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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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 Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2016 8:29 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Nasty weather this weekend in Southern New England so not a good day to try my new Advance Elements inflatable kayak for the Westy  , however, it's the perfect day to work on the van.
Just this morning I received a package from Germany with the new faucet/shower head for the van. I can't wait to install it and use it next time we go to the beach (I prefer the beach in the fall).
... and, two days ago I received a package from CVC in England with my new 12v and USB outlets for the side fridge grill. I know I could have done something similar with my own grill but I really like the design of this one and want to support good ideas and products for our aging vans. I like what CVC is doing.
--- plus, I received from GoWesty a new 12v outlet to replace that sucky cigarette lighter in the dashboard.
I now need to go to West Marine and purchase a Blue Sea Systems fuse box (also available on Amazon) and some wire from Radio Shack. My work is cut out!
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2016 1:16 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Why is it that the projects you think are going to be the easiest end up being the biggest PITAs? This afternoon I only managed to replace the cigarette lighter in the dashboard for a 12V outlet. It took about 15 minutes to connect the new outlet and well over an hour to remove the inner ring of the cigarette lighter receptacle. My bloody knuckles are proof of the torture. There was no way for me to pry open those tabs to remove the inner ring. No way. I had to do the removal from the back and become a contortionist, jam a screw driver here and there, bang, swear, sweat, and practically cry.
But it's DONE and it works and the Westy did not suffer.
I must say this is now another (small) favorite mod.
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 4:15 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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I had the day off so I started to work on the front speakers. I bought these Blaupunkt 4" speakers and they fit just fine. I want to use the stock grills. I found this great thread for the same project a while back:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=495155
I started too late in the day and ran out of light so I will finish tomorrow. More pics to come!
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2016 6:12 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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I deleted my own rant. 
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 3:44 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Today I got to work a bit on the new Blaupunkt front speakers which produced no sound after I installed them last week. Obviously some wire/s was/were not connected or cut so I followed them from the speakers, through the black flexible tubes coming out the door and into the back of the dash. I found the culprit on the passenger side, behind the glovebox. All plug connectors for wires originating on the passenger door were disconnected. To add insult to injury, the wires were frayed and a bit cracked near the one end of the plugs so I cut the wire there and will need to run to Walmart or Radio Shack for another set plug connectors.
I was too overwhelmed to look on the driver's side. I hate dealing with that cramped mess of wires behind the fuse box. I will have to start fresh in the morning for that.
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 6:08 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Both front speakers are now working and sound good. I just glued the stock grills with Goop, that way I can remove them without too much trouble if I need to do some work. We'll see how well they hold up. The screws for the speakers are right on the edge of the grills so I couldn't drill holes there.
I used two round pieces of black nylon opaque tights as new speaker fabric. The old one disintegrated.
Driver's side (still with tape to hold grill in place until the glue dries):
The stock rear speakers are decent so I'm not touching them.
Next on the to-do list is installing new faucet/shower head, the new outlets (USB and 12V socket), and new fuse box for accessories that run out of the auxiliary battery.
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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Bills85Westy
Samba Member
Joined: August 01, 2009
Posts: 428
Location: Napa CA
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| Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2016 12:45 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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I've really enjoyed reading about your improvements!
I'm interested in your feedback on the pop top insulation kit. Let us know how you like it!
Bill
_________________
89 Tristar Syncro Doka - White
85 Westfalia Syncro (conversion)
SAH 1.8T Conversion - 2005 AWP
Engine Conversion Thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=612144&highlight=
85 Doka L345 Grey - 1.9L |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 11:35 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Thanks, Bill.
On the subject of interesting parts I would like to give a try, I wonder if this solar ventilated skylight would allow access to mosquitos. I guess it would be easy to solve with some screen and glue/silicone. Out of stock from CVC now but something to consider if anyone has a mold problem on the inside of the pop top.
http://campervanculture.com/shop/vw-t25-t3-and-vanagon-westfalia-solar-skylight/
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2017 9:41 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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I haven't had a chance to test the CVC pop top tent exterior insulation wrap yet but will when it gets warmer. We just had a huge snow storm yesterday.
