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pnwkayaker Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 962 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:30 pm Post subject: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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The Samba has an incredible body of knowledge and some threads should become Wikipedia articles on their own due to their complexity/level of detail. However, that depth can scare new/prospective Vanagon owners who may be inclined to believe that in order to improve their camping/travel experience, they need to perform a Subaru swap, install big bumpers, 200Ah lithium battery and solar panels on their first month.
That is far from true - Vanagons are very well thought out vehicles, and they need very little to greatly improve.
I thought It would be a good idea to open a new topic to collect simple and useful mods : that is, mods that can be done on a couple hours or a Saturday afternoon, and that can greatly improve the livability of our vans. Bought or DIY mods, cheap or expensive, anything is valid, as long as they're simple to install and immediately useful.
Below I’ll present some “simple useful mods” (SUM) thatI’ve done to my van - some of these mods are probably known to many folks, and that’s OK, please feel fee to expand on this list, so that we can all benefit from it.
[EDIT] adding links to individual posts, this list can get fairly big as people add more and more mods.
- Tuffy lockbox
- Seat organizer
- Vanagonlife console
- Glovebox organizer
- Bench organizer
- 1lb Propane cannister storage
- Misc mods (glovebox, map pockets, magnetic knife storage, cupholder, securing Westy table)
- Misc mods (hooks in cabinet, mirror in cabinet, cargo net)
- Misc mods (aftermarket drawers, Bravo, Kettle, side and rear ladders)
- Yeti bottle opener
- Westy Table vertical slider modification (How-to)
- Misc mods ($2 coat haik, rar hatch lock, repurposed bin bottle holder, organizer)
- Map pocket mod
- Misc mods (wet okole covers, spice rack, toilet cabinet
- Poptop safety lock
- Ikea LED lights and lamps
- Rear hatch escape mechanism
- Low profile sink drain mod
- Misc mods (vent window, AC, roof rack)
- Misc mods (plug wiring diagram, locking hatch latch adapter, heater controls diagram
- Misc mods (spice rack, cutting board, poptop shelf, cabin divider curtain, mouse-proof fresh air intake)
- Inside lighting mod
- Misc mods (upper bunk step, PVC dog gate, FLAPS cupholders, removable inside bike mount, rearview mirror mod, rear bench, water tank cap, curtain caddy)
- Misc mods (custom shift knob, screwed cupholders, Vanstow holder, dashboard rug, others)
- Installing headrests in a Westy bench _________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link)
Last edited by pnwkayaker on Fri Nov 24, 2023 6:10 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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pnwkayaker Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 962 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:31 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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The very first mod I did was to install a Tuffy lockbox so I could store our iPads/cells/GPS/etc when we wanted to go for a walk. Installation was super easy, just drill 4 holes to the battery box (take the battery out first) and to the lockbox (use a common pattern so the holes are aligned). I used small head bolts and put a spacer so the battery wouldn’t back with the bolts. Since we’ve also installed the VanagonLife console, right now the lockbox is used to store our bear spray and horns, so they’re easily accessible.
Link: https://tuffyproducts.com/products/universal-compact-security-lock-box/?sku=029-01
In the picture below you can see that I did a simple useful mod on top of this mod - I installed some tie-down hooks to the lockbox using rivets which provide a great way to secure heavy/bulky items.
_________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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pnwkayaker Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 962 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:32 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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One of the very first mods I did was to install the seat organizers from my old Eurovan van - I’m cheating a little bit since I had to first install Eurovan seats on my Vanagon (and that took several days since I completely dismantled them to clean them up), but the actual organizer installation took just 10 mins.
Extremely useful, we store flashlights, cards, paper, hand sanitizer, small fire extinguisher, etc, Always available, and great place to store small items - every van owner should install some sort of seat organizer.
_________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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pnwkayaker Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 962 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:33 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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I mentioned the VanagonLife console, and that is a an extremely well thought out mod. Not cheap, but definitely not overpriced - it’s built like a tank, super easy to install (just unscrew the seat belts bolts and use them to screw the console in place) and provides an insane amount of secure storage.
Link: https://www.vanagonlife.com/vanagonshop?category=Vanagon+Center+Console
I did the same mode to the console as to the lockbox by installing more tie-down hooks and some carabiners.
_________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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pnwkayaker Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 962 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:34 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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We all know about the glovebox in the Vanagon and how spacious it is; so spacious, that I could never find anything in it (kept searching and searching, and several times we had to remove everything in it to find the pencil or tire gauge we needed.
GoWesty sells a glove box organizer, that at first I was very skeptical of, but it has proven extremely useful (as you can see from the pic below). The organizer consists of 4 interlocking ABS parts, that may seem flimsy until installed in the glove box. In my case, it thought I still wanted more rigidity from it, so I used J-B Weld to solidify the connections (another mod to a mod). I didn’t glue it to the glove box, it can be easily removed.
Link: https://gowesty.com/products/glove-box-organizer
_________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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pnwkayaker Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 962 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:35 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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I removed the rear heater of my van when I installed my aux battery (I’ve installed a Webasto under the fridge that can be used to preheat the van) but was left with the heater hole in the front face of the bench. I was planning to build a new front face, but found a pic somewhere of this organizer and decided to see if they would fit in the bench.
They fit great (grey is a nice match to the Westfalia interior), and provide lots of additional storage space (we store most of our biking gear in it, like air pumps, locks, gloves, etc) that can also be accessed in bed mode.
It can be installed with some hooks that are provided with it - I think the most difficult part was removing the metal u-channel at the top of the bench to install the organizer under it (to make the installation solid) and to drill/cut a very small hole to allow pass-through of the screw of bench release knob.
https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/collections/interior-accessories/products/camp-cover-seat-storage
_________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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pnwkayaker Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 962 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:36 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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My last SUM is a DIY mod. Even though we have a Westfalia kitchen, we usually cook outside using a Coleman stove (cannot remember last time I filled the van propane). In addition, we have a Coleman lantern that provides lots of light. Both of them use the green Coleman propane cylinders, and we usually carry 3 of them to make sure we had plenty of propane available. However, due to their cylindrical shape, they move around, bang with each other, and are very difficult to find a place where they will always stay put.
My van has a small area in the rear cabinet that seemed to be perfect sized for 3 bottles, so I cut a piece of plywood, made 3 fairly big round holes using a router (measure three times, cut once), glued some extra formica I had laying around, and put some legs to provide body support.
The end result has been perfect (cannot say it better) - the bottles are snug, the don’t bang each other nor move, my wife knows always where to find the bottles, and I get to show her that all those $$$ I spent in woodworking tools can be useful sometimes.
I just bought the King Flame refillable kit, so I’ll start to phase out the green Coleman bottles with refillable ones as they get empty.
_________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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jimf909 Samba Member

Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7989 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 11:35 am Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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Great thread. This SUM thread is a good companion to this thread which includes a lot of non-simple mods (engine conversions, new suspensions, etc.). A few that come to mind:
Glovebox: Since you mentioned the glovebox, this mod allows the glovebox to be removed w/out dumping the contents on the floor: increase the clearance of the 'keyhole' and it can be removed before it's tilted so far that the contents dump.
Map pockets: add one to the passenger door and relocate both back 9-12" to provide space for speakers in the door and provide more knee room:
Water pressure too high: The original Delta6 faucet and water pump combine for pressure that's too high which wastes water and creates annoying splashes. Simple mods to address:
- reverse the wires on the water pump ('85 and later) runs the pump in reverse and slows the flow.
- insert a resistor in the water pump circuit to slow the pump (easier when one could buy a handful of assorted resistors at Radio Shack for a couple of bucks and see which worked best)
- install a Sureflo faucet that allows pressure to be controlled.
Knife storage: add a magnetic strip inside the kitchen lid to store knives, etc. Bonus mod: small AAA light under the kitchen lid.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9050624#9050624
Cupholder:
Eliminate gaps in Westy moldings as seen in the cupholder above or when there are gaps between the ends of the molding.
Westy table mods: Securing the table with a rare earth magnet (among others in this thread):
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
Waiting for Sodo to mention the important transmission ground strap delete mod.  _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
Last edited by jimf909 on Mon Nov 20, 2023 9:21 am; edited 1 time in total |
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VicVan Samba Member

