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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4919 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2023 3:57 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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this is a great thread
one question.....I noticed there are only 9 fastener points on the roof and 6 holes per solar panel, why the 3 holes with no fasteners?
_________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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R0Batt Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2021 Posts: 56 Location: Charlotte, NC
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Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:54 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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What does everyone think of the install method used in this link?
https://www.lensunsolar.com/blog/sharing-a-review-...ent-172742
The paint protection film is interesting. I have never heard of that before and am unsure about how it would make it easier if needed to be removed. _________________ 85 Westy
Charlotte, NC |
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buelteman Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Montara
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:30 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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Beautiful job - we'll done!! _________________ '91 Westfalia Camper - VW BNB
1.8 Turbo courtesy Stephan's
Custom Geared 5-speed tranny with
Peloquin Limited Slip Diff
H&R Progressive Rate Springs
300 Watt 13 speaker stereo
Audi Disc Brakes
LED driving and interior lights |
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shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3795 Location: VA/TN
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Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2021 6:56 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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The only bad part of these flexible panels is those junction boxes.
I broke one off and had to resolder it back on. No big deal but really a weak point.
Well done! But do be careful not to let any tree branches rub your top! _________________ Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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erste Samba Member
Joined: March 29, 2013 Posts: 1110 Location: San Francisco
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Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2021 6:39 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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Awesome work!
The wire guides on the top look factory and the hull liner really turned out nice. |
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puchfinnland Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2005 Posts: 279 Location: Deale Maryland
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Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2021 5:17 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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Here are the pictures of the completed install,
this is the placement
wiring complete.
I have installed using this same method successfully on a Eurovan, and currently 1 westy (2x 120w), 1 High-top (225w total in 3 panels) and a Eurovan High-top scheduled the winter 2021 _________________ ABYC marine master technician , EX European auto technician, new business- EASTCOASTWEST , custom work on campers, only systems, no mechanical |
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puchfinnland Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2005 Posts: 279 Location: Deale Maryland
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Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2020 7:08 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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Please remember to cut away under the paddles! you want positive latching with no friction! the top blowing open underway can be serious!
looks good! thank you! my newest thread will be posted shortly
"Piano Swivel Mod" _________________ ABYC marine master technician , EX European auto technician, new business- EASTCOASTWEST , custom work on campers, only systems, no mechanical |
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Franklinstower Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2006 Posts: 1895 Location: PNW
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Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2020 8:47 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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Thanks for this thread! I haven't done the solar yet, but I followed your headliner tip! It turned out great. Anyone else doing the polypro headliner, this a great tip for punching holes :
Heat something up to punch out holes, Don't use a drill! _________________ '89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug |
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puchfinnland Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2005 Posts: 279 Location: Deale Maryland
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2020 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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answering questions-
[quote="Alaskaberrys"]Great write up and pictures, thanks!
We’re doing a re-paint of our westy and I’d like to install low profile solar while I have the roof off - your technique looks great.
I didn’t understand just how you routed the wires as I’m not sure just where this picture is. Along the outside of the tent to the rear?
[quote="puchfinnland"]
the solar wires connected INSIDE to the brass screws, and then continued outside, in the rear, they jumped back in as I prefer to make a hole thru the plywood, rather then drill holes in the metal outside where a leak is more of a possibility. _________________ ABYC marine master technician , EX European auto technician, new business- EASTCOASTWEST , custom work on campers, only systems, no mechanical |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16501 Location: Brookeville, MD
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Alaskaberrys Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016 Posts: 1001 Location: SE Alaska
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 11:47 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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Great write up and pictures, thanks!
We’re doing a re-paint of our westy and I’d like to install low profile solar while I have the roof off - your technique looks great.
I didn’t understand just how you routed the wires as I’m not sure just where this picture is. Along the outside of the tent to the rear?
You’ll attach wires to the brass all thread on the inside and continue on to the controller? _________________ '91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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buelteman Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Montara
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2020 12:10 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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An exceptionally well done job! Thanks for sharing it with us. _________________ '91 Westfalia Camper - VW BNB
1.8 Turbo courtesy Stephan's
Custom Geared 5-speed tranny with
Peloquin Limited Slip Diff
H&R Progressive Rate Springs
300 Watt 13 speaker stereo
Audi Disc Brakes
LED driving and interior lights |
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SyncroBouree Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2017 Posts: 26 Location: Alongside Monterey Bay
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 12:07 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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I'll build upon the compliments of the other members above this post.
Thank you very much for the excellent presentation of some new approaches, materials selections, and procedures descriptions. A project of this ilk is certainly in our future and your sharing will improve our considerations and execution.
Cheers! _________________ --Liam
1990 Vanagon GL Syncro Westy VW1.8T Triple-Knobber
1975 911S Widened Turbo/RSR Hybrid
1979 Harley Lowrider -- Donated to a good home
1969 Ford Bronco Half-Cab 351W, Toploader, Dana 44 FE, Detroit Locker, Duffy’s Suspension – wish I still had it
1962 GMC 3/4T Fleetside, V6<-Chevy 409 w/factory headers, Camper/Tow Rig – ditto |
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dabaron Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2018 Posts: 2559 Location: Philly, mang
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 10:24 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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fantastic work and write up Mike. looking forward to seeing this in person. _________________ 1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic
"burnin oil and cookin coils" -- Destructo
BiWerks Design, LLC |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5076 Location: denver
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 10:00 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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Beautiful work. That hull liner looks familiar:
(although mine is a bit sloppy compared to yours!)
_________________ Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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WilsonsWesty Samba Member
Joined: February 06, 2006 Posts: 73 Location: Parkersburg, WV
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 7:04 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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xoo00oox wrote: |
Very nice work, thanks for sharing it. How did you remove the old flocking? Or did you just glue over it? |
Acetone (laid on heavy) and a paint scraper. We talked through his process over the weekend. I used the same removal technique on mine and it worked really well. _________________ ~WilsonsWesty~
1980 Westy Vanagon - Just getting started on the restore!
If you want to see what I am doing to it, I have a facebook page started for the restoration: https://www.facebook.com/wilsonswesty |
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eleven Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2019 Posts: 14 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 7:01 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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Amazing! Nice work. |
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elizer Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2016 Posts: 1461 Location: Northern Virginia
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 6:55 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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looks like he used acetone and a scraper.
Man, I have to agree that hull liner material is aesthetically pleasing. |
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xoo00oox Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2010 Posts: 2672 Location: East Nassau, NY
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 6:48 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon T3 Westfalia roof renovation w/ solar |
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Very nice work, thanks for sharing it. How did you remove the old flocking? Or did you just glue over it? |
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Italjohn Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2016 Posts: 193 Location: Molde, Norway
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