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So Cal Fam's New 1978 Westfalia
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Mell22B
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 12:05 pm    Post subject: So Cal Fam's New 1978 Westfalia Reply with quote

Hello!

I am here because my husband and I recently purchased a 1978 Bay Window. We have been in love with vans since we rented one and drove up the Southern California coast and got engaged in Malibu. It has been a dream of ours to own one. Well this past May we found one and took the two hour drive on Mother's Day to check one out. We took the plunge and about three months later we have passed smog and ready to go on our first camping trip! We have a one year old son and I am so excited about all the adventures we will be able to take him on with so many great camping spots so close. So for now we are mechanically sound and next up is in the interior! And thus my first issue...

I was having issues pulling out the rear bench and tried a little harder this weekend and it seems like the hinge is incorrect to fold all the way out properly. Currently the bottom of the seat can only flip up and around so the back faces the back window of the van. 1978s are supposed to pull out completely correct? I guess I just need to find the right hinge to do so then? My 1 year old and I are supposed to sleep on the bottom Sad

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Last edited by Mell22B on Wed Aug 23, 2017 8:16 am; edited 1 time in total
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airkooledchris
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 12:37 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

There are a few actions that happen when you fold it out, assuming this is a Westfalia.

First fold it the way you describe, then push it towards the rear window a bit and then backwards. It should release and then fold down flat.

Pictures would be helpful, esp if this isn't a Westfalia.
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busdaddy
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 12:45 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

Welcome,
It's not uncommon for the hinge latch mechanism to get damaged by misuse, this may help a little: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1517548&highlight=#1517548
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Wasted youth
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 12:56 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

Mustard yellow Westfalia camper seat box or regular ol' VW bus bench seat with some weird hinge looking things underneath and two metal straps coming up the backside of the seatback?
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Mell22B
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 1:42 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

Here are the pics... there is no spring like in this other post...
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busdaddy
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 2:29 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

Mell22B wrote:
... there is no spring like in this other post...

There should be, looks like the pawl has slipped under the dog on the hinge and is jammed in there, hopefully not broken too.
Watch your fingers when playing in there, pinchy pinchy!

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_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

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Tcash
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 2:43 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

Welcome to TheSamba!

1978 Westfalia repair manual
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/1978westymanual.php
1979 owners manual
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/1979westfalia.php
click on pic
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Good luck
Tcash


Last edited by Tcash on Tue Aug 22, 2017 2:45 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Tcash
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 2:44 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

Welcome to TheSamba, Bay Window Bus Forum!

73-79 NEWBIE

Tcash wrote:
Every Type IV engine owner should know this!!!

If you over tighten the Oil Strainer bolt, you will brake the engine case!
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There is a Oil strainer in there.
TORQUE THE STRAINER BOLT TO NO MORE THAN 9 FT. LBS.


Tcash wrote:
Here is a little information. Good Luck

Pictures would be cool.
How to post photos/How to post a photo in the Forums

Pronunciation (Samba) English

I am thinking of buying a VW van
Cleaning+Rodents+Hantavirus
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M-Plate Location
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M-Plate Decoder Volkswagen Type 2 Bus
Bus VIN / Chassis Numbers
Type 2/Bus Owner's Manuals
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Early Baywindow Bus Parts Book
Late Baywindow Bus Parts Fiche
Type 2 Wiring Diagrams
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Type 4: Secrets Revealed
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There is a ton of information located at the top of the Forum section.
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Mell22B
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 3:26 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

I did it!!!! It looks like part of the hinge has been chipped off so just had to flip that around so it could fully recline. Will have to find a long term solution at some point. That area in there is soooo tiny. My husband can't believe I fixed this all by myself. Thanks all! So excited for our first camping trip and now I can sleep next to my little boy for his first camping trip ever!!!! And I didn't pinch my finger once Wink
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alman72
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 3:27 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

when you get it working, you need to re attach your braces that are down in the storage area
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Tcash
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 3:45 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

That is great.
You may want to change the title and introduce yourself.
Example "Our New Westfalia" or "Our new 1978"
This way you can ask questions in this thread and it will have your history.

Also a good idea to add your vehicle specification to your Signature line.
This really helps us when diagnosing a problem.
Tcash wrote:
Hi
It would help if you added your vehicle to your Signature. That way people answering your questions will know which vehicle you are asking about.

