Official lazy person's stupid question thread

[Red Ryder]

[wasatch]

Hello all! First time caller, long time listener....

While looking at a few Syncros, I stumbled upon one that does not have any 'knobs', in fact- it doesnt have the typical syncro dash at all (with the blanks for the 3 knobs).

Is this an OEM option to not have any knobs or Syncro dash insert for a base model?

[joetiger]

[bajabones]

My syncro Doka came without diff locks
All the wires for front, rear & decoupler
Were there
I got a dash console
I have a 3 knob now
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1990 Syncro Doka
2.1 DJ
Triple Knob
Solid shaft

[Zephyr_shreds]

Changed motor mounts on 82 diesel vanagon. The top bolt on top of the mount that holds the arm broke off. Guess I need a new mount? No quick fix probly. Idk

[medicmaniac]

What is this to? Radio? Underneath rear bench seat of 89 vanagon

[Howesight]

[djkeev]

[medicmaniac]

[jimf909]

[69tr6r]

Ok, I found a couple things while doing some service work to my recently acquired 84 tin top.

First is this small canister located near the airbox, with what appears to be a small vacuum line, that is not connected to anything. My airbox is removed because I was replacing fuel lines and spark plugs. Ignore the electrical connector that is unplugged and right behind the hose in my (bad) photo. It makes it look like part of what I'm trying to show.

Second is an electrical connector found in the engine bay. My van has the Behr AC system, and it is missing the compressor. Could this be for the missing AC compressor?

Also, should there be a plug covering that hole, just ahead of the connector, in my engine case? I can see right to the flywheel in there.

Thanks!

[jimf909]

^^^Regarding the first, my wild guess is that it's from an oem cruise control. Regarding the second, that gets every single Vanagon owner at some point: it's a diagnostic plug that is unused during normal operation.
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- Jim

[69tr6r]

[bobbyblack]

The other hose, big clear one. That has all the answers on it's side. Likely some PO adapted another kind of evap, or such device, and the hose you are asking about went to that..

I once used something like that in my Beetle days, made a canister that sent evaporated water into the intake.

I might start experimenting on that again some day. It had some interesting effects on cylinder head temps.
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch

[llilibel03]

I haven't been on samba since before the pandemic started. Hope everyone is doing well.

Today I did some deferred maintenance on my Vanagon and noticed some rust spots peeking out from under the luggage rack.

I already sanded them. What would be the best touch up paint to use?

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87 syncro tintop
90 gl tin top
85 westy 2.0 tiico automatic (present)

[DuncanS]

They are not sanded unless they are shiny. If there is still some rust around the edges, first hit it with a rust converter paint.

[BCE56]

"What would be the best touch up paint to use?"

A technique I have employed for localized rust repairs:

At the first appearance of rust I apply Loktite Extend Rust Neutralizer. This turns the red rust black, and will buy some time.
Next, sand the affected area to bare metal. Feather around this a half-inch or so with 600 grit or finer wetordry paper.
Another application of rust converter will treat any remaining rust pits. (If necessary you can fine sand again.)

Apply Prep Sol or equivalent to remove contaminants from surface.

Mask to prevent over spray. I use painter's tape and clear plastic food wrap.
The trick here is to apply the tape OVER the feather-sanded transition, but not contacting that surface. This allows some light coverage at transition.
A couple of light coats of automotive primer can now be applied.

Wet sand the primer. Clean and dry thoroughly, degrease, and and reapply masking as above.

Now it's time for paint!*

A couple of light coats, followed by somewhat heavier coats.
Allow some time between coats to let the paint "tack-up."
You can remove the masking after an hour or two. Be careful not to disturb the new paint.

After the paint has thoroughly dried, you may wet sand w/ extra-fine wetordry- just enough to remove slight imperfections in the new paint, and smooth the transitions. (This is where you will appreciate the masking method detailed above. There will be no abrupt stop off.)
Light polishing compound will restore gloss after color sanding.
Depending on the condition of surrounding paint you might opt to polish the entire panel. If so, do it in stages--its a big job...

In a month or two you can apply wax/sealer of your choice.

Take your time- prep is about 90% of the job.

*If you have OG enamel paint or an enamel respray, you can use spray bomb touchup enamel, color matched to your paint code offered by a Samba Classifieds advertiser.
If your paint is clear-coat or poly, seek professional advice for appropriate topcoat products.
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=BCE56=

'86 Syncro tintop
EJ22, OBD II early SC adapter plate conversion

Side project: '69 Frankenbug "It's alive!"

[llilibel03]

Thanks BCE.

I bought the Loktite Rust Neutralizer. Sanded thoroughly. Put on a coat. Waited. Put on second coat. Waited. Painted it white. I didn't bother to sand or finish after the white since it's pretty much all under the luggage rack. The white was an arctic whereas my west is more ivory. There will be a tape line about 1/4-1/2" under the luggage rack seal. I think only the Vanagon obsessed will notice. Waited all after noon. Waxed it up. Will put rack on tomorrow. The tie downs were rusty so I shot them with the Rust Neutralizer and some black. Waxed up the whole rack and will reinstall tomorrow. That ought to work for now....
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87 syncro tintop
90 gl tin top
85 westy 2.0 tiico automatic (present)

[69tr6r]

I'm looking to add a tachometer to my 84 tintop, stock 1.9 engine.

I've read a few topics about tach's. I would love to have a stock tach, but not interested in buying a $500 part.

I've seen some really nice installs of factory looking aftermarket tach's. Again, way too much money for me.

What's the best way to put a cheap tach in my van? I don't mind a little digital unit that sits on top of the steering column, if it's cheap.

I would just like to know what my engine is doing back there, ya know?

Thanks!

[DuncanS]

I may have a red spare tach. PM me

Duncan