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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 4:47 pm Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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Friehofer was pretty excited last night!
That darn Prius was kicked out of the garage and had to sleep in the cold rainy night!
Friehifer slept in the warm dry garage.......
Heh heh........ little did Friehofer know that he was scheduled for morning surgery!
Come day break he was put under and his Auto Trans Valve Body was removed and replaced with a new German Porsche unit!
When I removed the Valve Body the Accumulator fell out and fit poorly in the bore. The rubber seal was dry and hard.
These seals are NLA except in an after market seal kit.
A quick trip to my local "Mom and Pop" transmission shop provided me with a brand new Accumulator seal!
It was out of an opened kit, he said "just take it" !!!
I did have my F150 4x4 trans rebuilt there about a year ago, I guess I already paid for the seal?
What a better fit!
The new Valve Body was a perfect fit, even had the same casting numbers on it.....
Here is the accumulator sitting on the old valve body.....
Does it work better? I'm not sure, I only drove far enough to warm up the trans fluid so I could fill it accurately.
Time will tell.
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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TJR903 Samba Member
Joined: October 04, 2010 Posts: 12 Location: Grand Rapids MI
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Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 6:07 pm Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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Just decided to feed my lifelong addiction to VW vans & buy an 85 Westy - after a 12 year hiatus! Spent my Saturday eve watching the Michgan / Penn State game and reading your story. So great to see the van saved and to see you enjoying it with your family. Learned a lot from your skills & can't wait to get our van in 'cross country' shape! _________________ Vanthology:
77 Panel Van - Sold
82 Orange Diesel Westfalia - Sold
86 Savanah Beige Westfalia - Sold
03 Silver EV Westfalia Weekender - Sold
85 White Westfalia
87 Syncro Tin Top Project
91 Westfalia Parts Van |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16486 Location: Brookeville, MD
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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dhaavers Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010 Posts: 7745 Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 8:10 pm Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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SWEET!
A <relatively> dry garage floor is a <relatively> happy garage floor!
- Dave _________________ 86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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empi3 Samba Member
Joined: October 03, 2015 Posts: 347 Location: SW Wyoming
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Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2018 7:17 am Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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djkeev wrote: |
NOTE: Sadly there were time periods that I couldn't upload photos to thesamba or they were not VW specific. I used Photobucket which has recently prevented 3rd party hosting of photos. (July 2017)
I'll try to fill in the missing images using another host site as time allows..... so sorry.
Well, I guess it's time to make a build thread for my recently acquired 1986 Vanagon Westfalia "Weekender".
There are a few rogue threads asking specific questions about this car but parts are ordered, time to get this Puppy on the road!
The facts:
Model Year: 1986
Partial build date: 5/86
Final build date: 7/86
WV2XB0252GH112***
W - Germany
V - Volkswagen
2 - Multi Purpose Vehicle MPV
X - Kombi
B - 4 cylinder gasoline, water cooled
0 - passive restraint, seat belts
25 - Vanagon
2 - Manufacturer Check Digit
G - Model Year (1986)
H - Hannover (Assembly Plant)
112xxx. Sequencial Production Number
Color:
Sales Code: S8S8
Paint Code: LH1V
Paint Name: Savannah Beige Metallic
Pop Top color: Desert Beige (no code)
Interior: Beige Corduroy Seat Covers and door panel inserts
Brown Dash with Brown accents for plastic levers and knobs
Beige Vinyl Door Covers
Pebbled Beige Ceiling and similar on Floor.
White/Beige storage cabinet in LR window.
Beige/Tan Pop Top tent fabric.
Mileage: 116,171
Factory Full Wheel Covers on Steel Wheels
Transmission: Automatic 3 Speed
Engine: 2.1 Water Boxer MV015458
Power Steering
Factory Air Conditioning
Standard Instruments, just clock, no tach
Added VDO cockpit series gauges
Coming Home....
Home being "inspected" by the family......
Dave |
_________________ The fact someone posts a thousand messages a month does not mean the messages contain anything worth reading.
