Author |
Message |
Tom Powell Samba Member
Joined: December 01, 2005 Posts: 4855 Location: Kaneohe
|
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 2:02 pm Post subject: HACKS |
|
|
There are good hacks and bad hacks. Technically any thing that is not OG is a hack. I've made some hacks to my '69 camper that I think make the vehicle better than it came from the factory. Some may not agree and will slam me, but it's my VW and I'll use and modify it as I want to.
My best hacks have been to remove the OG black positive cable to the starter and to replace it with a 2g red cable from PepBoys. An accompanying hack has been to use a clamp with a threaded post and wingnut for the battery grounding strap. For storage or electrical work you only need a thumb and opposing finger to remove the ground. The red fused wire goes to the jump seat were I put in a receptacle for 12v electric blankets.
Another hack that I've done is to remove the ice box and water tank from the galley unit. If I need to keep something cold I'll use a cooler. If I need water I'll buy or fill bottles. After removing the ice box I put in shelves and I keep my tire chains and cooking supplies, burner or MrBuddy heater in there. I made cubby holes and shelves where the water tank was and use those for CD's, maps, and a windshield defroster. I cut the top and put in plastic bins for holding odds and ends and a solar lantern.
Another hack that I've done is adding a sliding door release. This becomes very useful when the sliding door ices up and is difficult to open.
Previously I had difficulty with my turn signal switch being loose and moving it around. I did a twelve year hack to keep it in place, but Telford restored it to OG on a visit to Aeromech.
Sometimes I want to keep my idle a bit higher than the carburetor setting and I made an idle stick. It is not used for cruise control on the highway. The rubber bumper end goes on the gas pedal and the other end under the ashtray. It has a notch on the end for unlocking the passenger door from the drivers side.
Those are some of my hacks which I have found useful. Please post your good hacks here.
Aloha
tp |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Manfred58sc Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2009 Posts: 3374
|
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
I cut an access on the rear package shelf and used a 73 up inspection cover. In this day of cheap Chinese alternators ( last what, maybe 10K miles? ) it saves so much time and effort. I ditched my propane fridge for an ice-box as well, and removed the external propane tank. Still have the connection but I just run it off a 3lb bottle when needed. Mitsubishi Eclipse seats up front for sanity. American contractor style "Van" roof rack that holds 4 by 8 lumber exactly. Love my hacks _________________ Fat chick owner/operator |
|
Back to top |
|
|
telford dorr Samba Member
Joined: March 11, 2009 Posts: 3547 Location: San Diego (Encinitas)
|
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 4:16 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
I have a hack that is a permanent fix for turn signal switches that get loose on the column. This is typically caused by the "C" shaped metal bracket in the turn signal housing getting pressed into and elongating the slots in the pot metal housing. The tighter you tighten it, the worse the elongation.
So: I removed the "C" bracket and brazed a length of 1/8" wending rod to the middle of the "C", pointing towards the steering column. Cut the rod so it can stick through a drilled hole in the column. It acts as an index pin, keeping the switch assembly from moving in any direction - without having to over-tighten the housing screws! Also, this stops the sinking of the "C" into the housing.
The fix is invisible with the switch assembled. _________________ '71 panel, now with FI
'Experience' is the ability to recognize a mistake when you're making it again - Franklin P. Jones
In theory, theory works in practice; in practice, it doesn't - William T. Harbaugh
When you're dead, you don't know you're dead. The pain is only felt by others.
Same thing happens when you're stupid. - Philippe Geluck
More VW electrical at http://telforddorr.com/ (available 9am to 9pm PST) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
tootype2crazy Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2007 Posts: 1276 Location: St. Louis Missouri
|
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:00 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
My solution for the loose turn signal switches is to get some sheets of rubber, like from cheap floor mats and unscrew the switch from the column and place little pieces of rubber on the metal 'c's telford mentioned. You don't have to screw it down very hard for the rubber to hold it and it lasts forever that way. _________________ air-cooled or nothing for me
1978 Sunroof Deluxe Bus (daily driver)
1978 Transporter (mom's, making into a camper)
1970 Single Cab 2.1 turbo/EFI 6 Rib, 78 front beam, vanagon backing plates on rear (project)
2001 GTI VR6 (wife's) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
tootype2crazy Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2007 Posts: 1276 Location: St. Louis Missouri
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Sprink1es Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2014 Posts: 76 Location: WI
|
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:13 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
I love my ice box and functioning sink. But I guess everyone uses theirs differently.
