Date:         Wed, 7 Aug 2002 07:20:37 -0500
Reply-To:     Chris Smith <chris.smith@AQUILA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Smith <chris.smith@AQUILA.NET>
Subject:      Re: Solar panels and curtains
Comments: To: peter hargreave <phargreave@HOTMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

peter hargreave wrote:

>
> Wondering whether anybody has setup a solar panel on there westy
> instead of hooking up a second battery - If so where did you get it -
> how much was it - difficult to install?
>
I have 8 amps of solar power that I can take with me when needed.  This
does not replace the second batt since the sun shines durring the day
and I seem to need lights and tunes at night.  What the solar panel does
do is charge the second batt when the sun is out so I can drain it at
night.  The panels are all scrap from our local gas company and are
mounted on a sheet of 3/4" plywood.  The entire set-up will store in the
pop-top bed for travel and is set-out in the sun when camping.  I
installed a 30ft power cable to allow the panels to be put in the sun
and the bus to be parked in the shade.

> Also I am wanting to install a curtain behind the front two seat to
> use instead of the front window button-up. Does anyone know where I
> could find one or do I need to build it myself.
>
You'll need to make your own, but the ones I've seen were easy to make
and last well.  If you find a westy being scraped snag the curtain stuff
from the larger passanger side rear window.  It's just the right length
to run behind the drivers compartment.

> Thanks for the help,
>
> Peter Hargreave
>
> Long time admirer, first time owner - '85 Westy
>

Chris Smith
Proud owner of the T.U.R.D.

Employed Bum

>