Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Vanagon Entry Steps
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 1:27 pm    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

So.......

I had contacted BusDepot about their step asking if they knew anything about GoWesty's step for it is significantly cheaper.

Fred says he never saw a GW step so can't make comparisons.

I put GW's in my shopping cart and clicked calculate freight...... $66 to ship it!

So GW $210 + $66 = $276

BD $270 + $13 = $283

I could pick up BD's next time I go to my daughters and save $13 shipping but for the $7 price difference...... I'll have them ship it to me.
Hmm...... After I apply thesamba discount which I think is 5% .... 13.50...... BD for me shipped is $6.50 less than GW! Laughing

Busboys isn't even in the mix, I've read nothing but stories of poor shipping about them lately........

I will post a detailed review of the BD step once it arrives. Looking forward to it.

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 6:42 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

I ordered my BusDepot side step but stumbled upon this parts drawing of a Vanagon step.

Anyone ever seen one? Curious how it works, it has a spring but does it slide or flip?

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


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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Yellow Rabbit
Samba Member


Joined: August 31, 2005
Posts: 1145

Yellow Rabbit is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 6:51 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

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


I'm thinking this with a white LED stip mounted under it wired to a switch that turns them on when the slider is opened.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
slackin' at work
Samba Member


Joined: May 07, 2003
Posts: 443
Location: Central Virginia
slackin' at work is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 9:23 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

djkeev wrote:
I ordered my BusDepot side step but stumbled upon this parts drawing of a Vanagon step.

Anyone ever seen one? Curious how it works, it has a spring but does it slide or flip?

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


Dave



this is the ambulance step. it slides out and is controlled by the door itself.
if you open the door more than half way it allows it to slide out.

there is a bracket you need to mount on/through the slider which may be a deal breaker for some.

I pulled the trigger last night on the GW step.
I'm on east coast and shipping was weirdly high on it… but I had to place an order for some GW specific parts and shipping didn't get higher with the addition of the smaller pieces.

I also looked at a few more modern hide-away truckbed steps, but ultimately decided to keep it a period-correct vw accessory.
_________________
`20 SQ5
`06 Z4M coupe
`04 R32
`84 MK1 GTI
`76 Brasilia
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 11:00 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

Slakin' at work......

You're only in Virginia, I'm in Jersey, maybe someday we'll cross paths and can compare the GW and BD steps.

Off topic but.....
I really fail to grasp GW shipping prices but alas..... I am a customer of theirs at times too.

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
kamzcab86
Samba Moderator


Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7892
Location: Arizona
kamzcab86 is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 11:51 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

djkeev wrote:
GW $210 + $66 = $276
BD $270 + $13 = $283

Off topic but.....
I really fail to grasp GW shipping prices


Well, to ship an item from CA to NJ is going to be far costlier than going from PA to NJ, regardless of whether you're using UPS or USPS. When I listed my Cabriolet's suspension for sale, I calculated the shipping rate via UPS to Maine and it was around $60. The guy who ended up buying the suspension was in CA and the cost to ship was $40. And those dollar amounts don't include the cost of the box, the cushioning inside, the tape, and my time in carefully packing the items.

Is GW overcharging for shipping? Perhaps, but so do many other entities out there. Really off-topic: When gas prices drop, do shippers drop their rates? Nope. Rolling Eyes
_________________
~Kamz Anxious
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
Blue Vanagon 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member


Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12103
Location: Port Manteau
Zeitgeist 13 is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 12:03 pm    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

Doesn't look like those front steps will play well with late models and body cladding/front spoiler. Since I'm planning on raising my Bluestar up as part of the TDI swap, I probably will need to factor in some kind of step. I might have to fabricate my own, so that it bends around the spoiler
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:18 pm    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

Zeitgeist 13 wrote:
Doesn't look like those front steps will play well with late models and body cladding/front spoiler. Since I'm planning on raising my Bluestar up as part of the TDI swap, I probably will need to factor in some kind of step. I might have to fabricate my own, so that it bends around the spoiler


The standard Van without cladding has the step floor surface two inches higher than the lowest sheet metal below the door.