Bob Hoover
1970 Beetle
1956 Ragtop Beetle |
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erikgundy98 Samba Member
Joined: September 06, 2009 Posts: 297 Location: Vancouver WA
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Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2018 10:21 pm Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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Battery under the back seat... I saw it in your pictures, but couldnt find a build for it. Did I miss it? In all the work you did and documented - I am really interested in how you got your battery under the back seat. Thanks for any information you can provide. Thanks Dave for documenting all you have. _________________ '90 Multivan Westfalia
Last edited by erikgundy98 on Tue Apr 17, 2018 1:19 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2018 11:18 pm Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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erikgundy98 wrote: |
Battery under the back seat... I saw it in your pictures, but couldnt find a build for it. Did I miss it? In your 38 pages.... |
I think in the overwhelming amount of work that I did, this system wasn't well documented.
Here is info about my battery box choice.
I am running two 6 volt lead acid flooded golf cart batteries under the back seat. After this photo I ordered the larger battery box.
djkeev wrote: |
IdahoDoug wrote: |
How much of an issue is there to having a wet battery under the rear seat which is not vented? Since I use my tintop for camping once in a while, on those trips I put one under the rear seat and have a thick carpet-like material I've made a cover out of to prevent shorting, etc. But I have not provided for venting. Since the factory battery is under the passenger seat and vents into the interior, I never gave it a thought. But just curious with two batteries - any issues anyone can think of? |
Many cars are running around today with batteries in the passenger compartment.
Mercedes, Audi's, VW's, Mazda's, etc.
Some of these are vented and some are not. They might have been originally but today? Not so much with owner "improvements" implemented.
I am putting my house batteries, two Flooded Wet Cell 6volt Golf Cart batteries, under my bench seat. I am not venting but I could.
I am however putting the batteries and connections into an acid proof plastic battery box.
I've been around for many decades and have seen the residual damage of battery gases, paint removed, metal rusted clean through, paper dissolved, fabric burned through, etc.
I Desire to protect the contents of the storage under the bench from direct contact with the batteries........ And indirect protection from the gases. My feelings are that the battery case has a thin film of acid on them from mild outgassing once encountering the cooler air condensing around the vents and settling on the battery case.
These boxes are a heavy plastic, They are a tad higher than the under seat area so I shorten them by running them through the table saw taking off the top inch. The top ends up setting on the highest rib around the box. Lifting the lid gives quick easy access for checking water levels or connections.
I opted for the long narrow end to end box for the rear bench seat actually dips towards the rear so has less height for the more square battery box. This end to end will snuggle right up against the front of the under seat area.
https://allbatterysalesandservice.com/century-plas...ries-gce-g
Anyway.... I've no serious clout but.......
One man's opinion...... A very knowledgeable man if I may add......
In this thread, thatvwbusguy discusses the rear bench and flooded battery venting:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=617754&highlight=vent
"As far as ventilation is concerned, it is very rare that I see a Westfalia with the screws installed in the starting battery lid, and I have never once encountered a single person with a stock Vanagon charging system in good working order claiming any sort of hydrogen off-gassing problem with a battery installed under the rear seat or in one of the cabinets (where my dual Group 27's have lived for the last 5+ years). This is not to say that it couldn't ever possibly happen, just that it is incredibly unlikely unless you are dumping lots of current into a deeply discharged battery, which the stock alternator isn't really capable of doing.
The Vanagon is a pretty big box and most are not exactly hermetically sealed to say the least. I tend to err on the side of caution with most things that are potentially hazardous, but worrying about the potential for hydrogen off-gassing in my van is way down on my list of concerns."
Dave |
I ordered the Blue Sea charging control,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OTIPDQ/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
the Blue Sea fuse panel
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006VELERM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And a main feed harness from the starter terminal from Jay Brown.... that VW bus guy.
During my rebuilt I ran wires to multiple cigarette lighters in the vehicle. On the right rear seat arm rest, both sides of the table, up behind the driver on the "B" Pillar, under the passenger seat and into the center console.
I ran extra wires into the dash..... just in case someday......
I ran 120 AC to the back seat, the jump seat and under the passenger seat.
I use the outside power feed for maintaining batteries and I put an electric heater set low for the Winter to keep things dry and the roof snow load at a minimum.
I drew no wiring diagram I'm afraid.
Anyway......
It has worked wonderfully.
The lead acid Golf cart batteries may be old technology but it is time proven technology.
Messy photo but here is the entire rear seat......
Closer.....