Joined: July 01, 2015 Posts: 1924 Location: Vancouver Island, BC
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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 3:23 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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Good tips Jim, this is exactly the stuff I'm expecting to see on a thread like this. _________________ '90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH) |
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Abscate  Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 23231 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 3:29 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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You need the brass sealing caps on those propane cans _________________ .ssS! |
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SCM Samba Member

Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 3280 Location: Bozeman MT
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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 5:39 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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The rear table elevator mod was super worthwhile. Other than that, replacing the cig lighter with a usb port. _________________ '91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
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dhaavers Samba Member

Joined: March 19, 2010 Posts: 8096 Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 7:30 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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Abscate wrote: |
You need the brass sealing caps on those propane cans |
x2...
FWIW: I pack (2) 1-pound propane tanks, capped as noted plus sealed in a standard 50-cal ammo box.
(Plus there's room for a coupl'a lighters plus a pair of heavy gloves, pot holders & what-have-you.)
On topic...a few of our family's most appreciated SUMs include:
1) Several "stick-up" hooks across front or side of rear cabinet...great for hats, washcloths, etc...
2) Small mirror on the rear of same cabinet...useful when standing outside with hatch open...
3) GoWesty-style cargo net hanging above rear bench...for anything you may need to find during the night...
4) Another vote for captain seat-back storage organizers...they're just great!
What else?
- Dave _________________ 86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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Andymon Samba Member

Joined: February 24, 2015 Posts: 350 Location: Medford, OR
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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 7:37 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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The drawers from customish.net are great. I put one under the sink and one in the fridge area after I got rid of the fridge. [img]
The Bravo was a great way to store tools.
The Ketzel bag behind the seat gives a ton of more storage.
The side ladder and rear ladders from
https://flagwerks.com/en-us
Van Cafe swing out tire carrier is great as well. Several others things also. _________________ "Blanch" '85 Westy
"Too many freaks and not enough circuses". |
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pnwkayaker Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 962 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 9:32 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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Abscate wrote: |
You need the brass sealing caps on those propane cans |
Thanks for the advice, I don't think I ever heard about them before, but makes sense. I'm all for safety, just ordered these caps to install
https://www.amazon.com/Hooshing-Propane-Cylinder-Protect-Outdoor/dp/B08GZ31YKX/?th=1 _________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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tjet Samba Member

Joined: June 10, 2014 Posts: 3693 Location: Az
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Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:13 am Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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Yeti bottle opener on HD bumper
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Bulli Klinik Samba Member

Joined: January 16, 2005 Posts: 2146 Location: Bulli Klinik, Colorado Springs
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Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2023 8:09 am Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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I have a feeling that this list will get long. Would be nice to have a list and and a link for each mod on page one. _________________ I've never met a Bus I didn't like.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs |
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shagginwagon83  Samba Member

Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 4193 Location: SWVA
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Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2023 9:00 am Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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Westy Table vertical slider modification (How-to)
_________________ Making the world a better place.
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram: @joannthevan |
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steve244 Samba Member

Joined: March 18, 2022 Posts: 1787 Location: GA
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pnwkayaker Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 962 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2023 11:02 am Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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Good suggestion, I edited the first post to have that list (hopefully, will have to update it many times)
Bulli Klinik wrote: |
I have a feeling that this list will get long. Would be nice to have a list and and a link for each mod on page one. |
_________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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Jake59 Samba Member

Joined: June 13, 2007 Posts: 236 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2023 12:18 pm Post subject: Re: A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) |
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I love this post! It is so true that these SUM's are what both improves our Vanagon experiences as well as personalize our vans.
The cheaper and more creative the better. I've done several of these mentioned along with others. Here are a few of my favorites simple & cheap
1) $2 coat hook
2)rear hatch lock hack and strut aid
3) Repurposed bike bottle to cup holder
4) And organizers drawer, bench seat, and tools
And after 25+ years of ownership, I still need to do your glove box hack, it never ends. _________________ 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. |
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