I'm thinking of using steel tubing if needed to space it down properly.
I'll know for sure when they arrive, they were shipped yesterday from California.
Mounting these steps will be interesting working out the structural issues.....

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ALIKA T3
Samba Member


Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6315
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
ALIKA T3 is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 9:28 pm    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

slackin' at work wrote:
djkeev wrote:
I ordered my BusDepot side step but stumbled upon this parts drawing of a Vanagon step.

Anyone ever seen one? Curious how it works, it has a spring but does it slide or flip?

[illustration]

Dave



this is the ambulance step. it slides out and is controlled by the door itself.
if you open the door more than half way it allows it to slide out.

there is a bracket you need to mount on/through the slider which may be a deal breaker for some.

I pulled the trigger last night on the GW step.
I'm on east coast and shipping was weirdly high on it… but I had to place an order for some GW specific parts and shipping didn't get higher with the addition of the smaller pieces.

I also looked at a few more modern hide-away truckbed steps, but ultimately decided to keep it a period-correct vw accessory.


Yes, factory option, not only ambulances.

I have one I never mounted in France, all powder coated.It's super sturdy and well built. The chassis frame actually has the holes where to bolt it Cool

You can buy a new one from VW Classic Parts not much more than the Go Westy step... You cannot install it on side cladding vans (unless modification of cladding).
You cannot have an extra water tank if you have that automatic step.
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 14, 2016 8:29 pm    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

Yellow Rabbit wrote:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I'm thinking this with a white LED stip mounted under it wired to a switch that turns them on when the slider is opened.


This unit can be yours for a modest $15,000 ...... Complete with side step!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1859292

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
gene l
Samba Member


Joined: August 31, 2013
Posts: 136
Location: LOS OSOS,CA.
gene l is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 8:18 pm    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

I am the buddy Tequila is referring to. My vanagon was ordered with the side step and push bars on the front bumper. 1985. Tequila you are still welcome on this site. I bet quite a few members have chevies and worse..... FORDS!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
slackin' at work
Samba Member


Joined: May 07, 2003
Posts: 443
Location: Central Virginia
slackin' at work is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 8:47 pm    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

ALIKA T3 wrote:


Yes, factory option, not only ambulances.

I have one I never mounted in France, all powder coated.It's super sturdy and well built. The chassis frame actually has the holes where to bolt it Cool

You can buy a new one from VW Classic Parts not much more than the Go Westy step... You cannot install it on side cladding vans (unless modification of cladding).
You cannot have an extra water tank if you have that automatic step.



well shoot. there it is $345 (+shipping):
http://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.de/en/automatik.html


luckily I have the Eurocampers.com gray water tank installed and can't use it… or else Id be pissed. Very Happy
_________________
`20 SQ5
`06 Z4M coupe
`04 R32
`84 MK1 GTI
`76 Brasilia
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Feb 18, 2016 7:28 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

Well......

My steps came this morning..... a pair as advertised and I believe the real deal.
If they are knock offs, they went through a lot of trouble packaging them!

Held them up to the Van, mounting should be straight forward.
I'll hopefully do that this weekend.

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


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


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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 11:34 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

Didn't have much time today but I did a preliminary install on the "BULLY" step.

They had provided an interior strengthener bar...... Which space does not allow its use........ Too bad, it is a nice piece of cast Aluminum.....

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



For this quick install, I used some large fender washers and 8mm stainless hardware......

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


The factory inner step sets at an angle, sloping towards the front....... (See above photo) so when the step is fastened to the bottom of the inner step..... It also has a slope. Some shimming will be needed to balance things out.....

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


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


The step is 10"" off the pavement, not an issue for I have a front trailer hitch which is also 10" off the pavement, a built in damage alarm!


