Syncro Westy Build Log - With Pics

Syncromikey · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 4:56 am Post subject:

Richard really does make good stuff over at RJES. He's helped me out quite a bit with my build and has provided many really high quality parts! Highly recommended!

Looking really good ... Crazy about the throttle issues ... You would think the kits would fit a lot better. Keep up the great work!!!

Cheers,
Mike
_________________
Love my Westy ...

My build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=528954

insyncro · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:07 am Post subject:

As stated numerous times over the past 8 years....RJES parts should be used if you are looking for high quality, fit and finish.

Im sure the other options can be made to work, but the simplicity and smoothness of Richard's parts can't be beaten.

Hodakaguy · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:21 am Post subject:

Yeah the RJES stuff is nice...but I've been real happy with the RMW stuff for the most part as well. Even with the RJES cable your left fabricating your own bracket and cable ends on the pedal, just the nature of the game with custom conversions. Smile

Hodakaguy
_________________
My Syncro Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=517384

My Unimog Build: https://advrider.com/f/threads/meet-the-trotn-turtle-unimog-u1300l-build.1143869/

My Tacoma Builds: https://advrider.com/f/threads/hodakaguys-overland-tacoma-builds-on-to-new-adventures.1274770/

My 4wd Sprinter Build here:https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9334401#9334401

insyncro · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:29 am Post subject:

I use a stock Subaru throttle mount (EG33) that allows me to easily connect the VW cruise control as well.

This has been covered over the years many times.

Hodakaguy · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:46 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 6:29 am Post subject:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

The cables are connected to a Subaru mount that has been modified for conversion use.

Jahbah · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 10:37 am Post subject:

Hey man

Congratulations are in order! High five, now top up that burp tank Laughing

.
When I turned over my 2.5 for the first time I was super paranoid there was some small thing forgotten. Doing the wiring myself made it even more tense. I did the secret pre-start before my buddies came over too. Well worth it! I totally agree with you that RMW makes top notch stuff. Ours was early in there kit production and there customer support was all over any little problem. Here's to those guys!
I'm interested to know if you find your coolant temps creeping up towards too hot, when the van is warm and sitting/crawling along. I've had trouble in slow traffic and traveling on tuff terrain where there is not a lot of air movement. Slow and inevitable over heating at the engine when the radiator is not getting hot. For me it came down to not enough flow to the radiator. I found plugging up the incoming line to the burp tank fixed it. Long term solution for me is putting a piece of coolant hose inside the 5/8" feed to the burp tank that was 5/8" OD. It slows down the flow in that loop and forces more coolant to the radiator.
Good luck! Can't wait to see that Syncro in person....
Cheers
D
_________________
'87 Westfalia Weekender + '86 Syncro Tintop +'02 Impreza 2.5RS
= '86.5 SuperWestySyncroSubyWeekendermobileagon =
Bueno.
Jahbah~D

Hodakaguy · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 10:46 am Post subject:

Hodakaguy · Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 8:42 pm Post subject:

Got a little bit of time to work on the bus after work tonight. Installed the RMW rear bumper/hitch. The fit and finish of the bumper is excellent!, typical RMW quality. Can't wait to get the tire carriers installed now.

Had a couple ground straps made up from welding cable at a local battery store as well. They're super flexible and should provide a solid ground for the engine/trans.

More soon.

Hodakaguy
_________________
My Syncro Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=517384

My Unimog Build: https://advrider.com/f/threads/meet-the-trotn-turtle-unimog-u1300l-build.1143869/

My Tacoma Builds: https://advrider.com/f/threads/hodakaguys-overland-tacoma-builds-on-to-new-adventures.1274770/

My 4wd Sprinter Build here:https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9334401#9334401

Astro Guy · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 12:11 pm Post subject:

[quote="Rocky Mountain Westy

You are doing a awesome job. I am proud and honored to be part of this build. Just keep me posted if you have any questions related to our products.[/quote]

I am always blown away by his KTM moto projects, and even more awed by the scope, scale, and detail of this project. Looking great, HG.
_________________
'03 Chevy Astro w/ NP233C 4x4 electronic shift transfer case, 4-5" Overlandvans lift kit, 4:10's w/ Detroit Locker, Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks w/ in-dash remote & onboard air compressor, 255 70R16 AT's, GTRV pop top w/ sleeper, Carefree Awning, Guacho couch, Coleman Fridge, and tons of Thule

Hodakaguy · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:21 pm Post subject:

Powder coated the bottom brackets for the awning mounts. I left the bottoms bare stainless to give the tape something smooth to adhere to.

I called 3M and they told me to try their high adhesive Acrylic Plus tape so I picked up a roll at the local auto body supply store. Here the tape is applied to the brackets.

