New improved dash foil for '86 - '91 Vanagons

[DuncanS]

Which cluster versions does this accommodate? In looking at some of "the current solutions out there", I see that they have different versions. What is your strategy on that?

One thought. Since I inadvertently wound up with a design which made every one of the 14 pin connection available while connected, it turns out to be of advantage in diagnostic work with malfunctions.

I wonder if you might have a bare gold plated spot at the root of each connection for this purpose. That would be an advantage over the "current solution" offerings.

Duncan

[ALIKA T3]

[zoti]

Nice. Love it.

[skemems]

[/quote] I know, the other models are coming. It's to show you that it exists. Seems like a lot of work to put out a product that already has quite a few competitive options on the market. I wish it came out a few years ago, the quality sounds top notch.[/quote]

IDK. How many buy T3 parts in Europe, some might if a local/US version of something isn’t available. So although one exists I bet there is a market for this here.

Also agree with this..

[vanis13]

surprised how many different solutions there are for his...noticed this one when followed link for the power steering topic

https://www.slaughterhousecustoms.com/product-page...ement-unit
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83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace

www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make

[TrashPanda]

[TrashPanda]

[skills@eurocarsplus]

i used this one:

https://www.vanagon.org/products/instrument-cluster-foil-repair-kit

again, works just fine but my OCD can't handle the wires, or the suggested zip tie to hold the connector to the box.

what REALLY pissed me off about this unit is the illumination LED's were 'hard wired' or integral to the bases meaning you couldn't replace the bulb.

the supplied bulbs were horrid, a bit purple as i recall so i ended up rewiring it with bases that would accept a replaceable bulb/LED.

either way, the non replaceable bulb holders were a huge turn off and had i known i may have looked into other options.

since we're on the subject, how is the high beam bulb handled with this new foil?

the bulb is NLA and the fix for that was a blue LED which many bitched was too bright so the kit i have choked it down somewhat but i still ended up putting a bulb condom on it and it's just about perfect:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=756379&highlight=beam
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[bobbyblack]

This is super exciting!!! I'm a big fan of this kind of project in general, and will always try something like this over, for instance a GW offering. I presently have 4 '86+ Vanagons, 3 of which are roadable any time. And speaking of time, only a matter of which there is until any or all of them will need this kind of product.

Put me on the short list! I'd probably get a few depending on price, when that portion of the project arrives.

Thanks,

-bobby
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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

[MsTaboo]

Very nice!
Please continue with the project. At the right price it will sell.
My foil is still in good condition but I can see a day when it will start failing and I want one of these on my spare parts shelf.
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Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

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[4Gears4Tires]

I have been thinking about preemptively replacing my foil for awhile now, but I haven't been satisfied with any products out there. It currently works, so why take a step backwards?

But if there is a good, essentially new, replacement? That sounds like an easy decision.
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[Geato]

Sorry for the long delay. I must have been abducted by aliens.

Thanks for all the positive feedback guys. You are a great bunch!

To address @DuncanS This would be equivalent to the CMBDT nomenclature you see on some sites. With regard to test points, it would be simple to make a small break out board (BoB) that inserts between the fingers on the foil and the wiring harness connector. The BOB could have screw terminals to attach your wires or meter leads to. I wouldn't want to make it a permanent part of the foil as 95% of the users won't touch the electrical. Actually, it is possible to slide the female connector back a bit to expose more of the gold fingers. Might be a better solution in the end.

For the other questions centering around why do this. The best way I can answer is I wanted one for my van. Simple as that. Then a friend wanted one ... then an acquaintance wanted one ... and so on ... and so on

With regards to the high beam indicator, I have on order a selection of blue frosted LEDs of varying mcd ratings. This will be part of the testing.

Honestly, you would choke on your gob if you knew what this part costs. Yes, there are other parts to add and yes, there is assembly labor, shipping and it would be nice to have some profit too. I can say, it is a lot less expensive than whats already out there.

[khughes]

[coqcitywesty]

[DigiMatrix]

Nice work! Glad its finally coming to fruition. Also looking forward to your projects after this.

-Don
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'91 Syncro Westfalia
soon to be 2.5 liter stroker WBX 10:1 comp
Digifant ECU with knock sensor and custom
cylinder selective knock control by me

[skills@eurocarsplus]

[djkeev]

I'll buy one!
And I don't even need one yet!
I'll get one for my Niece's van too,
And she doesn't need one yet!

I understand the "why" of gold plating in electronic connections.

I do question the need for it in this application. Gold seems like over kill?

#1 it is a car....... an old car.
#2 these old cars are owned by cheapskates who often opt to buy a $79 crap axle shaft rather then the proper parts to fix their quality original axle assembly.
Then they replace it again and again and again.

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[Geato]

[jmillsj]

I love it. Too bad I own an ‘85.
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1985 Vanagon Westfalia EJ25
Vanagon owner since 1995

[Geato]