Date:         Wed, 3 Apr 2002 13:45:04 -1000
Reply-To:     Imua Camper Company <res0jfr1@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Imua Camper Company <res0jfr1@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: 85 Westy Utility Covers and spring
In-Reply-To:  <IBEMIMEBBBEOIIGIKKAHIEHAEGAA.vanagon@busdepot.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"

>  > Is there any interest in having these puppy`s
>>  churned out on a CNC?
>>  We could have them anodized in three or four colors to boot.
>>  Having them made out of high tensile strength aluminum
>>  might be the answer?
>>  Let me know if you have a committed serious interest,
>>  and If there is enough interest, I`ll see about a quote or two...
>
>
>When I asked the original manufacturer about this once, they replied that
>the spring/pin were installed in the manufacturing process before the unit
>was fully assembled, such that re-installing them onto an already-assembled
>unit would be difficult or impossible. I cannot confirm (and have not looked
>too carefully myself), just relaying what the manufacturer told me.
>
>If they could be proven wrong, I'd be interested myself.  I detest having to
>sell a whole new inlet to everyone whose cover or spring is broken!

        It can be done- it takes a delicate hand and gentle prying
and bending but the pins and springs can be wiggled out and back in.
The pin may have to be straightened out again after installation.

Another thing we have done:  look where the tiny holes are that the
hinge pins are mounted into and drill or punch an equally sized hole
directly opposite it, on the outside of the housing.  You can then
slide the pin out that retains the spring.  Leaves a hardly
noticeable hole that can be filled a dab of epoxy or other glue.

        I have never checked but replacement springs can probably be
had from a well outfitted hardware store, or online, and the pins are
just a piece of stiff wire.  Having the covers available at a
sensible price would be great- and very popular item for vanagoneers
around the world.

--
Volkswagen camper rentals in Hawai`i

  Imua Camper Company
http://www.imua-tour.com
45 Shipman Street, Hilo HI 96720
  Reservations:  admin@imua-tour.com  -or-  1(877)773-4682
Hilo office (phone/fax)  1(808)935-6241