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mrshrimp Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2013 Posts: 373 Location: Portland
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Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 11:06 am Post subject: |
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edgood1 wrote: |
I can't believe nobody mentioned zip ties. I find them the most useful thing, for both emergency repairs and camping. they are versatile and very strong. I keep a bunch of them in all sizes in the van, including the big industrial ones.
just as useful as duct tape. |
Always have zip ties, of various sizes. So handy. |
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15129 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 12:18 pm Post subject: |
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I'll 2nd the 2nd mode of transportation. while one can usually bum a ride or hitch hike. it's not in my mindset. though I have given rides to others broken down and in need.
hard to cover all the spare parts and leave room for travel and enjoyment.
on my most recent trip ~6700mi NY to UT and back. we had to replace 1 fuel pump in a FLAPS parking lot. 1 coolant bottle I needed my buddy to drive me to get and a transmission that lost 4th gear 300mi from home on the 1st day. luckily it made it back (300mi) in 3rd gear to pull the spare off the shelf and return into the ~6700mi trip.
you can always tow a spare van..
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=1012207 _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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Alan Brase Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2004 Posts: 4532 Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
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Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2016 10:56 pm Post subject: |
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danfromsyr wrote: |
I'll 2nd the 2nd mode of transportation. while one can usually bum a ride or hitch hike. it's not in my mindset. though I have given rides to others broken down and in need.
hard to cover all the spare parts and leave room for travel and enjoyment.
on my most recent trip ~6700mi NY to UT and back. we had to replace 1 fuel pump in a FLAPS parking lot. 1 coolant bottle I needed my buddy to drive me to get and a transmission that lost 4th gear 300mi from home on the 1st day. luckily it made it back (300mi) in 3rd gear to pull the spare off the shelf and return into the ~6700mi trip.
you can always tow a spare van..
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=1012207 |
those are two remarkable stories.
You towed another Vanagon 1000 miles? Was it difficult? Is stopping possible?
Al _________________ Al Brase
Projects: 67 sunroof bug, 67 Porsche 912 Targa, 70 Westy
Dec 1955 Single Cab pickup WANT 15" BUS RIMS dated 8/55, thru 12/55
To New owners: 1969 doublecab, 1971 Dormobile
Vanagons:
80 P27 Westy JUL 1979, 3rd oldest known US
83 1.6TD Vanagon, 87 Wolfie Westy daily driver, swap meet home |
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VdubVanner Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2017 Posts: 734 Location: Cowtown AB
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15129 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 7:39 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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Umm WOW, just WOW.
VdubVanner wrote: |
Came across this article from Rene Caux about a kit of hose menders/joiners/couplers and thought it might be useful:
His most remarkable service for Westy owners -- beyond standard mechanical and body work -- is his winter storage "barns" where upwards of 200+ vans get squeezed in. I can't think of another place in North America that offers cozy quarters like that (south of Quebec City): . |
_________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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Alan Brase Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2004 Posts: 4532 Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 7:57 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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Quebec City is by some definition the oldest European founded city (1611?) in the western hemisphere. A really neat place to visit.
But let me warn you , winter is a LOT longer than in the continental US. It is COLD in April. _________________ Al Brase
Projects: 67 sunroof bug, 67 Porsche 912 Targa, 70 Westy
Dec 1955 Single Cab pickup WANT 15" BUS RIMS dated 8/55, thru 12/55
To New owners: 1969 doublecab, 1971 Dormobile
Vanagons:
80 P27 Westy JUL 1979, 3rd oldest known US
83 1.6TD Vanagon, 87 Wolfie Westy daily driver, swap meet home |
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VdubVanner Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2017 Posts: 734 Location: Cowtown AB
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Jake de Villiers Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007 Posts: 5911 Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 8:12 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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danfromsyr wrote: |
Umm WOW, just WOW.
VdubVanner wrote: |
Came across this article from Rene Caux about a kit of hose menders/joiners/couplers and thought it might be useful:
His most remarkable service for Westy owners -- beyond standard mechanical and body work -- is his winter storage "barns" where upwards of 200+ vans get squeezed in. I can't think of another place in North America that offers cozy quarters like that (south of Quebec City): . |
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That's incredible!!! _________________ '84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
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VdubVanner Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2017 Posts: 734 Location: Cowtown AB
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 8:28 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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Rene seems to hold the philosophy that Westies are only meant to be seen and used during the warmer months of the year in northern latitudes. Why? Salt damage the rest of the time. No salt = no corrosion!
