Finally, I shopped. So, now I can shop more! [Build thread]

tam_shops · Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 11:12 pm Post subject:

Well for those of you that liked my idea about the Umbrella patch, skip it. It didn't stay stuck the way I'd want and is leaving the gluey mess you'd expect if you've tried press on patches in the heat in the pass. Same kind of idea you've all experienced w/ the Velcro for the skylight.

Realized I hadn't included any pictures of our side tent.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=322371&highlight=fritz+berger

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

Now that I've packed most of what I know I'll want in the camper and having spent the night in it by myself, I think I get a better idea of the reality of how little space there will be with 3 more people in there!

I've been working on cleaning the Poptop headliner and canvas. Much happier with the results of the headliner than the canvas, but will make that the focus of this weekend, to get it to a point I can live with it. Took another stab it it tonight.
Having read this:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2...mp;start=0

and the FAQ on pop top cleaning:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6236058#6236058

From moldy

To splotchy. Crying or Very sad

I got away w/ it a few times, but must not have rinsed the Tilex off, as well the last time and it really bleached the fabric...Couldn't live with the mold, but the splotchy bothers me to! That would have, should have, could have...

And, dealt with a small spot that's going to be a hole soon, thank you! The sleeve board on the outside was perfect!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=144389&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Wanted to do the frogs, but they're really old and wouldn't stick, left the outline though and that's cool! I debated leaving the tiny pin hole, but knowing it's bound to get better and having seen several in that spot, opted to fix before the hold was bigger than a pin head.

Wish I'd tried the gowesty spray cleaner before the Tilex on the canvas, but really, having tried peroxide, vinegar and spray nine w/ no luck. I couldn't live with black mold spots, not knowing if they're dead and knowing at least two of us are allergic to mold. Why oh why did VW go w/ cotton for the canvas instead of Polyster, which resists mold even if it doesn't breath as well!? At any rate, glad several people told me to get the 3 window one anyway, when I complained about the mold in the first place.
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3421&category_id=&category_parent_id=

Now the question is, do I do WHEELS first or the canvas? Will need both in the next year or so, don't want to get both in the same year and both are going to be expensive!

I'm still on the fence about an auxillary battery vs battery pack and waiting longer seems like the intelligent thing to do, but painful. And, will need to do some more reading on the auxillary battery, inverter and installation.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2...0b8af946c6

I've still got to clean the driver's side seat and the water system. Vacuum and wash again I'm sure. Clean the water system w/ bleach, think I'm going to hate bleach before long! And, wash the entire thing, again...then, I think and hope, I will be done cleaning!?
Instructions for cleaning:
http://www.t3technique.com/resources/swivel-seat-guide-installation.html

Plus, I am waiting on my speakers.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_43774_Kenwood-KFC-1054S.html
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=549374&highlight=stereo+sony Sometimes shopping is just painful, hope they're better than what I had, or even good! Supposedly, I'll need some sort of Bass, but they should fit w/ the old covers, so cause me no window problems...They did't have anything that will fit in the store.

I did coat 2 of Penetrol and Nufinish and really want to know how those of you w/ more than one camper find the time to keep it clean!?

And, finally, waiting on a sale to order the last of the 3pt seat belts for the back and jump seat at gowesty as well as the jump seat to put on it! Need to find a free and clear weekend, with out activities to get the jump seat from the guy at the same time HE has time! LOL

Cheers!

tam
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic

Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885

syncroluvr · Posted: Sun May 19, 2013 6:12 am Post subject:

I was looking at the pictures you took while you went camping by yourself, did you sleep sideways, from left to right? Not many people can get away with that! Shocked

_________________
1990 Syncro Westy with stump pulling 2576cc Subaru

Y2K V6 Passat

Calcandi Leviter

debbiej · Posted: Sun May 19, 2013 7:06 am Post subject:

Tam, one thing that made me choose battery pack over aux battery is that you can use 110 v power with the battery pack. You can plug the van into the pack and use the inside outlet or run the fridge on 110 to cool down so the gas will light easier. The aux battery isn't set up to power the fridge while the van isn't running. Also, many battery packs can be charged while driving, they have a 12 v plug.

