Cons:
Original paint is in good condition, but the front was resprayed at some point.
The back left quarter panel is dented from two tire blowouts.
Couple dents here and there.
Fridge does not work - I use an Engel.
The propane is leaking near the valve. It's a slow leak, but the tank is now empty and I haven't had the time to dab the lines with soapy water to find the bad connection. Should be an easy fix according to www.thesamba.com.
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This is a great van, but I want to get back into backcountry camping that this van just can't do. I wouldn't hesitate to drive this baby down to Baja right now! I just camped in Gorman over the weekend and was nice and toasty in the 30 degree weather with a buddy heater.
I'm not in a hurry to sell, but my new situation of single life means I can get more aggressive (again) in my camping time and offroad fun.
Please ask all questions on this thread so others can benefit.
_________________
1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
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2doorsdown
Samba Member
Joined: December 08, 2010
Posts: 120
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| Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 6:25 pm Post subject: |
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Soooo bummed to see you selling! I saw your ad on CL before I saw it here and knew it was you. Sorry to hear about the breakup and sale. I was hopin to come around a bend one day out in the desert and see you posted up. Maybe I stil will but not in a VW  Best of luck with the sale! |
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 6:39 pm Post subject: |
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| SWbySWesty wrote: |
| Please ask all questions on this thread so others can benefit. |
Sorry to see you go, but please post a for sale ad in the classifieds and go from there.
Good Luck.....
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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