I wanted to share with you the digital clock I just ordered through eBay for under two bucks, free shipping. Could end up being a dud but for the price I will take my chances. Seems to be the same as the one GW sells now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271735691149
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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ohhorob
Samba Member
Joined: September 26, 2013
Posts: 217
Location: Santa Cruz
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| Posted: Tue May 30, 2017 3:11 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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How are the penetrol treated exterior parts holding up?
_________________
"Gundy" - '85 Westfalia
GoWesty 2300cc, Digijet |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Tue May 30, 2017 4:37 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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| ohhorob wrote: |
| How are the penetrol treated exterior parts holding up? |
Pretty well. It's been a year now. I washed the poptop last weekend with a scrub brush and water and it did not strip. I do keep it covered with a tarp when not in use though.
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Sat Jul 22, 2017 8:54 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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I have been busy this spring and summer so the Westy has not hit the road much. Also our Impreza died and had to buy a new Subaru. The Crosstrek is kaki and now "matches" the Westy though 
For starters we are giving both a well deserved bath. Going to the beach in RI again this weekend to fly kites and relax.
Kite flying from last weekend:
My next project is swapping the faucet for the shower head/sprayer I purchased from CVC in the fall.
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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Multiman mv
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2017
Posts: 988
Location: Martha's Vineyard, Ma
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| Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 5:32 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Nice work on your van. Well thought out and methodical approach. I'm sure you are loving that conversion. They are so much fun to drive when you can actually keep up with traffic. Engine conversions are expensive when you don't do the work yourself but it is so worth going to a guy like Hans who knows all the ins and outs of a Subaru conversion. Congratulations on a great van.
Nick |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2017 2:29 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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| Multiman mv wrote: |
Nice work on your van. Well thought out and methodical approach. I'm sure you are loving that conversion. They are so much fun to drive when you can actually keep up with traffic. Engine conversions are expensive when you don't do the work yourself but it is so worth going to a guy like Hans who knows all the ins and outs of a Subaru conversion. Congratulations on a great van.
Nick |
Thanks! I was too afraid to drive it before the conversion. I just could not trust the engine. It's holding up well and I'm happy with the work. My only complaint is that the newly rebuilt trans by AA Transaxle came with a new ring/pinion (those new parts upped the price quite a bit) and it's already showing signs of wear, according to my mechanic. He can tell the parts are new and properly installed but they are probably defective from the manufacturer. They should not wear so quickly.
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2017 12:49 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Loving my custom curtain set up on this hot sunny Sunday. I will take advantage of the afternoon to make macaroni and cheese and figure out my new shower fixture. Bought last year and have procrastinated...
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2017 6:51 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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I installed my new ARB 2500 awning this past Saturday and I'm quite pleased with the set up. I used two GW brackets and didn't drill them to the body of the van, just the rain gutter attachment.
Broke down at the beach on Sunday because of the battery (three years old). As I was trying to jump start it I got stung by a bee in my hand 
Haven't set up the shower head yet in the sink.
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2017 11:16 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Broke down at the beach in RI last weekend. Our battery died. Simple fix but we decided to get a new inspection sticker now and fix other stuff to the tune of $800. 
Today we are enjoying the new ARB awning in Lincoln Woods, fully deployed. I envy those who live out West with all your open land and less crowded surroundings. The coastal northeast, except for Maine, is so overly populated. It's hard to escape those whose idea of being in touch with nature is blaring horrible (or even good) music in the woods...
I also wanted to point out that buying that drawer organizer from GW was a good idea. At the time it seemed like an unnecessary splurge, but now I'm glad I did it.
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 12:18 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Another milestone in the non-essential department... I'm patting myself in the back today for finally removing the VW emblem patches I had initially sewn in the side back panels of the van (they proved way too small in scale). I bought a 8" laser cut steel VW emblem to draw the outline and painted the VW in cyan blue silkscreen paint for fabric. So much better IMO.
Before:
After:
Materials:
Now what do I do with the patches???
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374 |
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