Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 21:35:19 -0900
Reply-To: Mike Moery <mike.moery@ACSALASKA.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Moery <mike.moery@ACSALASKA.NET>
Subject: Re: 1981 Westy project fun
In-Reply-To: <A021872EC2BDD411AB3600902746A0550AAB6E8A@mainex4.asu.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Instead of paint, you might consider bonding automotive grade vinyl to
the side panels and cabinet shelves, in place of the original plastic
coating, and headliner material to the overhead areas. Contact adhesive
works great for this, and the results look much better than paint. As a
bonus, the headliner material has excellent acoustic qualities, helping
to quiet the van's interior. I found a great selection of this stuff at
a local upholstery shop.
-Mike Moery
Anchorage, AK
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'Ol Bessie '82TD Westy
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Sean Garrett
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 12:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 1981 Westy project fun
Hello everyone and thanks for all the endless help you have provided me
with
my van. Here is some notes and items for reading.
1. This is my 1st Vanagon (Westy) and I have pleasantly discovered how
much
fun it is to drive. I have had it on blocks for two years rebuilding the
engine. I love the cab forward design. However I do need to track down
all
the clunks and clangs I get when I go over a bump. I have just replaced
all
the shocks and what a difference. Next I will start removing the
cabinets
and putting down soundproofing and tighten everything up when I
reinstall
the cabinets.
2. I am now in the process of trying to fix the windshield wiper mist. I
get
the sound of the motor running but no squirt on the windshield. But, it
does
drip from the bumper on both ends... looks like I have got to replace
hoses
and maybe nozzles. Anyone know where to get the nozzles?
3. Another item is the propane system, my regulator is shot. I am gonna
stop
by Camping World tonight to see if they have a 299-00 (290 series)
Marshall
Brass 2 Stage to replace it and I might get the On/Off valve too...
might as
well. Anyone know how much I will have to bend my pipes to get it in? I
have
been told their not the same size... the new one is a little longer.
4. The interior is shot. I plan on carpet replacement (do myself) when I
have the cabinets out. At the same time pulling all side panels,
stripping
the peeling/cracked vinyl off and painting white. I don't know how to
bend
the carpet around the front wheel wells though. Can we buy these pieces
already bent, ready to install??? Problem is then that I have to buy the
entire carpet set so it would match. Anyone know ??? TMI or Sewfine ???
I might go this route if I can find a color I like. The seat upholstery
is
ripped/shredded. I have picked out a wonderful fabric for that and found
"hard" foam for them too. All at a great little place that I discovered
in
Tempe, AZ. They stock a full line of automotive/boat/seamstress products
at
reasonable prices.
5. Kayak racks... the primary reason for this van. Whitewater boating
fun. I
was talking to a friend last night who told me he totaled one of his
vehicles :-( But on a positive note he offered me his Yakima's for
free.
This means I save around $200... all I have to buy is the bottom part
and
rain gutter attachments.
Well that's all for now.
Sean Garrett
1981 Westy (his)
1995 Eurovan Camper (hers)
sean.garrett@asu.edu
