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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8469
Location: Arizona
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 Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
| Gaffer's tape is what jumped to my mind as a good friction tape in that spot. It won't leave glue residue and has a cloth texture to add friction. |
Don't know if gaffer tape has changed from its original style, or if there's different types on the market, but the gaffer tape I bought at a music store did not work. In fact, it actually made the problem worse. Upon removing the tape, just like duct tape (which I abhor), it left sticky residue (which, I suppose, could be attributed to my garage being like an oven). 
_________________
~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 4335
Location: SWVA
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| Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 11:27 am Post subject: Re: Westy Table clamp lever (adjustable angle, indexing, ratchet...) |
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Nevermind - forget my last comment. I realize you are talking about the grommet for the lever.
I ordered the levers. Once I get it setup I will model the part if nobody else decides to before then.
_________________
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram: @joannthevan |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 4335
Location: SWVA
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| Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 9:15 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| Sodo wrote: |
The bezel would have a larger flange, obscuring the off-centered-ness of the cabinet's hole.
Pull/push on your table and note how the clamp rotates. The bezel could have a second use in stabilizing the table.
What if the center hole of the bezel could be eccentric to the cabinet-sized diameter? |
Not sure I follow but thought I would try and model what I think you are saying?
_________________
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram: @joannthevan |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4443
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 6:47 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| Sodo wrote: |
| vanis13 wrote: |
| My hole/lever is off center so trimming the cabinet would leave the lever off center and possibly even causing interference. |
The bezel would have a larger flange, obscuring the off-centered-ness of the cabinet's hole.
Pull/push on your table and note how the clamp rotates. The bezel could have a second use in stabilizing the table.
What if the center hole of the bezel could be eccentric to the cabinet-sized diameter? |
I don't follow but you design awesome stuff so its sure to work!
You design it, send me dimensions, I'll sketch it and print it for 'ya
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10665
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| vanis13 wrote: |
| My hole/lever is off center so trimming the cabinet would leave the lever off center and possibly even causing interference. |
The bezel would have a larger flange, obscuring the off-centered-ness of the cabinet's hole.
Pull/push on your table and note how the clamp rotates. The bezel could have a second use in stabilizing the table.
What if the center hole of the bezel could be eccentric to the cabinet-sized diameter?
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4443
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 5:23 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| Sodo wrote: |
| vanis13 wrote: |
| Sodo, I'll design and 3d print a trim ring and get you one. Maybe bring it personally in Aug. |
Thats good news!
Can I buy you a roll of official Westy Gray filament? |
Sure but I think black around the base of the new handle (like you used the hose washer) may be better/more universal.
My hole/lever is off center so trimming the cabinet would leave the lever off center and possibly even causing interference.
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10665
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 4:24 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| vanis13 wrote: |
| Sodo, I'll design and 3d print a trim ring and get you one. Maybe bring it personally in Aug. |
Thats good news!
Can I buy you a roll of official Westy Gray filament?
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4443
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 1:34 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| Sodo wrote: |
https://a.co/d/fnAuZIk
This one is M10 x 15mm and should fit without cutting.
Same length handle (80mm)
3 for $12.49 |
Plug and play. My seat clears in any orientation since there is slop L/R in the seat hinges. In my 30 second install up seemed the easiest to tighten and may serve as a hook to hang the garbage bag from.
Sodo, I'll design and 3d print a trim ring and get you one. Maybe bring it personally in Aug.
Thanks for the clever mod!
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8185
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 9:17 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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Great thread. I'm still a rare earth magnet screwed to the C-pillar guy but the prices on rare earth magnets have nearly doubled since I did that so it's a $20 magnet v. a $12 ratchet handle.
| DanHoug wrote: |
| I've got some gaff tape I'll try because adding something to that pad is a great idea. |
Gaffer's tape is what jumped to my mind as a good friction tape in that spot. It won't leave glue residue and has a the cloth texture to add friction.
