Date:         Tue, 2 Sep 2003 07:15:22 -0700
Reply-To:     Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Subject:      Canoe rack for Westy?
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Just returned from a weekend trip with a borrowed 17' Coleman canoe on
the roof of our '88 Westy. Seems to fit fine, but I would not want to
continue this practice much longer on rough roads - the extra weight
increases the amount of rubbing the poptup does on the roof. (I already
have worn through the paint on part of the rear edge).

Any recommendations for a suitable rack that is supported by the rain
gutters, but still allows easy poptop operation? Preferably low profile (2" or
less above top) or quick release design to avoid overheight ferry fees
(which start at 84").

Also, I've seen someone on the list with a solution for fixing sagging rear
springs using plastic discs. Is this method possible on the front also? Any
other solutions for increasing ride height on 2wd Westies? We located a
new camping spot this weekend which requires crossing about 12" of
water, and following a rocky creek bed for about 1/4 mile. Although I could
avoid contact most of the way, entering and exiting the creek caused
spare tire carrier to hit, and possibly exhaust at rear. If I could add 1-2" I
think this would help. I have KYB shocks all around, but the front has
always seemed softer than the rear, and loaded with gear, we lose at least
3" of height.

ps: Need to pull the gas tank this week and clean out the crud, if anyone
has pointers to archives or web articles, please let me know. I've seen
them before but don't recall where/when...

Thanks!

pps: Thanks to the new owners of a Blue Westy enroute to Pachena Bay
on Friday, who stopped to check on us when we lost an alternator belt
near Nitinat Falls. I doubt they're on the list, but you never know... :-)

--
Shawn Wright
http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
'88 Westy 375k
'85 Jetta D 263k
'85 Jetta TD 482k (retired)
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