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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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 Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2016 3:08 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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They don't take that much space and I still have lots of it in the back storage cabinet. I tend to pack light so basic stuff like the curtains should be no issue. It all depends on gear priorities and there is only two of us.
I hated the old curtains. I don't think I would ever go back to that set up.
They will stick together though when you store them but because there is fabric in between they are not impossible to separate, you just have to yank. Nothing to worry about IMHO.
_________________
-- 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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JustsomeKentuck
Samba Member
Joined: July 19, 2016
Posts: 69
Location: Louisville KY, y'all!
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| Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2016 3:44 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Awesome job!
Do you ever plan to remove them? I was thinking they may be difficult to deal with. |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2016 5:16 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Yes, I will only use them when camping or when I need to keep gear out of eyesight. They can be removed very easily, there is nothing to it. It takes longer dealing wit the original curtains and these cover the windows perfectly. I also think they will insulate the van from the cold and heat better.
_________________
-- 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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JustsomeKentuck
Samba Member
Joined: July 19, 2016
Posts: 69
Location: Louisville KY, y'all!
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| Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2016 6:54 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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| figborg wrote: |
| Yes, I will only use them when camping or when I need to keep gear out of eyesight. They can be removed very easily, there is nothing to it. It takes longer dealing wit the original curtains and these cover the windows perfectly. I also think they will insulate the van from the cold and heat better. |
I was just thinking the magnets might be hard to deal with if they stick together so well. Maybe there is another space on the interior where you can stick them when they aren't on the Windows? IDK, just thinking about how to best make use of them  .
Cool mod. When Wifey is back to normal after ankle sergury she intends to do some stuff...I think I'll show her your curtains  . She'll like them
Thanks! |
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 4:53 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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And here are my Terrapodz DLRs out of the box. I can't wait to install them this weekend! I got them from Samba classifieds for $199 and free shipping. There are new, PO decided not to install them after all 
_________________
-- 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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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17157
Location: Brookeville, MD
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Merian
Samba Member
Joined: January 04, 2014
Posts: 5212
Location: Orygun
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| Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 11:26 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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they are definitely cool looking and are the proper way to do DRLs
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 2:10 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Okay GW, you better be right... I contacted their customer service department to figure out if my sliding windows would fit their aftermarket sliding window screens (which seem to be good quality and Samba members reviewed favorably). My windows look a bit different than the ones featured in the installation video but they said they would work. I sent them pics as well.
Edit: I realize now that the screens fit in the inside not the outside of the windows so the text in the image above is incorrect.
The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E87PaqphSU#action=share
And the screens: http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=3990
Well, I bought them. I'll need to do more tutoring hours this week, but I will survive 
_________________
-- 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 Sep 11, 2016 6:46 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Last night I finished sewing the curtain panel for the back hatch. I'm very happy with the results. I used more rare earth magnets for this one since it's bigger. I don't have to sew an opening around the third break light as I initially thought. I did sew around each magnet in the hem so they do not move and become "permanently" attached given their magnetic force.
Installation of Terrapodz and polishing of front grills will have to wait to tomorrow evening or next weekend. I'm off to the Cape now for the day!
_________________
-- 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 Sep 17, 2016 10:30 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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This morning I got around installing GW screens for the sliding windows. They fit very well, are very good quality and I'm happy with the product overall. My only complaint is that it's very hard to loosen the screws to rotate the exterior tabs. I actually almost stripped one but I got it to work in the end. They are sturdy. I do recommend them but make sure you put a lot of perpendicular pressure on those screws (using a flat surface) as you loosen them or you will strip them all.
A couple of weeks ago there was an attempted break-in in my house but luckily the thief ran away when the alarm when off. He threw a rock through by back window but he didn't get in. This is the first time that such thing has happened in my house in 17 years so I was a bit shaken. I bought two sets of Blink wireless cameras on Amazon (3 cameras on each set) and I just ordered some custom made wrought iron security bars for that one window. The whole neighborhood is getting hit systematically.
https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Security-Wireless-Det...ity+camera
Since all the cameras in this system "communicate" with a single sync module and are battery operated (the batteries last up to a year), I decided to put one in the van... and it works! It does get a pretty strong signal. These cameras do not have night vision (infrared) but they work well if some light source is around, like the LED from my back door.
Here is an image of what it captures during the day (it does film streaming on my iPhone and photo).
I will take it inside when it gets cold since the New England winter will kill the batteries. Also, the camera only works when my van is parked in my driveway or garage. It is what it is...
Terrapodz installation will have to wait until tomorrow when we get rain. Off to the beach now to celebrate a friend's bday!