I love this idea. They're out of stock but McMaster Carr is also a good source for gas springs:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/gas-springs/
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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revolution337
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2009
Posts: 398
Location: Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 5:26 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| DanHoug wrote: |
| kamzcab86 wrote: |
| revolution337 wrote: |
| I put a small piece of skateboard grip tape on the inside of my table post clamp, where it presses on the actual table leg |
Oh, that's brilliant. Need to do that to my front table; it's the one that tends to move a bit while driving (the clamp and post are worn from PO's rotating the table while still clamped). |
is that 'grip tape' like 'tread tape' that has embedded grit? because it would drive up nuts to feel the post scratching as I swing the table around. I THINK just simple 'friction tape' like for bike handle bars, hockey sticks, etc would work well and not scratch. I've got some gaff tape I'll try because adding something to that pad is a great idea. |
It is straight up gritty grip tape, the kind used on skateboards.
It doesn’t scratch the table leg at all on mine when the knob is loose and I rotate the table leg. I think there is still enough of an air gap clearance between the table leg and the clamping surface when the adjustment knob is loose.
As a matter of fact, you’d be hard pressed to know the grip tape is installed at all, as long as you fully loosen the knob prior to rotating the leg.
Your mileage may vary, it’s a cheap and easy enough mod to try out and see if it works for you. Easily removed if you aren’t happy with it.
_________________
1982 Westfalia AEB 1.8t
2017 VW Golf Sportwagen
2001 Audi A4 4.2 V8 swapped
2000 BMW Z3 roadster
-Mark |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 5748
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 12:24 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| kamzcab86 wrote: |
| revolution337 wrote: |
| I put a small piece of skateboard grip tape on the inside of my table post clamp, where it presses on the actual table leg |
Oh, that's brilliant. Need to do that to my front table; it's the one that tends to move a bit while driving (the clamp and post are worn from PO's rotating the table while still clamped). |
is that 'grip tape' like 'tread tape' that has embedded grit? because it would drive up nuts to feel the post scratching as I swing the table around. I THINK just simple 'friction tape' like for bike handle bars, hockey sticks, etc would work well and not scratch. I've got some gaff tape I'll try because adding something to that pad is a great idea.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8469
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 11:17 am Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| revolution337 wrote: |
| I put a small piece of skateboard grip tape on the inside of my table post clamp, where it presses on the actual table leg |
Oh, that's brilliant. Need to do that to my front table; it's the one that tends to move a bit while driving (the clamp and post are worn from PO's rotating the table while still clamped).
_________________
~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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SLOWoody
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2023
Posts: 124
Location: SLO, CA
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 10:03 am Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
| SLOWoody wrote: |
I have added a gas strut (~15 lbs of force) inside the tube to help lift the table and it is really nice to not have to worry about the table dropping when you loosen the clamp. I was able to find a gas strut that was small enough in diameter but it was not long enough so I had to 3D print extensions for the ends of the strut. you do have to apply a little force to get the table to go down and if there is not enough weight on the table it will rise on it own when the clamp is loosened. It would be better if the gas strut had only about 12 lbs of force but I was not able to find one with that low of a force in the proper size.
I am now working on using some linear bearing to make the movement of the table up and down much smoother. |
Another cool idea. The 3D printed ends are just tube fillers then to shorten the inside length? You have info on the strut you got? |
Yes, the tube fillers are to extend the length of the gas strut and are just long enough so that the strut is almost fully compressed when the table is all the way down. I removed the ends that came with the gas strut and threaded the 3D printed extenders onto the gas strut ends. The gas strut I selected has enough extension that it will lift the table above the stove area without trouble but won't push the table support tube all the way out. Make sure to have the gas strut orientated with the gas chamber portion on top and the shaft pushing down, this will keep the seals lubricated and keep the strut from loosing its gas pressure. Here is the gas strut I ordered: https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/lift-supports-depot-se270p20e39-gas-charged-lift-support/
_________________
83.5 Westfalia, GW 2.3L w/ GW EFI, 4 speed |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10665
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 9:02 am Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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I like that grip sticker. I bet skateboard shops have scraps.
If the OG knob works well, maybe you could put a decal on the knob
so you can SEE its loose if the KNOB decal isn't "upright = tight"?
There are various kinds of adhesives.
You don't want a grip-sticker that has thick goo
that oozes when hot
& slides off the "brake shoe".
GREAT pic !! 
reminder that the set-screw doesn't dig directly into the pipe,
it presses on a brake shoe.
----> revolution337..... thass some way-good SAMBA!
| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
| Sodo wrote: |
https://a.co/d/fnAuZIk
This one is M10 x 15mm and should fit without cutting.