Used mine this weekend, and it was nice to blow up an air mattress and to keep my smart phone fully charged.

tam_shops · Posted: Sun May 19, 2013 9:38 am Post subject:

Thanks for reading! I my projects aren't as big and fancy as anyone else's, but fun all the same!

I'm not *that* short, I was watching a movie and leaning against the closet while sitting sidways. Wink

I'll have my kids sleep sideways up top though. That way, the little one will be farther away from the hole! LOL

tam_shops · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 7:49 pm Post subject:

And, let there be MUSIC! I now have 4 working speakers. They fit, just. And, sound a bit flat, but are way better than what I had and nice and affordable...

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_43774_Kenwood-KFC-1054S.html

I opted to put the door ones in sideways b/c the top/bottom of the grill had a lower profile.

They look nice in the back.

But the left one was a touch too big, so had a little section cut out, so it fit better.

And, as promised, I didn't install them myself! Wink

But, it was *my* idea to put the grill on sideways! Cool

WISH I'd gone with these ones. I didn't notice the suggestion until I not only had bought the others, but had them installed too. Too late now, not taking out the old ones and putting in new ones!
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23319

Someone that knows more about speakers than me picked them, with the plan of re-using the factory grills. When we realized these grills fit fine, we went with them instead...

Oh, as an added bonus, the guy noticed the broken wire for my power mirrors and fixed that. Pointed out that someone had fixed it once before (not surprised since it's 26yo), but on the flip side, I'd never have paid someone to take the door apart to fix a power mirror that works just fine by moving it by hand.

Kind of makes me wonder who (and why) anyone would pay for power mirrors (something you adjust once in awhile) rather than power locks and/or windows (something you use all the time). I didn't miss my power mirrors. I don't really miss my power windows. I *really* miss my power LOCKS!

tam
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic

Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885

Chuey · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 8:40 pm Post subject: Not "power" but "central".

tam_shops · Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 10:02 pm Post subject: Re: Not "power" but "central".

Great story! Laughing

I don't miss the power locks inside, as much as outside. Especially that dummy driver side one that won't let me lock it with out the key. Like that's going to stop me from locking my keys inside, when it's stopped me from using the door all together b/c it's so annoying! LOL

tam

tam_shops · Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 9:25 am Post subject:

It's Jump Seat time!

After a 4 hour Friday traffic journey to Seattle to the pre-Vintage VW show
http://www.cascadekombis.org/vintage-meet, we only did the Friday event at BurgerMaster, where things were open and free for the kids to look at and touch! Or closed up and shiny, and even my 4yo knew from my voice not to go near it! LOL

My kid's favorite was actually a school bus, painted like a bus, parked beside a bus! LOL

I didn't get a picture of my favourite Purple Iridescent Bug! Think this was it? Either way it was Cool!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/brwSwpkCaXkckQ3jkDJjS78eiKPRku7RUWJrqKrgGcGc=w459-h272-p-no

Here is my jump seat after 3 hours of cleaning!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5...p;start=20

NOW, I just have to have it installed. And, if I'm lucky, I might even get them BOTH installed!?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...p;start=20
IDEAS anyone?
And, then what do I do about a head rest?

tam
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic

Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885

Jon_slider · Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 10:19 am Post subject:

> I'll have my kids sleep sideways up top though. That way, the little one will be farther away from the hole! LOL

read this
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=561304

then put up a barrier to keep it from happening to your kids
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Jake de Villiers · Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:55 pm Post subject:

The jump seats don't need head restraints (they aren't "head rests") as they back onto the front seats ie the front seat backs function as the head restraints.
_________________
'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

tam_shops · Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 3:12 pm Post subject:

Thanks Jake, I know the one installed correctly, where it belongs behind the passenger, will have sufficient head support. BUT, crazy me wants to install a 2nd one, in a *full* camper Westy. So somewhere in the middle where there is nothing behind it. Like in the section of the pass through. Forward or backward, so I can bring 4 kids and 2 adults in my one Vanagon. Shocked

I'd really LOVE to do it, but think it's a bit crazy, even for me! LOL Cool

tam_shops · Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 7:47 pm Post subject:

After a summer of fun I've concluded my speakers while fine for the $50 I paid to buy them, they lack Umph and could use some sort of Base (boom, boom, boom)...I kind of figured that when I bought them, but am in no huge hurry to fork out the $300 to do that, but it's on my one day list.