_________________
-- 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 Sep 18, 2016 1:03 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Terrapodz installed! Very easy install for my van. I haven't tested them at night yet to see if they improve vision. I mainly want them as DRLs anyway. Got them reduced and free shipping through Samba classifieds from a member (thanks!) who changed his mind
_________________
-- 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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unibagel
Samba Member
Joined: December 02, 2004
Posts: 559
Location: Bflo, NY
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 4:14 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Looking good.
Paint your grills to match terrapodz..... |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17157
Location: Brookeville, MD
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 5:56 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Yes, I almost worked on restoring the grills but got too lazy. I'm doing things backwards. I'll wash them today, let them dry and apply Penetrol when the rain stops. I'm going to hold off on paint or dyes for now.
Dave, that's exactly what I want from them. Also, once my headlights died on me last year (solved it with a relay) and having these would have made me feel better. I drove home in the night with two LED flashlights pointing forward! Scary 30 minutes!
_________________
-- 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: Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:50 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Went to Grout Pond Recreational Area in Vermont this past weekend and enjoyed our first "real" out-in-the-woods camping experience ("primitive" folks would argue not). The campground is in the Green Mountain National Forest and the 17 sites were quite private and near a pond. I truly enjoyed the experience though the temperature dropped to 32 degrees Fahrenheit at night and was barely above 52 during the day.
Good site:
Good night reading:
My only complaint was the amount trash that some people leave behind. I don't get it! I filled a whole bag of opened and half eaten cans (Vienna sausages, yuck!) that I had to take with me. I don't want other people's trash inside of my van when I travel so my next purchase is a Trasharoo or something similar. I don't have a rear spare tire mount in my van but there must be a way to attach this receptacle to the hatch (hopefully without drilling holes, but that may not be possible).
Mr Buddy Heater was a life saver but I kept it off at night.
_________________
-- 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: Wed Oct 12, 2016 2:41 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Front license plate mounted. I did drill in the end.
Next is wiring the front door speakers while keeping the stock speaker grills. I have seen a couple of threads with good suggestions. The new ones have been sitting in my basement since last November.
After that I may sew an exterior trash receptacle for the van and a shallow cover for the pop top (so it does not get dirty with leaves and acorns before it gets garaged for the winter). Sort of like a heavy duty plastic bonnet with four rare earth magnets to secure it in place.
Oh, and I really, really want to do this (see video): http://campervanculture.com/shop/vw-westfalia-grey-shower-tap-for-t4-or-upgrade-your-t25-t3/
The kit is out of stock now in CVC but available from: http://www.vwbusshop.de/epages/GuenzlClassicParts..../701070821
I'll wait for CVC to restock.
Thanks to Owokie for his pics on the Samba and the heads up!
Here are his pics, so you get the idea:
UPDATE: order placed with the VWbusshop in Germany for the shower/faucet. I ordered this double auxiliary outlet from CVC since the pound is so weak now: http://campervanculture.com/shop/westfalia-fridge-vent-plate-with-high-quality-power-points-grey/
I'm not independently wealthy, I just tutor French and Spanish after work to support my addiction. 
_________________
-- 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
Last edited by figborg on Thu Oct 13, 2016 7:42 am; edited 3 times in total |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32989
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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figborg
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 3:32 pm Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Without a doubt, the absolutely BEST mod I made to my 86 is that I installed Hella E codes in place of the anemic VW hi/low head lamp.
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Oh, Dave, believe me, I read that with great interest when you did it. It's definitely in the back of my mind. However, I recently also noticed in CVC that they are working on a new LED set for square headlights for Vanagons. Right now they only have them for European T3s, so I may wait a bit. Take a look at the video:
http://campervanculture.com/shop/vw-t25-t3-vanagon-high-power-led-headlight-upgrade-kit/
What do you think?
Having said this, your mod was worth every second you put in, for sure!
I did have my headlights reglazed this summer.
_________________
-- 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 15, 2016 9:29 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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Penetrol finally applied on front grills and mirrors. If it doesn't last I will use spray paint. Looks good today!
Off to Home Depot now to buy PVC clear tubing to replace my crusty water lines. Then tomorrow I will make the "bonnet" for the pop top. That should protect it and keep clean until I garage it for the winter. Will post pics.
_________________
-- 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 16, 2016 10:35 am Post subject: Re: Minor and major improvements to my 86.5 Westy |
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The Westy has a cap now! Perfect for spring, summer and fall. In winter it will be garaged. The luggage rack tends to collect leaves, small branches and acorns -- well, no more! I put a towel on top of the skylight so it will not get scratch from friction, it is a tarp after all, not soft material and it will move around a bit with the wind. All I did is sew the corners to fit the angle of front and back and cut about 4 ft. of extra material on the right side (originally 9' x 12' tarp). Easy.
I will keep it down with cheap small spring clamps from Home Depot attached to the rain gutter. I will post a pic of that later when I get hem from HD.
Now off camping again!
_________________
-- 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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