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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 10:36 am Post subject: Wilson's Retrofit / Mod's / Solar Power and Dial In Work |
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Gents
(fyi- i am going to continue to edit this
post with odds and ends about the various stuff because:
1) i am so freaking happy with the end results
and
2) being the OC person that i am, i cannot help myself
Thank you all for making this possible
Rough Costs
Purchase Price $8,900
Parts & Labor $6,000
includes, wheels, tires, truck fridg, fiamma, new propane, 200 amp hours
of batteries, 130 watt solar panel, solar controler, battery combiner/seperatior, rebuild front end, full major tune up, new belts
install fridge, rewire rig, hard wire 5 new lights (4 lights, 1 flashlight, four 12 v outlets, install yakamas and bombay lifts, new seatbelts, install mud flaps,
and a bit more
also included above is detailing of Wilson by
Steve, of Selective Auto Detail in Orange County California
- Steve spent THREE FULL DAYS inside Wilson
- A mere 6 hours outside
Misc $1,000
Yes i could have saved a bunch by shopping more
and doing installs myself
But:
1) would have missed Income at my Shop
2) would have not been able to camp during mechanic visits
All major mechanical gone thru
All work and installs done by Unique Imports in Mission Viejo California
Chip and his crew are GREAT
well not true, i did the closet mod and installed the Farang Buddha
(hula girl), and i will be stiching on the wheelskin cover
No new motor or tranny
Runs great
I am happy with all mods and installs
I will detail them in detail when i move pics
Solar runs everything
REAL happy i did not get the GW solar
Only big pieces to do
- propex
- back up motor and tranny / considering WBX alternative & TenCent
thanx again guys and gals
Several small planned trips this summer
A two weeker to Utah & Montana
Then a month in The Baja
The Wilson
Coco Mats from http://www.cocomats.com/Custom.htm
full three piece set
The owner sent me paper templates and color samples
I doctored up the patterens and chose my color
They rock, i have a set in my Grand Cherokee also
Mud Flaps Tires and Wheels
Tires = General Alimax RT 215/60 - R.16 95T
Cooper the Westy and Wilson the Westy & back of "Farang Buddha"
Fiamma Solar and Yakimas
Panel is Kyocera 130 watt
Yakimas are from GW
BVG XR2 Revolution Swing-Away Bike rack from RackNRoad.com
on GW bolt on hitch
Closet mod
Xtra interior lights
2 florecent from GW
2 Oshram map lites
1 Streamlight hard wired flashlite ( can see in the upper right corner)
New Propane tank - GW
FYI:
The Propane tank needed to be "purged or flushed" or some BS deal
My local Uhaul dealer could not do the deal
The instructions also mention that
We wound up putting in 0.2 propane and bleeding it out
for 30 min
Worked fine
I will still find a propane specialist to do the deal just on general principals
Solar meter Xtra lite and Oshram # 1
TEMP battery bank # 2 location showing Sure Power Battery combiner/seperator
(battery bank # 1 is Karls "4pac" under driver seat)
see last battery pic...
Driver seat back showing Hard Wire Jumper cable outlet
from Terry at http://community-2.webtv.net/VanStuff/VanagonWestfalia/
I also have his Upper Bunk step
TEMP location of solar controler and fuse box under Truck fridge
Truck Fridge and lower cabinet and carrot cake cupcakes !
AND one of FOUR 12 v outlets from West Marine
Ordered from Vengor listed on Karls site
Another 12v West marine outlet in back seat
and two more on dash, at top of photo
Turbo fan, noisy but blows ALOT
(NO, that is my Wifes I phone!)
Folding wash station and bucket from REI
Wife loves it!
Buse Shelf IT ROCKS!!!
notice my shims to hold it level instead of cranking down the U-bolts
Life is good!
_________________ '84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
Last edited by billwilson on Thu May 07, 2009 6:49 am; edited 5 times in total |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:23 pm Post subject: |
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I will post a full parts and price detail soon in my
gallery along with why and how i chosed some of the
things
BW _________________ '84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet! |
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HeftySmurf Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2008 Posts: 879 Location: Washington, USA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:26 pm Post subject: |
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Awesome man, in about 2 weeks ill be making a similar photofilled collauge of van porn......
Van looks dope, did you mod the front mudflap? _________________ -Lorenzo
90 GL w/ Bostig |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:37 pm Post subject: |
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HeftySmurf wrote: |
Awesome man, in about 2 weeks ill be making a similar photofilled collauge of van porn......
Van looks dope, did you mod the front mudflap? |
thanx buddy
serious porn!!
flaps came with NO instructions
I drilled the front so it would wrap with the body molding
there is one screw from the back into the flap
holding the curve
the rears i used the factory holes
i like em
i did not at first, wanted to black out the stainless
now i am down with it
side bar
wife and i have been home from sunday errands
she is still puttering around Wilson 90 min later
cool
FYI gents
dont flame me too much
because i am so SENSITIVE
but feel free to ask hows and whys
so far with three 2 niters under my belt and
a week or so of daily driving/running errands
i am STOKED with Wilson
now if i can get my staff to actually work
when i am not there so i can Roadtrip with the Wife
bw _________________ '84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet! |
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HeftySmurf Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2008 Posts: 879 Location: Washington, USA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:40 pm Post subject: |
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Yeah they are suposed to be set back a bit like the rear.
