Date:         Sat, 27 Jan 2001 00:54:40 -0600
Reply-To:     TSmola@TRIBUNE.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Anthony Smola <TSmola@TRIBUNE.COM>
Subject:      secret stash uncovered
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I'm sure that you other Vanagon owners know of the secret stash areas of
your van.

You think about these sort of things when you're trying to keep from getting
into trouble.

Anyway, If you don't already know this one it's the secret ledge near the
spare battery box under

the drivers seat.  It's the hidden space about 4 inches high and approx 12
inches wide

and 14 inches deep. Located right below the rotating disc of the captains
seat and

just in front of the spare battery box. This is where I decided to place a
CD changer.

This  placement gives you ready access  by just reaching down between your
legs to access the unit

1) peel back carpet in front of the drivers seat and remove the wires from
the front of the box ( connects to relay under seat)
2) lay out the dimensions for the CD changer ( 6 disc only) the 10 disc is
too tall.
3) measure from the top of the box lip downward approx 2 3/4 inch (caution
cut too low and you will cut into the shelf itself)
4) You will have to change the placement of the release rod for the captains
chairs, because the rod gets in the way of the placement of the changer
5) You can either remove the rod all together and bolt the captains seat in
the forward position or bend the release rod so that it drops into the slot
from above.
6) When you remove the sheet metal cutout it will include the hole the wires
for the aux battery relay. You will also have to reroute the hole through
the sheet metal in the front for the DIN cable and aux battery wiring.
7) Route DIN wiring along the path of the aux battery  (this is near the
center under the sound deadening foam.  Be sure to tape down)
8) use 3m adhasive and replace carpet
9) cut carpet down the middle of the newly created opening and fold carpet
through opening (this makes a nice safe lip)
10) install cd player so that a little sticks out the front for easy access
11) tape rear of changer to the shelf on the rear to prevent movement

I've done this to my 85 Westy and you can't even see it from the outside.
And best of all you have access to the magazine while driving  (mine is
Kenwood)

Malibu Tony