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katstan Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2017 Posts: 175 Location: Woodstock, NY
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 10:15 am Post subject: Iron Pots the 1990 Vanagon |
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Hi All,
Thanks to everyone's help a couple weeks back I am now the happy owner of a 1990 Vanagon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=672572
It got shipped up from Florida and arrived on Saturday.
I couldn't be happier with the whole process. After taking a look around him and getting to know him for a bit, our daughter promptly named him Iron Pots. I have no idea how she came up with the name but it's sticking and we all like it.
We took Iron Pots for a quick spin into town once I had finished signing paperwork from the shipping company and while we had contemplated taking him to a campground for our first night with him, in the end we decided to camp in our driveway. He's so much fun to drive and runs great. He's got an over-sized steering wheel that the sellers had installed and driving him feels like captaining a ship.
We seem to have a propane leak when the main valve is on:
I hoped to test out making coffee in him in the morning so we motored over to nearby Camping World to get the propane tank filled. I'm not sure if the guy overfilled it or what because a puff of white gas came out at the end of the filling and he made us get out of the way. All seemed to be okay after those few seconds of excitement. He was then going to show us how to use the propane power for the fridge but when we turned on the main valve we heard a hissing sound. A leaky valve perhaps or maybe it needs a new regulator? When I got home I did some searching on The Samba forums and discovered this is a fairly common problem. For some people it seemed to be resolved by opening the valve all the way but no such luck for us and it still hisses for a minute after being fully closed. I do not want to be messing around with trying to fix a propane leak even if it is easy to do so it's going back to Camping World on Wednesday to get fixed. Hopefully it will be a quick and easy fix.
Our first night camping:
We'd been having unseasonably warm weather for a few days so all the snow had melted and while my daughter and I were getting the propane tank filled, my husband was making us a campfire. As soon as we got home a cold front blew in with a thunderstorm and crazy winds. We'd been away for a few days so it was a good excuse to warm up inside for a couple of hours and unpack and settle back into being home.
Storm-be-damned we slept in him that night. The Daughter loved closing all of the curtains and getting him ready for bed and the winds and rain had simmered down.
We were happy to discover how comfortable the upper and lower bunks were and they even fit all 3 of us in one bunk. The top bunk is wider on account of the kitchen and cabinets down below but we decided to sleep on the bottom one on account of the mold spots on the fuzzy interior of pop top above. It would have been a dreamy night if it hadn't gotten so cold (definitely freezing or below)! I can't say I slept that well on account of the cold and the husband moved inside in the middle of the night but it was still a memorable first night.
Getting him ready for spring:
Yesterday I did some more searching on The Samba forums and followed the advice of many others about spraying the fuzzy interior of the pop top with watered down bleach to remove the mold spots. At first I did about a 1:10 ratio and that didn't quite do the trick so I upped it to a 1:4 ratio and the mold is now gone. I probably inhaled way too much bleach but at least the pop top is clean! Here are before and after shots:
I got plates for him at the DMV this morning. And I ordered a new water pump for him (which we knew was broken), an ARB awning, a center console so that we've got some cup holders and an additional place to put things like our phones, and a 3 point seat belt for the back seat. Soon as the weather warms up we're going to be ready for some camping!
If anyone is looking for an ARB awning: I just ordered mine from here and shipping was included. http://www.morris4x4center.com/arb-touring-awning-2500-98-43-x98-43.html Makes it almost $100 cheaper than gettint it from Go Westy though I did get the mounting brackets and other stuff from there.
Last edited by katstan on Thu Mar 23, 2017 8:10 am; edited 4 times in total |
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IdahoDoug Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010 Posts: 10251 Location: N. Idaho
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 10:28 am Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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Very cool, and congrats on joining the fun. I predict Iron Pots will create some of the most memorable times your family will enjoy over the next 5 years. Get out and explore this beautiful world.