Year, Model, Engine.
[example]1978, Westfalia, 1700-2000 cc, type IV, Carbureted? or Fuel Injected?
Engine Type ID T2

How do I add a signature to my post?

Thank you
Tcash


P.S. We really like pictures


Last edited by Tcash on Tue Aug 22, 2017 3:53 pm; edited 1 time in total
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busdaddy
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 3:53 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

alman72 wrote:
when you get it working, you need to re attach your braces that are down in the storage area

Good catch, they have to be there before you sit on the edge when it's in bed mode.
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Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

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busdaddy
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 3:55 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

Mell22B wrote:
I did it!!!! It looks like part of the hinge has been chipped off so just had to flip that around so it could fully recline. Will have to find a long term solution at some point. That area in there is soooo tiny. My husband can't believe I fixed this all by myself. Thanks all! So excited for our first camping trip and now I can sleep next to my little boy for his first camping trip ever!!!! And I didn't pinch my finger once Wink

Nice work!
So are you going to let hubby in on how you figured it out?, or keep the Samba your little secret and let him think you are some sort of guru?, we won't tell Wink
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Слава Україні!
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Mell22B
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 4:35 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

Haha, Its my secret for now. i need to hold this over his head for awhile since I can't actually drive the bus yet (can't drive a manual). But he's on this website too so can't let him find it first.

So the bed is very wobbly on the edges and I do need to put those brackets back on. Need to look into doing this before the big camping trip!
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Tcash
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 5:13 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

Here is how they go on.
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Take a look through this thread. A lot of detailed pictures of the hinges
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7375895

What does your engine look like?
1. Fuel Injected
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/408842.jpg
2. Dual Carburetors
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/285168.jpg
3. Single Carburetor in the middle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/543088.jpg

Good luck
Tcash
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Wasted youth
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 7:14 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

It's pretty cool that you got one over on him. Cool Nice moxy!

Handyman hint: When you need to put screws back in their holes into wood, and you must use the old holes, take a few toothpicks and some wood glue and jam then in the hole first. Tap them in snugly with a light hammer... don't get all bad-ass on them, but pretty much fill up that hole. Break off the rest of the toothpicks clean with the surface of the wood. Use a small knife to dress that surface if needed. Then install the screws with the glue still wet/fresh. The toothpicks and glue jammed in there will give the old loose hole new life and a strong grip for the screw. It will not be strong enough to forever capture the screw, unless you use something like JB Weld. Just use Elmer's.
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Mell22B
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 8:54 pm    Post subject: Re: Rear Bench - not folding down completely! Reply with quote

[quote="Tcash"]Here is how they go on.
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Oh thank you for posting this pic! This really helps. Sometimes its so hard to find a clear pic of what I am trying to do. Going to try and secure these this weekend. I also noticed that my bench no longer has a working latch, is this really needed for anything? I will have a carseat on the bench so it won't be able to flap up while driving.

I will have to look at the engine tomorrow when it's light out. The engine stuff is my husband's sweet spot, I am all about interior Very Happy
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Tcash
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 9:48 am    Post subject: Re: So Cal Fam's New 1978 Westfalia Reply with quote

Your welcome.
Regarding Child seats. Seat belts really should be replaced.
If you choose not to replace them. Please inspect your seat belts and there mounting points under the bus. Any sign of water damage replace them. Have your husband latch the buckles and yank on them as hard as he can.
This company sells lap belts as well.
http://www.seatbeltsplus.com/product/WSCH14134C-12.html

Take a look at these threads
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?searc..._chars=200
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6737781#6737781

Be safe
Tcash
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GfunkBus76
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 10:23 am    Post subject: Re: So Cal Fam's New 1978 Westfalia Reply with quote

I bought a fresh seatbelt from Amazon for pretty reasonably priced. The unlucky passenger beside the car seat gets the 'vintage' treatment' Smile

My son loves riding in the bus!... and playing in it... I think he broke my turn signal return function playing with the switches Sad.. lol
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Mell22B
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 10:38 am    Post subject: Re: So Cal Fam's New 1978 Westfalia Reply with quote

Regarding Child seats. Seat belts really should be replaced.

Thanks Tcash! Seatbelts were first on my list and we had a new belt installed for the babe. But soon I will need to look into a teether since he will be forward facing soon enough. Thanks for the links on where to buy, these are way cheaper than GoWesty!
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