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


I am thinking of shimming the step level with the bottom door joint and to weld up the rubber step pad holes.
I will then pick up a piece of Diamond Plate and make a new inner step surface. The bottom of the factory step flexes a bit when weight is applied to the step (and I'm only a 150lb light weight! The step is rated for 300lbs.) The diamond plate will add some strengthening to the assembly.

Overall ..... I'm very pleased...... It really does make entry easier with the lower step height!

Now..... BusDepot..... Where's my sliding door step?!?!

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
slackin' at work
Samba Member


Joined: May 07, 2003
Posts: 443
Location: Central Virginia
slackin' at work is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 3:33 pm    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

so got my side step mounted today.

Although Im not a big fan of the mounting (seems less than robust) it does the trick and doesn't flex too much with my 195 pound self.

here are some pics.
it doesn't stick out past my 215 tires which was a nice surprise.
as for ground clearance, it's about even with the propane tank skid plate.

it's great getting in. easy and carefree.
getting out you kind of just skip over it and go right to ground.
pretty much because it doesn't stick out that far from the edge. (see last pic).

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

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

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

this is inside looking directly down:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
`20 SQ5
`06 Z4M coupe
`04 R32
`84 MK1 GTI
`76 Brasilia
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 7:26 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

Side step looks good.

Just a thought, were there any markings on the box, the step or enclosed paperwork that indicates a manufacturer?

It would be interesting to compare this information with my BusDepot step when it arrives.
You ordered yours from California and already have it and installed I ordered mine about the same time from 50 miles away and am still waiting for shipping notification.

I buy a lot from BusDepot but am always astounded at the seemingly lack of urgency when it comes to shipping product.

After 3 years of purchasing..... I've come to expect it now, its part of the BD "experience". Rolling Eyes

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
slackin' at work
Samba Member


Joined: May 07, 2003
Posts: 443
Location: Central Virginia
slackin' at work is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 8:03 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

djkeev wrote:
Side step looks good.

Just a thought, were there any markings on the box, the step or enclosed paperwork that indicates a manufacturer?

It would be interesting to compare this information with my BusDepot step when it arrives.
You ordered yours from California and already have it and installed I ordered mine about the same time from 50 miles away and am still waiting for shipping notification.

I buy a lot from BusDepot but am always astounded at the seemingly lack of urgency when it comes to shipping product.

After 3 years of purchasing..... I've come to expect it now, its part of the BD "experience". Rolling Eyes

Dave



it appears to be a 'NLA Vw Parts' part from the UK:
http://nlavw.com
pretty sure BD will be the same.

Wasn't going to mention that Id probably get mine from cali before you…
but figured as much and it did weigh in on my decision.
although closer, BD is the slowest to arrive. every.time.

GW used to be a crap-shoot on ship times, but shipping seems to be going better there these days.
_________________
`20 SQ5
`06 Z4M coupe
`04 R32
`84 MK1 GTI
`76 Brasilia
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
DwarfVader
Samba Member


Joined: July 28, 2015
Posts: 646
Location: Missoula, MT
DwarfVader is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 11:05 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

That bully step looks damn good Dave!

Glad to see it went on without too much trouble.
_________________
- oderint dum metuant -

I'll find my van someday, or it will find me.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:47 pm    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

DwarfVader wrote:
That bully step looks damn good Dave!

Glad to see it went on without too much trouble.


Yes I was pleased, but this is only preliminary..... There's a bit of work to do on the final assembly as I mentioned.
_________________
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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 4:56 am    Post subject: Re: Side step pics Reply with quote

FWIW....... I contacted BD about my order and has it been shipped.

Now this is one of the reasons I like BD...... They may screw up but they don't try to hide it, they own it and make good on the snafu......

Fred was all apologies and is shipping the unit refunding the shipping cost.
I told him that was not necessary at all......

They are good people, always have been in my experience.
They Just need to "tighten up" the shipping department........

Now I'm anxiously awaiting my step....... Laughing

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Page 2 of 4

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.