Doug _________________ 1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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candyman Samba Trout Slayer
Joined: December 20, 2003 Posts: 2694 Location: Missoula MT
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 10:36 am Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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That's what makes it all worthwhile right there! |
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katstan Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2017 Posts: 175 Location: Woodstock, NY
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 10:56 am Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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IdahoDoug wrote: |
Very cool, and congrats on joining the fun. I predict Iron Pots will create some of the most memorable times your family will enjoy over the next 5 years. Get out and explore this beautiful world.
Doug |
Thanks Doug. We're really looking forward to it!
candyman wrote: |
That's what makes it all worthwhile right there! |
Indeed! |
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SteveVanB Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2008 Posts: 1645 Location: This side of Daytona
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 11:08 am Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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Congratulations!! _________________ 91 CARAT |
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katstan Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2017 Posts: 175 Location: Woodstock, NY
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 11:15 am Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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SteveVanB wrote: |
Congratulations!! |
Thanks especially to you, Steve! |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16505 Location: Brookeville, MD
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Jeffrey Lee Samba Member
Joined: February 04, 2014 Posts: 1488 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 11:32 am Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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Congratulations! Sounds like the latest addition to the family has found a very welcoming home. Here’s wishing you all many smiles per gallon.
I can say from personal experience that little girls enjoying treats in their camper vans often become grownup girls enjoying grownup treats in their camper vans.
Lorie’s Lounge _________________ Camp Westfalia
Camping Tips • Newsletter • Cool Campervan Apparel
www.CampWestfalia.com |
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termuehlen Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2012 Posts: 994 Location: Redwood City
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 11:37 am Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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Your daughter is the perfect age to start the Westy life style. If your experience is anything like mine, I suggest you start a Westy savings fund for her now. You may want to support her when she grows up and wants to have her own Westy adventures _________________ 1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx |
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katstan Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2017 Posts: 175 Location: Woodstock, NY
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 12:08 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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termuehlen wrote: |
Your daughter is the perfect age to start the Westy life style. If your experience is anything like mine, I suggest you start a Westy savings fund for her now. You may want to support her when she grows up and wants to have her own Westy adventures |
Good idea!
I am just counting down the minutes until I can go home and put the plates on and go for a drive! I didn't take him out at all yesterday since I hadn't gotten him registered yet. |
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0to60in6min Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: OR & CA (Oregon/California)
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 12:46 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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very nice... thank you for sharing..
your pics bring back good memories...we bought an 1985 weekender when our daughter was 5 and her brother 3... they now have their own vanagon...
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the joker Samba Member
Joined: October 12, 2006 Posts: 1287
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 12:51 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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fuel lines and fire ext first and foremost/ head rest and the three point restraint in the rear
looks like a nice solid van
good luck keep us posted |
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katstan Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2017 Posts: 175 Location: Woodstock, NY
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 1:24 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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the joker wrote: |
fuel lines and fire ext first and foremost/ head rest and the three point restraint in the rear
looks like a nice solid van
good luck keep us posted |
Thanks for the safety tips. 3 point belt is ordered already. I'll have to look into the head rest. She'll be in a booster with a back so her head will be supported. There is a fire extinguisher mounted near the sliding door. I'm going to order the blazecut for in the engine as well. Fuel lines were replaced 7 years ago and the fuel filter was replaced 4 years ago but I'm going to have them checked out when we get it inspected by our VW mechanic.
I've got all the maintenance history here if anyone is feeling inclined to take a look: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xz4nDh48Zxe8v_gtEIIMX83UpV-yK9Eeazz8a85DKj0/edit?usp=sharing |
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dsdunbar Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2014 Posts: 564 Location: Crozet VA
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 1:56 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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Kat- awesome looking van! I ordered the following kit from Frank Condelli in canada for the headrest supports:
http://www.frankcondelli.com/staging1/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=703
I bought two kits and think it was around $130 shipped. Frank's has 3 in stock as of this posting....sometimes it is out of stock but it seems to come back.