Added 6x9 speakers to the rear cargo area
Added 4ch amp to cabinet behind ice box (to power (4) speakers), and located fuses in the same area
Added 12v outlet straight off of battery, in same area as amp. I use it to charge my phone, power my big fan during a hot night, or for misc like an air compressor to blow everyone else's crap up
Added ribbon LED's along both top corners of interior, front to back, on a dimmer switch
Didn't do it yet, but I'm going to run a 0ga wire on a large switch from my camp battery to my main battery. I've needed to use my camp battery to jump the other battery to start my engine before (relay is very weak, and I've blown the fuse it in before). Rather than mess around with jumper cables... just throw the switch and let it charge for a minute |
|
Back to top |
|
|
airschooled Air-Schooled
Joined: April 04, 2012 Posts: 12688 Location: on a bike ride somewhere
|
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:14 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
Telford, I don't have the stuff to braze, but I do have a Dremel and spare time. I found that a clearing for the notch on the "C" makes for a splendid anti-rotate device. Just, uhh, don't let your cutoff wheel skip and slide………
Robbie
_________________ Learn how your vintage VW works. And why it doesn't!
One-on-one tech help for your Volkswagen:
www.airschooled.com |
|
Back to top |
|
|
wiscokid Samba Member
Joined: November 11, 2014 Posts: 50 Location: wisconsin
|
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2017 1:34 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
When I had my 69 westy the Po had cut and hinged the backrest part of the jumpseat, when it opened up he had built little cubbies kind of like a medicine cabinet. He added a latch to keep it secure when driving and I have to say it probably took a week or two to notice what had been done. I haven't replicated it in my current bus mainly because I don't want to cut a perfectly good seat but it was a real nice use of available space. I searched for a pic to post but no luck so far. If I find one I will definitely put it up. _________________ Nathan
1970 deluxe nine passenger (Hugo)
1970 westfalia |
|
Back to top |
|
|
alman72 Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2014 Posts: 2573 Location: MICHIGAN
|
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2017 4:02 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
wiscokid wrote: |
When I had my 69 westy the Po had cut and hinged the backrest part of the jumpseat, when it opened up he had built little cubbies kind of like a medicine cabinet. He added a latch to keep it secure when driving and I have to say it probably took a week or two to notice what had been done. I haven't replicated it in my current bus mainly because I don't want to cut a perfectly good seat but it was a real nice use of available space. I searched for a pic to post but no luck so far. If I find one I will definitely put it up. |
I dug this pic up out of gallery. I love this
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Tom Powell Samba Member
Joined: December 01, 2005 Posts: 4855 Location: Kaneohe
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 1:04 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
C clips go missing quite easily. Here's a hack that will improve the OG accelerator linkage. Drill a hole in the rod and use washers and a cotter pin instead of the C clip. For an on-the-road repair I used a small pair of vise grips instead of the gone missing C clip. Was good for the 800 mile trip back to home, tools and parts.
Aloha
tp |
|
Back to top |
|
|
OB Bus Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2003 Posts: 2531 Location: Ocean Beach in Beautiful BLUE California
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 3:40 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
alman72 wrote: |
wiscokid wrote: |
When I had my 69 westy the Po had cut and hinged the backrest part of the jumpseat, when it opened up he had built little cubbies kind of like a medicine cabinet. He added a latch to keep it secure when driving and I have to say it probably took a week or two to notice what had been done. I haven't replicated it in my current bus mainly because I don't want to cut a perfectly good seat but it was a real nice use of available space. I searched for a pic to post but no luck so far. If I find one I will definitely put it up. |
I dug this pic up out of gallery. I love this
|
That's our bus! The jump seat came with our bus bus was not original to it.I have not seen another one. _________________ Larry in OB
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
KentABQ Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2016 Posts: 2406 Location: Albuquerque NM
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 5:21 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
This afternoon, I replaced the battery ground cable on WanderGlobe's hightop, which had corroded to almost nothing. (The cable was corroded, not the hightop. )
His battery is rotated 180* from the one in mine, so the pos and neg terminals are closer to the side of the bus, while mine are closer to the engine. After wrestling with installing the cable in that tight space (plus he has a large marine battery in there!), I completely understand the necessity for a battery access door!