As for the stereo. It SUCKS. I love that it takes a USB stick to hold hundreds of songs, great when 4 people are on a road trip w/ their own favourite songs...fantastic, a must have device to use for both music and a charger.

But, the stereo has a too hard to find OFF button. Which is a big deal when you're going through the border or on the ferries. All of a sudden you need your music off and the off button is hard to see and drive. No problem, turn the volume down/off, right? NOT. That is the most annoying thing about this stereo. It has a volume button that is shared w/ *something* else. I'm not sure what that else is or how you get it into that mode (by accident), but I did finally figure out that if you turn it off, it gets it out of that mode. LOL It's a pain and brings me back to the Off button is too small and not visible. LOL

tam_shops · Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 8:42 pm Post subject:

Camping 2013

Camano Island
http://www.whidbeycamanoislands.com/
Our first WetWesties event. Memorable because of the fabulous Pot Luck and my ODS (oldest darling son) drove his bike down that big hill between campsites, into a tree, face first, full speed ahead. Two black eyes and a swollen face.

Oliver LakeSide Resort
http://www.thelakesideresort.com/
We were 3 sites from the beach, not bad for our first year there. Memorable because we made it up all those big long hot hills, with out over heating, unlike some newer vehicles! And, YDS (youngest darling son) fell out of the back of the Westy, smacking his face on the bumper and/or bike rack, leaving one black eye and a swollen face. It was too hot there for me, so will be working on fans, window screens and lighter blankets for next year. Already have the hatch back Add a room from the Skylight gal, which I used for our second trip to Katherine lake.
http://vanagonwestfaliaparts.com/shop/add-a-room-rear-hatch/

Our first Canada Day away from home, usually we ride our bikes in, but this year I drove our Westy into town and found a parking spot and then watched the parade.

Salt Water State Park
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=saltwater
Off to Seattle to get the jump seat, thanks Mike from Lynwood! And, this time ODS face planted a log while jumping from one tree to another.

Bleeding nose, cut on nose and scratch across the front of his face. Did I mention I'm Canadian and the worst of our crashes happen when we're in the US? Thank goodness for Visa Health Insurance, if anyone has ever tested it out and wasn't happy with it, let me know! LOL
Bring ear plugs if airplanes bother you. I live near the airport, so only slightly more annoying than usual...

Alice Lake x2
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/alice_lk/

Whistler Resort
We were going to http://campsquamish.com/getting-here.html, but they had no potable water and I forgot water jug and boiling water for the weekend, wasn't on my fun list of things to do, and no toilets or showers. I'd have lived w/ my portable potty, but back to no water for cooking or drinking...So off to Whistler we went. We will be going back there, it was great! Lots of paths, a bike jump park and quiet, the one big thing camping really lacked this year. I love Katherine lake and Lakeside resort, but the sites are sooooo close and people are not so quiet...I can live with noise at either end, 11pm or 6am, but not both. I can live w/ 7hrs sleep, but my 4yo can not!
http://www.whistlerrvpark.com/

Deception Pass
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass
Make sure you stay down below, we opted for power at the Quarry pond, wouldn't do that again, all the fun kids stuff was on the other side of the highway. It's too much work, trouble, bother to put the car seats in, close the curtains and the re-level the Vanagon to drive across the road. If we can't walk or ride bikes there, forget it. A word to the wise, get the small kids cone at that little gas station for $2.50, it was HUGE!

