Date:         Sat, 17 May 2003 13:23:18 -0600
Reply-To:     Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: NewOwnerQuestions
Comments: To: BPAULTR3@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Welcome to Vanamania Bob.
The instrument cluster "hood" has a couple indentations on the forward
(windshield) side. Sitting in the driver's seat, pull toward you and mostly
lift up. It'll pop off. Lift plastic shield and you'll see the fluid
reservoir.
Bentley Manual is the most complete "technical" (made for mechanics) and the
Haynes (3452) is less techy and more user friendly for me in general. The
vendors below have them and also online book sources.

My front passenger seat both slides and swivels and between the two I can
get at the battery without removing the seat, but sliding the seat out is
not that difficult so is an easy way to work in that area.

Hope this helps some. I'm sure you'll be getting lots of good direction and
information here.

Bob Stevens
'87 Syncro Westy

A couple links to Dometic Fridge info:
http://www.vanagon.com/info/articles/#Refrigerator_Info
http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/fridge.htm

The abrupt nose dip sounds like poor shock performance. If they are the
black original Boge's you may want to change them. You'll find many
providers of them or Bilsteins at list vendors, Vanagain.com or Bus Depot or
Volks Café to name a few. I put Old Man Emu's on mine and really like them.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Paul" <BPAULTR3@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2003 10:33 AM
Subject: NewOwnerQuestions


> Hello All;  New to the list with an 84 watercooled.  Having the typical
> problems getting the fridge to light on propane.  Have read the advice on
the
> Vanagon list and tried the blowing in the drain hole bit last night, to no
> avail.  Intend to blast in it with the compressor later today.  I'm
thinking
> I might need to take the fridge out.  Have downloaded the repair manual
but
> would like some advice about removing the thing from the vehicle,
preferrably
> without breaking something :).  Anyone done this or have a tip or two?
>
> Also, the owner's manual says the brake master cylinder is under the gauge
> cluster on the dash but I can't get the plastic cover off to look in
there,
> any tips?
>
> Where's the best place to get a repair manual, are there more than one,
which
> is best.
>
> On hard braking the nose dips quite a bit. is this usual?  No loss of
control
> or anything but it is noticeable.
>
> I have to remove the front passenger's seat and slides completely to get
at
> the battery. Is this usual?
>
> Anyone have a list of spares for long distance travel, like V belt, fuel
> filter, fuel pump?
>
> Love the thing so far. Will be heading to Mexico soon if all goes well.
>
> Bob
> Corrales NM
>