Who has the plans for accomplishing it? I'll surprise WanderGlobe with it when he returns. _________________ -Kent-
1976 Riviera, 1.8l FI chrome yellow VAN - "Chloe"
"I must say, how can you be in a bad mood driving this vehicle full of vibrant color.
Cars of today are so bland in comparison. It's like driving a celebration!" ---WildIdea
Bus ownership via emoticons:
---williamM |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22573 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 5:26 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
Tom...you need to find one more function for that
High idle
Door opener
To firmly remove it from the " hack" label
Has to be something we can think of. _________________ .ssS! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Tom Powell Samba Member
Joined: December 01, 2005 Posts: 4855 Location: Kaneohe
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 6:14 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
Abscate wrote: |
Tom...you need to find one more function for that
High idle
Door opener
To firmly remove it from the " hack" label
Has to be something we can think of. |
I also use it as a back scratcher and to discipline passengers.
Aloha
tp |
|
Back to top |
|
|
vwwestyman Samba Member
Joined: April 24, 2004 Posts: 5680 Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Wasted youth Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2012 Posts: 5134 Location: California's Hot and Smoggy Central Valley
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 6:27 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
KentPS wrote: |
...I completely understand the necessity for a battery access door!
Who has the plans for accomplishing it? I'll surprise WanderGlobe with it when he returns. |
You're kidding, right?! That dude with the fiberglass access door got so mutch shit, it was unreal. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
KentABQ Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2016 Posts: 2406 Location: Albuquerque NM
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 6:33 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
Wasted youth wrote: |
You're kidding, right?! That dude with the fiberglass access door got so mutch shit, it was unreal. |
Oh, yeah... Definitely kidding. It couldn't be an authorized "HACKS" thread without at least one mention of the most memorable one! _________________ -Kent-
1976 Riviera, 1.8l FI chrome yellow VAN - "Chloe"
"I must say, how can you be in a bad mood driving this vehicle full of vibrant color.
Cars of today are so bland in comparison. It's like driving a celebration!" ---WildIdea
Bus ownership via emoticons:
---williamM |
|
Back to top |
|
|
richparker Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2011 Posts: 6937 Location: Durango, CO
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 9:50 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
Lots of current owner hacks on my bus:
'75 wiper arms on '68 shafts
Stereo
Parcel tray
12v/USB charger
2175cc
Hitch
'71 upper brake reservoir
Curtains
Rustoleum primer paint job
Basically the whole bus is painted in Rustoleum, even the engine
Late model engine lid with lock (fits like crap but seals and locks) _________________ __________
’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lil Lulu Samba Member
Joined: December 08, 2007 Posts: 1745 Location: Mouth of the Columbia
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 10:12 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
My best "hack" is 2 led strips on the top of the engine compartment and a toggle switch. Bright. Oh, and the lights are bright too. _________________ '65 Beetle "Lil' Lulu"- Ruby Red
1600 stock from '71 bus
'72 Deluxe - Niagara Blue w/pastelwiess Camper Special 2L dual 40 Webers 002
'74 Hightop Weekender "Dixie" 1800 34 Del singles |
|
Back to top |
|
|
airschooled Air-Schooled
Joined: April 04, 2012 Posts: 12688 Location: on a bike ride somewhere
|
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 10:38 pm Post subject: Re: HACKS |
|
|
vwwestyman wrote: |
The notch looks like maybe it could be used as a bottle opener. |
Pretty much any VW part can be used as a bottle opener. Don't believe me? Just join Brian and I at Pomona some time……
Robbie _________________ Learn how your vintage VW works. And why it doesn't!
One-on-one tech help for your Volkswagen:
www.airschooled.com |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|