Date:         Tue, 14 Oct 2003 07:31:03 -0700
Reply-To:     Jeffrey Earl <jefferrata@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey Earl <jefferrata@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Westy cabinet lid prop?
Comments: cc: azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

After one too many rapped knuckles while rummaging
around for my peanut butter and crackers, I decided a
solution was in order for this most persistant and
vexing of Westy adversities, perhaps second only to
leaky head gaskets.

I found something suitable at a local hardware store,
and at a nearby woodcrafting shop. About four bucks.
Called Support Hinges, they are commonly used to hold
open the lids of jewelry boxes, suitcases, toy chests,
etc.. In fact, you'll find an almost identical one
propping up the lid of your sink cabinet. I discreetly
installed one on the lid of the galley cabinet just
aft of the stove, to conveniently hold it open while I
forage for a snack.

I could only find them in brass-plated. I suppose if
you wanted it to match the sink-lid support hinge, you
could wire brush the brass off and then hit it with
chrome spray paint or clear polyurethane. Or better
yet, obtain an original Westfalia sink-lid support
hinge.
IMPORTANT: if purchasing a hardware-store hinge,
follow the directions on the package for aligning and
drilling -- the geometry of these hinges is crucial
for proper functioning.

I'm told the EuroVan Westies use a slick, pneumatic
version, so try the VW dealer but be prepared for much
head-scratching and probably a handsome price. But
maybe not. Otherwise try a good RV shop -- either
local or online -- to try and find one of a suitable
size.

Good luck, and in the meantime keep your fingers out
of the way!


"OK, I'll leave it at that since I've already gone on
for far too long about something I don't know a whole
lot about ..."

Jeffrey Earl
1983 diesel Westfalia "Vanasazi"





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