Same length handle (80mm)
3 for $12.49 |
Very cool idea, I like that.
The link above may not be the ratcheting type? Hard to tell…. |
I bet there's a spring under that screwhead, and it's adjustable angle.
It costs $12.49 to be 3x as knowledgeable
the handle is 80mm, same as mine, which is good.
I wouldn't want a shorter handle.
Funny that they are called "ratcheting" some places.
I'll change the subject title, because it's NOT "ratcheting".
"Indexing" would be the proper term but "angle adjust" could be better.
https://a.co/d/8krkbmf here's M10x20mm with a 90mm handle.
90mm would be a little easier to tighten than 80mm length.
Possibly on some vans, the 20mm "might" work without cutting the bolt to 15mm.
On my van, 20mm would have plywood seatbase pressing past the handle.
15mm makes it "just the cushion passing by".
I like the "idea" of flattening the bolt end real square
so it doesn't dig in to the friction shoe (because I can)
but that's probably not required.
Here's the measurements on my van.
Better check your measurements.
It's 30mm from the plywood, squishing the cushion down to the wood below.
YMMV
More detail in case your van doesn't have 30mm to the cabinet wall.
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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revolution337
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2009
Posts: 398
Location: Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:41 am Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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I put a small piece of skateboard grip tape on the inside of my table post clamp, where it presses on the actual table leg, did this "mod" a few years ago. It significantly reduced the amount of knob turning pressure required in order to secure the table and keep it from moving. It has worked wonderfully ever since, and was essentially "free" (my buddy who skates gave me a small piece).
Before:
After:
_________________
1982 Westfalia AEB 1.8t
2017 VW Golf Sportwagen
2001 Audi A4 4.2 V8 swapped
2000 BMW Z3 roadster
-Mark |
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Alaskaberrys 
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016
Posts: 1079
Location: SE Alaska
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 1:37 am Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| SLOWoody wrote: |
I have added a gas strut (~15 lbs of force) inside the tube to help lift the table and it is really nice to not have to worry about the table dropping when you loosen the clamp. I was able to find a gas strut that was small enough in diameter but it was not long enough so I had to 3D print extensions for the ends of the strut. you do have to apply a little force to get the table to go down and if there is not enough weight on the table it will rise on it own when the clamp is loosened. It would be better if the gas strut had only about 12 lbs of force but I was not able to find one with that low of a force in the proper size.
I am now working on using some linear bearing to make the movement of the table up and down much smoother. |
Another cool idea. The 3D printed ends are just tube fillers then to shorten the inside length? You have info on the strut you got?
_________________
'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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Alaskaberrys
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016
Posts: 1079
Location: SE Alaska
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 1:34 am Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| Sodo wrote: |
https://a.co/d/fnAuZIk
This one is M10 x 15mm and should fit without cutting.
Same length handle (80mm)
3 for $12.49 |
Very cool idea, I like that.
The link above may not be the ratcheting type? Hard to tell….
_________________
'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10665
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2025 10:36 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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https://a.co/d/fnAuZIk
This one is M10 x 15mm and should fit without cutting.
Same length handle (80mm)
3 for $12.49
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10665
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:02 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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| SCM wrote: |
| MsTaboo wrote: |
I don't know, maybe it's just my Westy, but I've never had any problem with the table staying put with the stock knob. |
Same here. I'm sure I would forget to tighten a lever just as easily as I forget to tighten a knob  |
With the knob you can't tell by looking.
But with the lever you can KNOW by looking (if it's tight or loose).
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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SLOWoody
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2023
Posts: 124
Location: SLO, CA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 1:39 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Table ratchet-handle clamp |
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I have added a gas strut (~15 lbs of force) inside the tube to help lift the table and it is really nice to not have to worry about the table dropping when you loosen the clamp. I was able to find a gas strut that was small enough in diameter but it was not long enough so I had to 3D print extensions for the ends of the strut. you do have to apply a little force to get the table to go down and if there is not enough weight on the table it will rise on it own when the clamp is loosened. It would be better if the gas strut had only about 12 lbs of force but I was not able to find one with that low of a force in the proper size.
I am now working on using some linear bearing to make the movement of the table up and down much smoother.
_________________
83.5 Westfalia, GW 2.3L w/ GW EFI, 4 speed |
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