| Author |
Message |
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
 Posted: Sat May 16, 2020 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
 |
|
Link
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Cobra88
Samba Member
Joined: May 28, 2018
Posts: 82
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, UK
|
| Posted: Sun May 17, 2020 5:05 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Even the Wife is Laughing 
Subscribed Matt
_________________
84 (85) model year Caravelle GL 1.9 DG Auto WBX Bronze Beige Metallic w Steel Sunroof |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Sun May 17, 2020 9:11 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Thanks Cobra88! I hoped that they would be amusing and informative. I look forward to continue honing my skills in video shooting and editing. Hopefully they get easier and easier to watch 
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12115
Location: Port Manteau
|
| Posted: Sun May 17, 2020 11:46 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Vanagon Tin-Top Conversion ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
| captmatthew1 wrote: |
Karmann Vandiego is officially 40 years old this month.
So many milestones I have gotten to share with this old yellow box! |
That's an early production van.
My second Vanagon was also a '79 with an even earlier VIN 25A0008082
_________________
Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Sun May 17, 2020 12:48 pm Post subject: Re: 1980 Vanagon Tin-Top Conversion ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
| Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
| captmatthew1 wrote: |
Karmann Vandiego is officially 40 years old this month.
So many milestones I have gotten to share with this old yellow box! |
That's an early production van.
My second Vanagon was also a '79 with an even earlier VIN 25A0008082 |
Indeed! There are a few things about these early vans that didn't make it into regular production. I love blowing the minds of other owners with the little differences. 
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Tue May 26, 2020 3:52 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
The fam and I had a great time putting this video together showing our conversion progress. I continue to struggle with poor audio as I search for the right combination of equipment. We hope you enjoy!
Link
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cobra88
Samba Member
Joined: May 28, 2018
Posts: 82
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, UK
|
| Posted: Tue May 26, 2020 10:18 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Another great Video Matt
love the magic chairs
Nice to see everyone too
Regards
Rick in England
_________________
84 (85) model year Caravelle GL 1.9 DG Auto WBX Bronze Beige Metallic w Steel Sunroof |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Tue May 26, 2020 7:58 pm Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
| Cobra88 wrote: |
Another great Video Matt
love the magic chairs
Nice to see everyone too
Regards
Rick in England |
Thanks Rick!
We wanted to try some new things to make the video fun. The kids were super excited to be included on this one! We look forward to creating new content as we become more familiar with the equipment we have, and upgrade the stuff that holds us back.
I have some ideas for the next one that I hope will be a hoot!
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Wed May 27, 2020 6:30 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
I was pretty stoked to see that Karmann Vandiego has been featured in VolksMania Magazine! Check it out if your interested. Page 26!
https://issuu.com/pitstoppublishing/docs/volksmania_4_digital_150/2
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Wed May 27, 2020 5:41 pm Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Just uploaded a new video. Enjoy!
Link
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16504
Location: Brookeville, MD
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 9610
Location: Western WA
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2020 7:41 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
| dobryan wrote: |
Can't believe I missed this topic back when it first was posted. Just read the whole thing.
You are having a lot of fun and the bus is looking great!
I hope to run across you sometime in my travels. |
Yes D’oB I agree.
| captmatthew1 wrote: |
It has been important to me in a sentimental way to keep the old van a tin-top. As my decal says:
Sometimes it seems like the obvious solution would be a hightop...but every childhood memory of the old yellow tin-top, stops those thoughts dead in their tracks. |
I was thinking that “this fella needs a high-top”.
Then this.
I hang my head in shame.
Thanks Cap’n for the great, well written and pic’d Vanagon story.
Your family is super-cute too.
One of the best threads On theSamba.
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2020 8:11 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
If your ever on the Oregon Coast give me a shout!
I've had a lot of fun putting the old van back on the road and tastefully modifying it to suit our lifestyle. I still struggle with the idea of a high-top and have almost ripped that sticker off the window a couple of times...
I've been having fun making videos recently, and the kids are really excited to get involved. I'm not sure which direction we are going with them quite yet, but I'm learning a lot and continue to acquire new filming equipment to make them better as we go!
Thanks for the kind words!
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 9:42 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Been a while, so I thought I would update a few things!
Through the course of a project, I acquired 2 nearly complete Vanagons for parts.
One van had a nearly new set of shocks fitted with overload springs that I was able to use
The other was fitted with a zbed. Though I liked the bed I built from scratch, I have been waiting for one of these to come along at the right price.
At the same time, I have started to update the wiring under the rear seat by adding a fuse panel.
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2020 5:58 pm Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Recently, I sold the roof rack that I built last year. I felt we outgrew it, and i wanted to build a full length rack this time.
I started with some scrap steel, sourced from Yamaha ATV shipping crates.
After cutting it all apart, I began laying out the frame. The dimensions will be 57" wide by 11' long.
More pictures as I make progress.
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2020 8:26 pm Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Some progress on the new roof rack!
I welded the frame together, and test fit it to the roof (I knew it would fit)
Once I verified that the rack filled the proper footprint, I welded all of the cross bars in. I welded them all in on 12" centers, because I intend to deck it full length with pressure treated 1x4
Next, I need to fabricate the legs and brackets to attach it to the rain gutters. I plan to use 4 legs per side (total of 8 ). The roof tent will now be mounting to the rear of the van, as apposed to the front as we had it before.
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2020 7:51 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Another exciting milestone as Karmann Vandiego is featured in VolksAmerica Magazine! In print this time! 
https://volksamerica.com/issues/product/volksamerica-17-super-deluxe-vw-magazine/
Needless to say, I'm stoked for my copy to come in the mail.
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 6:56 pm Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Some progress on the roof rack. I decided on 6 legs instead of 8, which I think looks just right.
Next up is fabbing the rain gutter clamps.
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cobra88
Samba Member
Joined: May 28, 2018
Posts: 82
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, UK
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 11:18 pm Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Looking good Matt 👍🏻
_________________
84 (85) model year Caravelle GL 1.9 DG Auto WBX Bronze Beige Metallic w Steel Sunroof |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
captmatthew1
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2016
Posts: 95
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:43 am Post subject: Re: 1980 Tin-Top Chronological PIC Build Thread ~Karmann Vandiego~ |
|
|
Taking a small break from the roof rack, I started wiring and ducting under the rear seat.
On the last bed, I installed 1 heater outlet mounted higher up on the kick panel. I've learned a few things from that and decided to mount 2 outlets down low.
I'm hoping the new location of the outlets will help eliminate hot air being trapped under the bed when its folded out.
_________________
Matthew Alig
1980 VW Vanagon Tin-Top Camper Conversion |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