While that's a worthy goal, some of us use the vans as daily drivers. Let's look at the economics of adding a second vehicle to the fleet for winter/additional use: likely at least 500 bucks a year for insurance + registration + maintenance. Over 25 years that would add up to at least $15,000+ (not to mention the initial cost of the vehicle) ... or about what a complete body makeover would cost to do rust repair on a Westy including new panels/patches. If you'd been smart enough to use a rust inhibitor underneath the body during that time period, the damage might be considerably reduced thus dropping the final bill.
Pick your poison. _________________ "Fritz", a temperamental and unforgiving 1989 Westy that proudly bears his German flags and status as a member of the exclusive GoWesty Belly Flop Club.
1989 Westy Makeover: GoWesty 2.3L Engine plus plus plus https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0 |
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E1 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013 Posts: 6378 Location: Westfalia, Earth
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 9:18 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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Every part we need is in that picture!
We carry:
-- used working fuel pump
-- new coil, coil wire, plugs, long used plug wire, cap, rotor, relays
-- new CV, full bolt set, grease, gun, long injector
-- new alternator
-- oil and filters (2)
-- 1-2 gallons pre-mixed coolant
-- two belts, some vacuum hose
-- two used, known-good fuel injectors
-- some hoses, clamps, plastic hose joiners, repair tape
-- silicone, glues, exhaust mud, etc.
-- LF hub cover for speedo
-- headlamp bulb, exterior bulbs
-- Temp II sensor
-- used, working O2 sensor
-- battery ground strap, spare positive clamp
-- paper air filter (primary is a K&N)
-- wiring, connectors, tape, solder, iron, butane torch
We full-time but would carry all on a long trip. Almost all used at one time or the other. Weight and space are inconsequential compared to a long tow. Estimate 60 lbs. total.
All but alternator and coolant fit in short box above rear heater. Two gallon bottles of coolant fit perfectly under rear cabinet left of engine cover. _________________ ‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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VdubVanner Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2017 Posts: 734 Location: Cowtown AB
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 9:55 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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Jake de Villiers wrote: |
danfromsyr wrote: |
Umm WOW, just WOW.
VdubVanner wrote: |
Came across this article from Rene Caux about a kit of hose menders/joiners/couplers and thought it might be useful:
His most remarkable service for Westy owners -- beyond standard mechanical and body work -- is his winter storage "barns" where upwards of 200+ vans get squeezed in. I can't think of another place in North America that offers cozy quarters like that (south of Quebec City): . |
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That's incredible!!! |
Here's what the exterior of the "hog barn" looks like (including the addition put on in 2012): http://www.renecaux.com/Album_entrepot2012/images/IMG_2167.html . Click on "Previous image" to see the rest of the album.
Getting back on topic, here's Rene's list of spare parts that he carries most of the time: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl...ec2012.htm . _________________ "Fritz", a temperamental and unforgiving 1989 Westy that proudly bears his German flags and status as a member of the exclusive GoWesty Belly Flop Club.
1989 Westy Makeover: GoWesty 2.3L Engine plus plus plus https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0 |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16474 Location: Brookeville, MD
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E1 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013 Posts: 6378 Location: Westfalia, Earth
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 11:24 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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I almost listed that as a joke.
Vindicated! _________________ ‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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Perales Samba Member
Joined: May 07, 2007 Posts: 2046 Location: Nova Scotia
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 11:38 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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VdubVanner wrote: |
Rene seems to hold the philosophy that Westies are only meant to be seen and used during the warmer months of the year in northern latitudes. Why? Salt damage the rest of the time. No salt = no corrosion!
While that's a worthy goal, some of us use the vans as daily drivers. Let's look at the economics of adding a second vehicle to the fleet for winter/additional use: likely at least 500 bucks a year for insurance + registration + maintenance. Over 25 years that would add up to at least $15,000+ (not to mention the initial cost of the vehicle) ... or about what a complete body makeover would cost to do rust repair on a Westy including new panels/patches. If you'd been smart enough to use a rust inhibitor underneath the body during that time period, the damage might be considerably reduced thus dropping the final bill.