I havent put mine on yet, wtf is up with no directions. i got the proper instruction though. I will be painting the hardware, even though its a PIA, but it'll bug me if I dont. _________________ -Lorenzo
90 GL w/ Bostig |
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woggs1 Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2007 Posts: 531 Location: South Pacifica California
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:58 pm Post subject: |
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Bill,
Thanks for posting all that, your van is very nice! You gave me some ideas, thanks again. _________________ 4 speed 88 Westy |
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ohlott Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2007 Posts: 294 Location: san clemente CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject: |
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Bill,
Van looks great...Let me know when you are camping in San clemente. I will stop by. I am looking to do the same set up as you for the truck Fridge.
Happy Camping!
Lott _________________ 83.5 westy 2.2 subi |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:17 pm Post subject: |
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HeftySmurf wrote: |
Yeah they are suposed to be set back a bit like the rear.
I havent put mine on yet, wtf is up with no directions. i got the proper instruction though. I will be painting the hardware, even though its a PIA, but it'll bug me if I dont. |
the van is pre drilled to have front and back
flaps set back
i tweaked the fronts and defaulted on the rear _________________ '84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet! |
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?Waldo? Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2006 Posts: 9752 Location: Where?
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:18 pm Post subject: |
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I love the Westy with the Westy.
Andrew |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:18 pm Post subject: |
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ohlott wrote: |
Bill,
Van looks great...Let me know when you are camping in San clemente. I will stop by. I am looking to do the same set up as you for the truck Fridge.
Happy Camping!
Lott |
Will do buddy
Laughlin in two weeks
then end of month in Carlsbad
may do an overnite local on the walk in deal _________________ '84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet! |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:21 pm Post subject: |
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Andrew A. Libby wrote: |
I love the Westy with the Westy.
Andrew |
The dog started this all
was trying to find a dog for the New Mrs. Wilson
drove to BFE and back a bunch to breeders
for diff kinds of dogs
got home from Ramona one nite and my buddy had suggested
a Westy.
So i googled "westy" and a pic of a westy dog came up on some lake with a couple in a westy camper
i am looking at dog
the wife says, i like both
so, wtf, now i have both
best of all my Wife is happy _________________ '84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet! |
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guggenheim Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2007 Posts: 252 Location: Portland
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:40 pm Post subject: |
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Nice mods Bill. That GW propane set-up looks nice.
What tires are you running? Size? |
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levi Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2005 Posts: 5522 Location: Las Vegas
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 5:57 pm Post subject: |
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Wow, that's got to be about the cleanest van I've ever seen. _________________ One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way
https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40 |
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Bruce Wayne Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2007 Posts: 1210
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 6:04 pm Post subject: |
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very nice. |
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j8 Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2003 Posts: 575 Location: Minneapolis, MN
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 6:13 pm Post subject: |
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looks really sharp... and you're giving me ideas for our westy! (van westy, not the dog westy) _________________ Julia
'89 2WD Westy (No end to names...) |
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madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 8:42 pm Post subject: |
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thanks Bill,
about time you posted some pics and info, I was waiting anxiously. Now, would you tell me what battery you have in the rear bench and if it is connected directly to the alternator/starter? |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10379 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 8:50 pm Post subject: |
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Hey man. Great pics and mods.
I've been so focused on mechanical things, I'm currently running a pretty minimal/low tech set up in terms of camping. (though it works well enough) Nice to see how things can be done right and look great.
btw. Thanks for pic on hardwired jumper connections. I was thinking of what one could install for that purpose just today. (yah. I left my lights on twice this month )
Cool beans man.
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 9:07 pm Post subject: |
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madspaniard wrote: |
thanks Bill,
about time you posted some pics and info, I was waiting anxiously. Now, would you tell me what battery you have in the rear bench and if it is connected directly to the alternator/starter? |
batteries
Qty Item Options Price
1 4 Pack Universal Power UB12220 Bolt On (12V, 22AH)
Item # 360052729773 $144.88 USD
1 UNIVERSAL UB121100 (110AH) 30H MARINE MEDICAL BATTERY NEW
Item # 360007112333 $170.88 USD
1 Discount amount
Item # DiscountAmount $0.00 USD
Amount $315.76 USD
this is a cut and paste from the emai on line seller "factories on line"
I followed Karls advice and went with the UB batteries
I shopped on line for a while, price is ok
If i was not so lazy i would have driven to pick them up
However, still not a bargen as i would have had to take time off work
as i said in my post, i have been shore power free for a couple of weeks now
I have one popcicle left in the freezer...... _________________ '84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet! |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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the only thing your missing is tint _________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 9:15 pm Post subject: |
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guggenheim wrote: |
Nice mods Bill. That GW propane set-up looks nice.
What tires are you running? Size? |
Thanx man
The Propane needed to be "purged or flushed" or some BS deal
My local Uhaul dealer could not do the deal
The instructions also mention that
We wound up putting in 0.2 propane and bleeding it out
for 30 min
Worked fine
I will still find a propane specialist to do the deal just on general principals
tires
I believe they are 165-60
I will ck it out
I will also post the rim specs and tire brand _________________ '84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet! |
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