Westfalia Luggage Rack - replace or modify?

[Rexy128]

I am looking to ditch or modify my westy luggage rack. Maybe prefer to modify as I want to maintain the roof lines in continuity with my poptop. Has anyone done this or seen anything noteworthy or worthwhile? Ideally, I will store a BBQ, camp chairs, etc, but might go a step further and mount a cargo box that can be lowered on hydraulic shocks for access from the front of the van. It's only a jumble of ideas now, but thinking to remove the factory fibreglass rack, hollow it out, mount some bars and hardware, and reinstall complete with floodlights on the side for looking for camping spots in the middle of the night.

Just wondering how many people have already tackled this kind of project

[PDXWesty]

There really isn't much space there to modify. Maybe 4"? You'd be better off getting a roof rack and cargo box on top or adding a rear carrier and cargo box. Mutilating the stock front luggage rack would be a mistake if you ask me and make the next owner regret the mod.

If you are going to do it, find a spare luggage rack to work with and keep the original so you can undo whatever you end up with.

https://www.google.com/search?q=vanagon+rear+cargo...client=img
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[PDXWesty]

Here's something I've never seen before:

https://shufti.blog/2016/08/24/vanagon-westy-luggage-rack-mod/

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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[Rexy128]

[Jake59]

I use to keep firewood up there but now it is my solar panel storage.

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Curent ride: 87 2WD Westy, 2012 Jetta Sportwagon 2.5S

Past Rides: 62 (23 window) Bus, 64 Ghai convertable, 68 single cab, 72 Super Bettle, 78 Bay window Bus, 84 GTI.

[Rexy128]

[Sodo]

[E1]

With a Westy, parking and facing West or North rules when hot out. West is by far the best if you can shade the driver’s side and use the front curtain.

Facing East or South are the worst, for the same reasons.

I could never live with intentionally modifying a rare part and removing it from the future partstream. But, I get the desire for mods though they might turn off that one perfect buyer.

In this case, you can do both by doing your mod while having it reversible. I do this on many things and why a simple cover on your existing rack might be The Bomb.

It’s easy to fill holes on fiberglass, I had to do 45 (!) when buying this van.
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1984 Westfailure/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
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