Pick your poison. |
It would appear that Rene is not the only one holding that philosophy judging by the number of vans he is storing. Here in Quebec, they use a tremendous amount of salt on the roads in the winter. Perhaps Calgary winters are a bit nicer on older vehicles. _________________ -- 1987 Westfalia automatic (Captain Vino) |
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VdubVanner Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2017 Posts: 734 Location: Cowtown AB
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 3:02 pm Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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Perales wrote: |
It would appear that Rene is not the only one holding that philosophy judging by the number of vans he is storing. Here in Quebec, they use a tremendous amount of salt on the roads in the winter. Perhaps Calgary winters are a bit nicer on older vehicles. |
Rene is the preacher and the, um, "guests" are his congregation.
Calgary gets dosed with salt in liquid and rock form. Ain't nice to older vehicles at all -- which is why my van is up for a goodly amount of body work in two weeks (incarceration predicted as being "31 days" by the shop). $$$$ _________________ "Fritz", a temperamental and unforgiving 1989 Westy that proudly bears his German flags and status as a member of the exclusive GoWesty Belly Flop Club.
1989 Westy Makeover: GoWesty 2.3L Engine plus plus plus https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0 |
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VdubVanner Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2017 Posts: 734 Location: Cowtown AB
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 3:06 pm Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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dobryan wrote: |
Ha! Rene has 'transmission' as a spare part he carries.... |
Yeah, I went back and translated "courroies" separately and it came out as "belts" which sounds a little more likely. _________________ "Fritz", a temperamental and unforgiving 1989 Westy that proudly bears his German flags and status as a member of the exclusive GoWesty Belly Flop Club.
1989 Westy Makeover: GoWesty 2.3L Engine plus plus plus https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0 |
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clift_d Samba Member
Joined: December 02, 2012 Posts: 265 Location: Hackney innit, UK
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 2:12 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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Alternator & power steering belts
Alternator rectifier
Oil filter
Fuel filter
Air filter
Throttle cable
Brake pads
Oil
Coolant concentrate
Brake fluid
Jubilee clips - various sizes
Zip tires - various sizes
Silicon tape
Assorted wire and crimp fittings
Selection of various standard M bolt sizes washer and nuts
Fuses - all types including glow plug fuse
Full set of replacement bulbs _________________ 1988 LHD T25 1.6TD Westfalia Club Joker syncro |
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stuzbot Samba Member
Joined: March 30, 2018 Posts: 377 Location: Pining for the Puddles of Yesterday
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 3:31 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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First instinct is to say "Everything except what I need to fix the part that has just broken!"
But really, in addition to the usual motley collection of tools and my jack & axle stands:
- Spare battery
- Jerrican of spare diesel
- Antifreeze
- Oil
- Water
- Brake fluid
- Circuit tester
- IR temperature probe
- 12V tyre pump
- Calipers
- Spare fan belt
- Couple of tubes of Quiksteel
- Tube of hi-temp RTV silicone
- Roll of self-amalgamating tape
- Roll of electrical tape
- Roll of gaffer tape
- Mini butane blowtorch /soldering iron, solder & flux
- Misc. nuts & bolts
- Misc hoseclips & jubilee clips
- Misc. cable ties
- Couple of lengths of electrical wire
- Some fuses & bulbs
- Length of syphon tube
- Tub of moly grease & tub of all-purpose grease
- Tub of radweld
- Can of PlusGas [penetrating oil]
- Overalls , box of PVC gloves and safety goggles
- Plastic washing up bowl*
- A big flattened out Amazon delivery box**
- Spare key***
There's probably loads more than that, but that's all I can remember off the top of my head. I've had to downsize a lot since I sold my old LT35. That was so capacious that, when I cleared it out to sell, I found tons of stuff I didn't even know I had.
* [for emergency draining and catching of fluids]
**[kept under the cushion over the engine bay. Something to lie on when stuff breaks in the cold and wet!]
***[That's permanently on a string round my neck, so is always in the van whenever I am] _________________ *****************************
Click to view image
*****************************
1992 VW LT35 2,4D [SOLD]
1993 VW LT35 2,4D [SOLD]
1992 VW T3 1,6TD Syncro [SOLD]
***************************** |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7402 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 8:17 am Post subject: Re: Spare Parts Kept In the Van |
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Alan Brase wrote: |
Quebec City is by some definition the oldest European founded city (1611?) in the western hemisphere. |
Thanks for prompting some curiosity ousity. The 1610s were a busy time for euro occupiers...
Santa Fe...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe,_New_Mexico
Quebec...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_City
US List...
https://www.thoughtco.com/oldest-cities-in-the-united-states-4144705 _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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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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