Curious about everyone's Westy closet use/mods

[j8]

Now that the westy is in storage, I'm left with too much time on my hands to daydream about mods (the favorite mod thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=171071 is addictive) and right now I'm obsessed with the westy closet.

How are you using it? We're not the type to use hangers for our jeans & tshirts, so there's all sorts of top air space. We end up dropping in a dirty laundry bag or extra bedding in it and there must be a better way to use it.

I'm starting to think that a really nice set of shelves would be worth pulling the cabinets and swinging the AC evaporator out of the way, but I figured I should ask around before turning this into a fullthrottle project.

Some things I've found:

Frank did a spiffy mod
http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/closet.htm

but my head hurts when it comes to cutting into the cabinets. The addition of a westy oem door on the side is nice (I don't seem to have that link handy) but again, that involves the saw.

I know some people have written about adding simple shelves like the hanging canvas/closet organizer ones, or perhaps adding the wire shelf storage runners. On the lowest-possible-impact level I've even found folks using locker shelves (seems to work for the bays https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/385115.jpg ) but for sake of discussion: Has anyone come up with some closet use method or mod they love?

[campism]

I did a copy of Frank's mod to the closet on my '87 Westy and there's no doubt that when you get right down to it, tools all laid out, powered up and ready to go, that it takes a BIG breath and a lot of resolve to cut into a perfectly good grey-laminate closet cabinet 'cause you want to "improve" it.

http://picasaweb.google.com/bike2vcu/ClosetMod

http://picasaweb.google.com/bike2vcu/WestyInterior03

On my own cabinet, I'm going to tweak the result because my wife does not like the door handles I selected and we may wind up repositioning some of the shelves, but we like this change overall. To us, it really is an improvement. The thing to remember is that if you are using anything other than a slider or rollup (like a rolltop desk) then the door has to open into the luggage space, which might be full of stuff and thus hinder the door swing.

[bucko]

I use mine to hang 2 pairs of jeans and 3 shirts when I go camping. The bottom holds a pair of sneakers.
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Current VW drives: 1984 Westfalia

Past VW drives: 1967 Beetle, 1973 Beetle, 1977 Bus, 1971 Military Type 181

[tds3pete]

In the EVC, I added wire shelves, holding them back 3" from the door so I could hang clothes between the door and shelves:

http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/ev_update/photos/view/5a7d?b=7

I also hinged the lower shelf to allow access below it:

http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/ev_update/photos/view/5a7d?b=11
_________________
'58 Westy camper-come and gone
'73 Westy-bought new in Holland,now gone
'86 Syncro weekender-come and gone
'79 Westy...Oscar
'95 Eurovan Camper/5 spd...Marsha Mellow

[psych-illogical]

I added a single shelf about mid height in the closet. Just helps me keep my odds and ends a bit more organized. I also eliminated the swing out table so I can open the door more easily. We have a folding table we use in camp.
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83 1/2 Westy waterboxer
'57 Beetle-sold
Coupla '81 BMW motorcycles (R80G/S; R100RS)
'96 BMW R1100GS

[j8]

campism you are one brave power-tool wielding handyman. I'm amazed by the amount of space you get out of it, I just... can't. Know I am interested in what kind of new handles you put there! Should also mention your curtainliner mod looks very nice.

You're a cool camper, bucko. Not to play the gender card but I seem to have a few more ... outfit needs.

Pretty nifty, tds3pete. Wonder if I could adapt your idea... the Vanagon Westy has one "paper" wall, it isn't solid. I like the way you set it up to tilt.

How did you mount the shelf, psych-illogical? Your point about the swing out table is a well taken although we use that table LOTS. I'm thinking about doing the table leg mod to hold it turned over the stove.

[MootPoint]

[lovedavdubs]

Nice work Moot!
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82 Air-cooled Westy (Lola)...My other vehicle is a subway.

[MootPoint]

Thanks! The router bit just arrived - finally - so I'll be able to install the plastic T-trim, finish this up and start on the shelves. I'll post something when I'm done. I don't really have any tips to offer if you decide to do this except work very slowly and make sure you don't have any bad karma lurking around when you finally reach for the power tools.
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1984 Westy with tencentlife power!

[campism]

> I am interested in what kind of new handles you put there

We're going to try the little recessed fingertip door pulls (like a little cup) in place of the larger silver loops in the photos. I like the ones we have but the bride wants something else, so we're compromising and doing what she wants.

I will take photos and post the link, or do it here if one of you folks will detail the steps for posting pics within a post. Thanks!

[BoneStock67]

How about getting rid of the closet entirely?
I find that it causes a big rear-view blindspot, it takes away from z-bed space for multiple sleepers, and anything I would put in the closet I could put in bins or maybe hang on hooks.
I guess it does something to support the air conditioner shelf, but has anyone considered replacing it with some kind of shallower wall unit with mesh storage, etc?
_________________
1986 Wolfsburg Westfalia Weekender 2.1L stock
1967 Beetle, now becoming my daily driver again, after a long rest in the garage

"There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.” -Enrico Fermi

[jackbombay]

[j8]

Whoa, Moot, that's all kinds of good looking. Looking forward to your update & seeing your shelves.

Thanks campism, hope you find something you both like.

We need the closet stow space, BoneStock67, but I'd like to make it really useful for clothes. I really try to keep our packing down to the cabinets, because too much luggage just feels like clutter.

jackbombay, it certainly would keep all the spares better organized!