Katherine Lake x2
http://www.scrd.ca/Katherine-Lake

From the lake. The second time was a WetWesties event, so all filled up w/ Westies.

Too cold and/or wet to camp much longer. I might try to squeeze one more trip into Birch Bay, but that will probably be it for us, for the year. Bet I won't be able to wait until June for our first trip though!

I *LOVE who ever suggested this!? A few dollars later and the back can stay open all day to add to the ventilation! With that add a room, Oliver won't be so hot next year.

I crazy clued mine moving parts, so it stays in place...Obviously not when it was installed, when it was on a piece of newspaper in my kitchen.

And, an idea all of my own. I could not do up all my snaps and for what ever reason, the last one was always the one that made the rest pop, so I added a snap extension and Voila problem solved.

These are either Prym snaps or SunDrops, I just got them out of my snap bucket.

My next sewing project will be screens for the windows, sliding door AND I'm going to have to re-do the screen part for the skylight b/c the fabric was dirty and I thought it'd be a good idea to wash it. In the washing machine. Apparently, 27yo screen doesn't hold up so good in the washing machine, as now it's got holes in it. Ever wonder why/how you got holes in yours, no longer a problem, cause it happens even on HAND wash, by itself...

Here is to warmer weather coming soon!

tam
http://www.sundroptextiles.com/
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic

Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885

tam_shops · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 5:29 pm Post subject:

Pretty New Belts, but now the back bench requires a locking clip...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6935801#6935801

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3218&category_id=&category_parent_id=

A jump seat I can use at LAST! The re-tractors on these are really touchy, great for safety, annoying for children in boosters...

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3443&category_id=&category_parent_id=

And, of course I used caps, pretty...
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3970&category_id=&category_parent_id=
I did debate those Eye Bolt ring things:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4372&category_id=&category_parent_id=
But, ultimately want to go w/ that tracking system someone posted about, so didn't bother.
http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/category/VersaTieTrackKits

And, after an entire summer debating and buying and returning power packs of various size, and not having them useful for my stereo or interior lights...I finally went w/ an auxiliary battery. Actually one of those things I always wanted that really wasn't up on the top of my list, but I had it done while some other stuff was getting done...Draw back being it can't go to the picnic table, benefit being you do not have to charge it. Though, now I have to buy and store jumper cables, but that's smaller than the battery pack which never made the space cut when we were going camping anyway!

Hey, can I put my HEADlights on that battery? You know the ones I forget and leave on b/c I'm too used to DRL!?

tam
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic

Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885

djkeev · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 5:41 pm Post subject:

Looks good!

Why not simply wire in a relay to the ignition switch to give DRL's?
It's not rocket science.....

No more worries about lights left on, if you've got the keys in your hand..... The lights are off.
If the keys are in the ignition with a running Van..... The lights are on.

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

tam_shops · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:55 pm Post subject:

Harder than the stereo? You did see how many questions doing the stereo generated from me, right? LOL

I was told that the relay and the light switch the Canadian models had to go w/ the relay is now obsolete. And, extra obsolete b/c it only came on the Canadian Vanagons...Guess I could post ISO one in case someone took theirs off and didn't want it...

At any rate, I found this one:
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Volkswagen/Vanagon/AC_Delco/Relay/1991/ACF553.html
But, my understanding is that it makes the head lights go on part way and the dash lights go on all (or part) way too, which is great, until you *think* your lights are on and they are not. Then, at night you have a more serious dangerous and fine worthy problem, thinking the lights are on when in fact they are not...So, I slumped my head and gave up on the idea. Will post to the DRL thread in case my understanding was wrong and/or someone has a unit they do not want.

kamzcab86 · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 7:42 pm Post subject:

tam_shops · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 10:14 pm Post subject:

Thank you, it's on my list, and they have a video too! LOL Either way that's on my list for my next order, cause it never hurts.