I used a small punch to make a hole in the rubber end cover for the awning brackets. All set up and ready to mount.

I cut and applied a layer of thick headlight/paint protection film to the rain gutters where the braces will be in contact with the body. This is good stuff and super strong/wear resistant, I've used it for years on dirt bikes to protect high wear areas. It's a good idea to round all edges so they won't start to peel up.

Mounting the bracket assy.

Close up of the brackets...Front.

And rear...(No dents in the awning, that's a thumb print of anti seize Smile

).

Passenger side mounted up

Drivers side.

The brackets came out great, the whole assy is rock solid with absolutely no movement. Smile

With the awnings mounted up I turned my attention back to the rear carriers. It was a slow process installing the carriers. Everything had to be measured carefully, marked, drilled, debured, test assembled...disassembled, holes cleaned and painted, let them dry over night then assemble everything again. The racks mount through the body and have a long doubler plate that slides down in through the outside upper air intake. They open and close easily, are nice and solid when latched and have a pin that you can lock them open at a couple different angles. After having them stored for almost a year it's nice to finally see them on the bus Smile

.

Fit was really good on all the parts. I'm running the fold down rack on the drivers side and a spare tire on the passenger side.

Nice tight fit to the body.

The latch uses a door striker assy. Works perfectly, just push the button to release. The other lever is the lock. Quick and a positive latch.

Tray folded up...

And dropped down. This will be perfect for carrying the Honda EU1000I Generator.

WOW....the garage mess has gotten WAY out of hand. That will be project number 1 in the am Smile

.

While I was working on the awnings my father fabricated the mount for the Subaru throttle. After thinking a bit on where to place it we got a game plan and went with it. We made it from stainless plate and left enough room on the throttle tab to ad a cruise control cable in the future.

Throttle will mount in like this.

Picture of the rear window sticker I cut a while back

Getting there...starting to look completed now. Won't be long! I really wish I would have went with the 10' awnings instead of the 8" units though....might end up selling these down the road and going to the 10' units.

Hodakaguy
_________________
My Syncro Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=517384

My Unimog Build: https://advrider.com/f/threads/meet-the-trotn-turtle-unimog-u1300l-build.1143869/

My Tacoma Builds: https://advrider.com/f/threads/hodakaguys-overland-tacoma-builds-on-to-new-adventures.1274770/

My 4wd Sprinter Build here:https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9334401#9334401

joseph928 · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 8:01 pm Post subject: awining

Wow with both awnings out you will look just like the flying nun aka Sally Field. Well you have to be old to remember that. Looks cool, keep up the great work! Very Happy

_________________
1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug.

luVWagn · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 9:20 pm Post subject:

Hodakaguy · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 9:29 pm Post subject:

BillM · Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 5:23 am Post subject:

The awning brackets look great. I will watch to see how they hold
up over the summer even though I am sure they will
be fine. That 3M tape is good stuff.
I to meant ask earlier but are you going to install the brackets that
allow you to hook the awning feet onto the body? I have not
installed mine yet but I know a couple Westys that have. It's
great when your in a spot that the feet can't be staked down.
The downside is when the awning is not being used I think
they look like crap. Maybe if they were color matched to the
body..
I have the 10' awning and its nice to have that extra
space plus it covers the front door. The only issue is if the
awning is tilted down to low I gotta watch my kids to make
sure they don't swing the front door open and tear the awning
fabric.
I have really enjoyed reading along and watching your build. It's
great to see your attention to detail. I have to imagine you must
be getting pretty excited about being so close to that first test
ride. You should mount a couple GoPros to capture the moment.
_________________
Bill M
87 Westy

Syncromikey · Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 8:39 am Post subject:

I'm really liking the looks of the RMW rear bumper! The matching front looks pretty sweet too with the SA grill. Just a real Sweet job overall. Was thinking of making my own but those are really nice and basically what I would have built anyway. Not sure yet ... Man they look good on your van. Really like the looks of the awnings as well. Great job on the mounting work. I'm going to be putting a 10 footer on there after the body is done ... Likely next winter. Can't wait to hear your reviews on how the mounts are holding up. I'm sure that 3M will work out great. That stuff is like cement once you've got it on. I doubt you're going to have any issues with that at all!!!
Looking great! Keep up the super work. Can't wait to see what is next! Very Happy

Cheers,
Mike
_________________
Love my Westy ...

My build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=528954

ZestyNora · Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 10:13 am Post subject:

Great build! Who did you get the awnings through? I am in the Portland area and have had a heck of a time figuring out who to go through. I also want the F35's that you got, though in 10'.

Again, nice work!

luVWagn · Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 10:18 am Post subject:

Hodakaguy · Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 7:49 am Post subject:


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Syncro Westy Build Log - With Pics
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