Hidden Westy storage space exposed! (front seats)

[randywebb]

[ragnarhairybreeks]

battery hold down attachment point.

yup, vw made provisions for (main and aux) 2 batteries under seats.

alistair
_________________
'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com

[randywebb]

thx, but that must be the one sticking down

I mean the one on the "floor" of the space that sticks up
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[ragnarhairybreeks]

you know, when I was writing my response I kept thinking that something is wrong, you can't be asking that...



Yup, I got the wrong stud, the up pointing one almost looks like it could be close to where the rubber plug access hole for top of shock mount is located

cheers

alistair
_________________
'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com

[Rodknock]

[1621]

If the vent goes from the battery box to the exterior, then it should vent the battery box. I don't recall seeing any other vents to that area, though yours may be different, and it's been a while since I've dug around in there.

As for reducing road noise, I doubt plugging that hole will make a big difference. Don't know for sure though. I think you'd be better off sound deadening the underseat space or coating the wheel wells in something - but that information is in another thread.
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'85 Westy

[indytriple]

Alright, this post is 75% whimsical and 25% practical. However, when it's pouring rain and you have to pull over and check something on the van, it becomes 100% practical!

Not much description needed. I think the pictures speak for themselves. And yes, I am serious. My buddy Brad and his van "Jane" are in the pictures, but I'm running the "bumbershoot mod" on my two vans as well. I'm not much of an umbrella guy myself, but dang if this hasn't come in handy at the strangest of times.

Brad, I must say you look stunning in Paisley.
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"See The Glass As Already Broken."

87 Vanagon Westy Auto Bostig

www.bluegrassbicyclecompany.com

[RCB]

Funny that you would post up that idea. Not long ago I was watching a History channel program on classic autos and they showed a Rolls Royce that had an umbrella stashed in a similar area.

[Rocky Mountain Westy]

[noganav]

If one of the vendors could get some of these umbrellas to fit the space, in road safety orange with reflectors and maybe even in a custom bag with an led flashlight. Put the word westfalia on the bag. I'm sure that would be a very popular item.

Hint Hint

http://www.colan-uk.net/products.php?CategoryID=121&ProductID=37

[indytriple]

[juanb]

We made this a few weekends ago. It was very easy, if scary to put a sawsall to the metal of the Westy.

I wanted to post some photos of the process and results.

This is the hole I ended up with. An aluminum L strip is visible there, I was planning to use a couple of those as guides, but it ended up not being necessary. I used a few pieces of self adhesive felt (the kind used for furniture legs) on the sides and base to make sure the drawers fit snugly.

Making sure there's enough space for the drawer:

This is most of the chunk of metal that I took off:

And this is the final drawer. I added little silver metal drawer handles, they look good with the grey interior. I wasn't going for stealth because there are better places to hide stuff in the van, but for practicality. Now my glove box is free of cables, gps and stuff. I should get some gloves

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1989 Westy AT, 2.2 GoWesty.
We drove it to Argentina: http://www.vanenvan.com

[chojinchef]

I am thinking of splitting that under seat space into two side by side drawers. Easier for passenger to open while sitting in the seat, but trying to figure best way to secure from opening in a quick stop. I like the magnet idea.

Love the tool box idea in the back. That setup coupled with a plug for an LED drop light would make on the fly repairs easier.

[syncrogreg]

[chojinchef]

[j8]

[chojinchef]

[BillWYellowstone]

I am in Yellowstone, my Makita 'sawzall' is in my storage trailer in VA. I do have my jig saw with me. I 'll have to think about it. Right now I have more than enough room, no plan for amps or woofers, so it is back burner. However, I do have a CCP, so could use it for that.

My concern if the topp, I see that you can use the bottom as a guide, the sides, be careful.
_________________
Live Fulltime in motorhome
Have 86 Westy Camper 2.1 rebuilt
Work in Yellowstone NP year round.

[BillWYellowstone]

Anyone try a Roto-Zip to do the cutting?
_________________
Live Fulltime in motorhome
Have 86 Westy Camper 2.1 rebuilt
Work in Yellowstone NP year round.

[climberjohn]

an angle grinder does the job too.
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'86 Westy, 2.5 Subaru power
Know your limits. Exceed them often.