Problem is, it requires you use the driver's door (or passengers??). I do not have power locks, so there is nothing in the sliding door, which is the door I use (b/c I go through the van to free my YDS from his car seat). So, there is nothing open to make the thing go, "beeeppp" and it's really not going to do me much good. Only time I use the driver's side door is when we're camping and arrive w/ a full load and there is stuff here and there in the back to trip on. Then, I go around and reach YDS from the outside. The lack of a buzzer, now reminds me of Breaking Bad, when they hit it rich and decided to get a car w/ the "beep" alarm buzzer on it. LOL

tam_shops · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 4:55 pm Post subject:

Lights, lights and more lights! Plus, some music, heat and welding. Very Happy

TerraPodz:
http://www.terrawagen.com/
Dry as can be in the Vancouver rain. They are wired directly into the fuse panel, using a wiring harness. They come on when the Vanagon comes on and go off with it. There is no switch. I forgot to ask if there is a fuse I can pull to turn them off, should there ever be a need. I've never had the need w/ my car though, so...I can also see how badly the regular headlights need to be cleaned, interesting how pictures show the obvious. And, I think that is a spot of RUST right below the picture. Pretty sure it's not dirt, I'd just washed it! LOL

Passenger's Side. It really shows how faded the grill is. Has anyone painted theirs? With what? Did it last? And, what about the HOLES!? I have a thing about adding holes where no holes were before. I forgot to ask if the holes needed to be painted, filled, won't they rust? Rust!? Shocked

Ooooh, someone just told me I need THIS:
http://www.amazon.com/Krylon-2444-Fusion-Plastic-C...on+plastic

Red Blinking LED, off ebay 12v RED Flashing Dummy Fake Car Alarm LED Light Dash Mount metal housing. It is wired to the parking brake. So off when the parking brake is off and on when the parking brake is on. Perfect. Love the simplicity of it. Though, will see how annoying it is when camping, I should have taken the toggle switch option he suggested b/c it is WAY brighter than I'd expected (and my car) and I'm thinking it's going to be super annoying! LOL

Off and my new nicer, smaller, Dollar Store clock for the front.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150813631067&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160

Headlight reminder Installed. Not much to say about that except it will always remind me of Breaking Bad when their battery died in the desert b/c they had no light reminder. LOL
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23359&category_id=&category_parent_id=

And, a little boom, boom, boom for the music too. I went with the 8" one. I didn't realize that it was 8" around, or I would have bought the 6" one. It's HUGE and sounds great! We went with putting it in the foot well, don't think dh will like that too much on long trips, but you can unstrap it and unplug it and them move it, if need be. So, that's nice. It wouldn't fit sideways in the back bench, and I didn't want to give up all the storage so, there it is and there it will stay...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=580179&highlight=bazooka+tube

A little more heat never hurt anyone. I bought this off Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009Y2CFS/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And, needed THIS a bit closer to make it work:

Now, will figure out with trial and error how long it will keep me warm before my auxiliary batter dies! LOL

And, some welding and a new muffler too:

Now, waiting on a J-pipe, Oxygen Sensor and new Catilitic Converter before I can confirm if my stalling problem is fixed!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=572305&highlight=limped

If all goes well, it will be WHEELS next! I have decided on CLK320s from the 1998-2000 Mercedes Part number 208 401 0002. Researching was fun. Deciding was great. Confirming was wonderful. Then, I moved onto finding what I wanted, not so much fun when you know what you want and what a good vs reasonable price is b/c now I can not find it close enough to my house to grab! I thought it'd be so easy, there are tons of Mercedes around here and even more bad drivers. Not so much luck! So, a looking I still do!

tam
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic

Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885

rubbachicken · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 9:22 pm Post subject:

looking very nice there tam, your package will be on it's way tomorrow.
the rear seat belt, is there a way of hiding the reel, we need, but i don't want the reel visible.
it'll be in the way when we're in bed, i don't want mrs rubbachicken to hit her head on it, as she sleeps on that side.
_________________
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lucy's BIG adventure

meet 'burni'

markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.

619 201 0310 or 617 935 4182


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