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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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 Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 11:14 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Thanks. I would hate to see the van sitting unused for a couple of years, plus I still don't know if I'll move back to Spain. It pains me but it's for the best. One needs to learn how to part with things.
I think if I lived out West I would be more inclined to keep it. I never got to enjoy big open spaces in near solitude in the East Coast. I don't really like campgrounds so the experience is not quite the same here. I have learned a lot about mechanics in the process though and that alone was very valuable to me. It was my project and a great learning experience.
For those who have shown interest, I have now posted some new/never used gear and parts in the Samba classifieds and will keep posting more: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?username=figborg
_________________
-- 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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elizer
Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2016
Posts: 1501
Location: Northern Virginia
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| Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 11:31 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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| That is really unfortunate but it is noble to take care of your parents. Best of luck. |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 10:35 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Sadly, I will be gearing up to sell the van soon. Lots of awesome gear I never got to use or install will have to go as well (T4 shower/faucet install pack for sink, Bus Depot backroom, magnetic side door screen, Westfalia Fridge Vent Plate, pop-top thermal wrap from Campervan Culture, van exterior cover, Blue Sea Systems Blade 6 Fuse Block, etc.). Giving everyone interested the heads up. This van has a top notch Subaru engine conversion by Vanaru installed in 2016 (no regrets!). Dogs refuse to go in the van so it's dog hair free! Will use Samba classifieds.
I have to take care of an elderly parent who deserves the best so my vacation time is devoted to that now. My epic roadtrip to the Southwest will have to wait. End of an era. 
_________________
-- 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 Jan 20, 2018 4:23 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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| Abscate wrote: |
That Vanagon needs a Husky to go along with it.
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Since Thanksgiving it actually has two chihuahuas
_________________
-- 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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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 24378
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 3:27 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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That Vanagon needs a Husky to go along with it.
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πΊπΈ πΊπΈ πΊπΈ πΊπΈ πΊπΈ πΊπΈ πΊπΈ π π π |
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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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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: 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 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: 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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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: 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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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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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: 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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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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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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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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| 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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