I haven't installed mine yet and something to think about (which I didn't) was: it is hard to find Vanagon headrests, but since you are custom fabricating the supports you can likely open up to more options (and more comfortable options) as long as they have the same OD inserts as the vanagon headrest. I think the most limiting part for finding vanagon replacement headrests is the width of the support bars are so unique(?). Anyways, something for you to consider if you decide to do this mod.
cheers
katstan wrote: |
Thanks for the safety tips. 3 point belt is ordered already. I'll have to look into the head rest. She'll be in a booster with a back so her head will be supported. |
_________________ '89 2WD Westy "Grey Goose" - Manual 4spd
Crozet VA
Vanaru EJ25, Peloquin |
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katstan Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2017 Posts: 175 Location: Woodstock, NY
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 2:14 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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Thanks! and thanks for the headrest info. Do I need them if she's going to be in a booster that has a full back that comes up above her head?
Okay I'm going to order the blazecut next. I read the thread on it but still need some guidance... 6', 9', or 12'? What would you do? |
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kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7924 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 2:55 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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Congrats! Let the wallet-draining begin!
katstan wrote: |
while we had contemplated taking him to a campground for our first night with him, in the end we decided to camp in our driveway. |
Well, driveway camping beats my first night in my new-to-me van... a Wal-Mart parking lot!
Enjoy! _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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Merian Samba Member
Joined: January 04, 2014 Posts: 5212 Location: Orygun
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 3:25 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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safety tips _________________ .... |
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Gnarlodious Samba Member
Joined: September 28, 2013 Posts: 2323 Location: Adobe Jungle USA
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 4:03 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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Don’t that just warm my cold little heart... _________________ Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit |
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the joker Samba Member
Joined: October 12, 2006 Posts: 1287
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 6:19 pm Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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7 year old fuel lines time to replace as for head rest I think you have a little time (car seat)
Franks a great guy headrest pop up on the samba classified keep and eye out or run a wanted ad
plan a trip this fall an attend Transporterfest in Brookline Ma in early Oct? great gathering of all VW and awesome auto museum too |
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katstan Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2017 Posts: 175 Location: Woodstock, NY
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Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2017 8:25 am Post subject: Re: Happy New Vanagon Owner!! |
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the joker wrote: |
7 year old fuel lines time to replace as for head rest I think you have a little time (car seat)
Franks a great guy headrest pop up on the samba classified keep and eye out or run a wanted ad
plan a trip this fall an attend Transporterfest in Brookline Ma in early Oct? great gathering of all VW and awesome auto museum too |
Transporterfest in Brookline sounds like fun. Definite maybe on that one. p.s. Are you in Providence? I'm from there and was there last Thurs-Sat. Had to get back to Woodstock to meet our new Vanagon though!
I went to put the plates on Iron Pots last night and when I pulled down the plate holder in back to screw it on I discovered he had an empty coolant reserve (but almost full main coolant reservoir). I didn't know where the main reservoir was until this morning so I decided not to take him for the ride I was planning on last night. Kind of a bummer but at least I got to drive him to the shop this morning, which was super fun.
I don't have my Bentley yet and while I do hope and plan to get to know how to work on him by myself I also want to have a relationship with a good mechanic up here who knows what they're doing. The good news is I found one and he's 10 minutes from our house. He's a VW/Audi specialist and has worked on Vanagons and even owned a couple himself, which he mentioned he regrets selling since they've been going up in value ever since he did.
He's going to check over the cooling system for me to see if there's a leak and give it a once over for everything else and do the inspection. Even gave me his cellphone number in case we ever have a breakdown on the weekend and said he'd take a look at the propane valve and let me know if it's something he feels comfortable working on.
Last night I was feeling a little overwhelmed about the idea of dealing with a coolant leak and/or flushing the cooling system if I did need to put water in it temporarily but I feel like this buys me some time to build some confidence as I ease my way into the mechanical end of Vanagon ownership. I'll probably install the submersible water pump and 3 point seat belt myself though! And once my Bentley arrives I'll start studying. |
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