Leveling Bed after 1.8T Conversion

[izzydog]

What have folks done to level their Westy beds after a 1.8T conversion?

Raising the engine deck lid to fit the 1.8T means that the Westy fold-up seat/bed is now nearly 2" lower than the engine deck lid.

The cheapest and simplest solution is to carry a 2" piece of foam that's the width of the bed and just flop that on there to make up height difference, but I'm wondering if there's a better way...

Is it possible to extend the bed hinge up 2 inches? I realize that there would be a gap above the seat cabinet if the hinge got extended, but it would be simple enough to fab a taller seat cabinet front panel and replace the stock one.

I'd rather not have to schlep a piece of extra foam around as well as having to sew a cover for it.

Ideas?

[danfromsyr]

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=670249&highlight=1.8t+foam
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[izzydog]

Shaving the rear cushion does seem like the simplest thing to do. I'd only do it if altering the cover could be reversed - in case I don't like the thinner cushion. I'm sure a sewing shop could manage that.

I looked on Rhino Designs site and didn't see anything about altering the bed hinge. I'll email them and see what they say.

[Michael4104]

Change the seat hinge to the bay window hinges. The seat will lay even with the back cushion. Here’s what mine look like. My motor surround may be taller than yours.

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1990 Wolfsburg Carat with new poptop.
1985 Westy now sporting a 1995 Jetta ABA 2.0L. Sold

[Vnyd Dog]

YEah lots a lot taller. It was my post that was linked. Rhino is great and will get back to you. They modify (raise I think) the box the bench sits on. I didn't get pricing. Yes some have had luck shaving the OE foam. I opted to order new, thinner foam and keep the OE cover and I'm quite happy with that solution. No need to over-complicate it or visit an upholstery shop. Sew-fine can also do a full custom solution for you as well. There are options.
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'87 Westy 1.8T Conversion, Orignal Owner, European Delivery @ Westfalia factory in Weidenbrueck.
The Story:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=713391&highlight=life

[izzydog]

1404 - can you elaborate on that?

What happens to the seat in its upright position when using the bay hinge? Is there a gap to the kick panel underneath it?

VnydDog - you say you got new, thinner foam (good idea) but didn't you alter the OE cover to fit or did you just leave it loose?

thanks

[Vnyd Dog]

Honestly with OE it's pretty tight, so by adding a thinner piece of foam, it's a little baggy but not that bad at all. Honestly no one would notice. I can snap a pic if you want. I happen to have my Westy at the office today.
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'87 Westy 1.8T Conversion, Orignal Owner, European Delivery @ Westfalia factory in Weidenbrueck.
The Story:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=713391&highlight=life

[izzydog]

Thanks, a pic would be great.

What type of foam did you use to replace it?

I replaced my upper bunk foam with memory foam and use it as a topper for the lower bed sometimes, but I think it would be too soft for the lower.

Foam comes in different grades and the OE engine cover foam seems pretty stiff, which would be fine for the thinner replacement but I don't know what grade it is.

Thanks again.

[Vnyd Dog]

Credit to BlueGrasser who provided this info to me which I then also ordered from foambymail.com

Here's the info from my invoice about two years ago. Hope it helps.

Cushion, Lux Foam - High Quality WITH DACRON WRAP
: 2" x 36" x 47"
1 $64.07 $64.07


Pic in a bit.
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'87 Westy 1.8T Conversion, Orignal Owner, European Delivery @ Westfalia factory in Weidenbrueck.
The Story:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=713391&highlight=life

[izzydog]

Thank you, sir!

[Vnyd Dog]

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'87 Westy 1.8T Conversion, Orignal Owner, European Delivery @ Westfalia factory in Weidenbrueck.
The Story:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=713391&highlight=life

[izzydog]

Looks great. Thanks for the foam info!

[almo]

German Motor werks will do a spacer.

http://germanmotorwerks.homestead.com/Vanagon.html



They will also fix up the cushion to fit around the spacer pretty tidy I say but no extra storage. Looks just like normal when cushion is in. I can't seem to locate a pic of the cushion but they do it.

Cheers

P.S I'm the guy that bought ur SVX engine way back. I'm in the middle of a 1.8t conversions..... lol so that's how that went.... the eg33 is supposed to be in some baja bug in NV
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San Francisco/Mayo Ireland

1986 2.1L Westy 2wd 4-spd Sold!!!!
1987 2.1L Westy syncro
2005 Subaru legacy 2.5Gt Wagon 5sp MT

[Michael4104]

[izzydog]

1404 - OK - so in its upright position, the seat does not have a gap and remains at the stock height. What about when the seat is opened flat? Is there a gap? Doesn't the edge of the seat have to rest on the seat kick panel top to support it?


Almo - great to hear from you, chap! Glad that SVX motor finally ended up in an actual vehicle, LOL.

My 1.8T conversion uses Stephan's platform and riser - not just a riser - which means I have to either raise the rear seat or lower the rear most cushion.