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert
Last edited by djkeev on Tue Apr 17, 2018 12:26 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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82westyrabbit Samba Member
Joined: March 02, 2015 Posts: 965 Location: Ma
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Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 6:52 pm Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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Hi Dave,
I was reading another one of your posts, and you said that you are not sure you would do the jeep mirrors if you had it to do again. I am just curious why? I was thinking I would follow your lead and use your directions to install them on my van. Was it just the amount of labor it took, or is there something you don't like about them now that you are driving with them? I don't like the price of light truck mirrors, and I have heard some people say they whistle. Let me know what you think. Thanks, John |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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dhaavers Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010 Posts: 7745 Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2018 2:56 pm Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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D@mn, I wish you were MY PO...
Seriously, Dave...you do great work & obviously care deeply about the result
of your efforts. We should all aspire to the same level of awesomeness!
- Dave
PS: Next beer is on me...again! _________________ 86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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Multiman mv Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2017 Posts: 987 Location: Martha's Vineyard, Ma
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Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2018 6:05 am Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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Great build thread! Expertly documented and your work is top notch. Thanks for posting. Great section on repairing seam rust. I enjoyed the entire thread. |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2018 5:46 am Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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My Van technically isn't mine any longer so I haven't used it much.
An old camper always generates interest and conversation but an older camper in NJ/Pennsylvania sporting Oregon Plates generates a much bigger interest.
I've found it easiest to play along...... "Yes, I drove this from Oregon (I really did several times) and I lived in my their town in Oregon for many years so I know the area well.
We ended up bringing the Van to Pennsylvania yesterday after my Prius got fed some bad gas. They don't handle that well!
The unit ran well and it was fun to drive again but we were frustrated that the A/C didn't cool at all! It wasn't THAT hot so we had an nice "old school" ride with the windows open.
I was as frustrated as could be that my rebuilt A/C quit working!!!
We got to the house and unloaded. We needed dinner so I jumped in and ran down the mountain to hunt and gather food.
It was raining HARD (turns out 2 1/2" in a little over an hour) and the winding road down along a creek turned into the creek too!!
I was really glad I brought the Van for the Prius would have simply floated away! Areas were about 8-10" deep.
I was cautious and watched other. Braver souls in their 4x4's go first in the deepest areas. They did fine and the road seemed to be intact so I bravely (stupidly?) proceeded forth. All was well and right after I went through, they closed the road. It actually was fun, like driving up a fast moving creek, I could see the pavement for most of the journey through the water. Just a two spots were cause for concern, but like I said, others were fine......
Anyway, the A/C problem?
Fixed that!!!
It was a simple Old Fart moment.... you rotate the temperature knob RIGHT to cool...... Not LEFT sometimes I really am as stupid as I may appear to be.!
After setting the knob properly I froze my butt off getting dinner!
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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dhaavers Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010 Posts: 7745 Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2018 8:43 am Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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- Dave _________________ 86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32518 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 5:11 pm Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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Doing some pre-trip service.
The typical items plus it has been almost 30,000 miles so I'm pulling front wheel bearings and repacking them.
The Right side was as expected, aging grease going black with wear and time.
The Left side?
Different story!
My grease is red when new, this grease looked like brownish mud!
About a month ago and only about 120 miles ago I was out at the house in Pennsylvania and the skies opened up in a torrential Biblical proportion rainfall...... 4 inches in an hour on top of already saturated ground.
I had gone down the Mountain to forage for food and the ride home was literally up a river.
Mostly shallow but a few spots quite deep.
Keeping in mind "turn around, don't drown" I watched other vehicles brave the deeper spots. No washouts, the road was intact so I did likewise.
I thought nothing of it until tonight!
The speedo cable must have allowed water entry into the left hub.
I will evaluate in the light of day to reuse or replace. I most often err on the side of caution........
I'll also be inspecting the rear wheel bearings!
The worst of the flooding, a photo that made the local news.......
The creek is about 6' below this briddge......
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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jlrftype7 Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2018 Posts: 3566 Location: Chicago
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Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:19 pm Post subject: Re: Getting the 1986 "Westy" back into shape! |
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Replace the bearings- been there with Off-Roading, done that in much deeper water....
Older Land Rovers aren’t much better, they had a loose fitting rubber cap over the ends of the front full floating axle . No trouble at all for water to sneak past the cap and into the splines of the stub axle.
My “92 Montero had sealed end caps that held back water much better on its front wheel bearings.... . _________________ '68 Westy- my first VW and vehicle/Bus- long gone.- sold it to a traveling Swiss couple....
'67 Type 3 Fastback, my 2nd car- gone
'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto |
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