Date:         Thu, 12 Aug 2004 08:52:25 -0700
Reply-To:     Al Knoll <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al Knoll <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Montreal Junkyard
In-Reply-To:  <200408121340.i7CDevFD027553@mtac1.prodigy.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Some time ago I posted a note about a few tricks when removing and replacing
the armrests.  First DO NOT FULLY UNSCREW ADJUSTER KNOB.  Lightning will
strike you and you will die.  Or even worse have to disassemble the armrest
to put the adjuster mechanism back together.

Pony up a pittance for two 4 to 5 inch long 1/4 x20 bolts.  If you retract
the covering where the pivot shaft enters the armrest you will see a "mills"
pin or split tube type thingy snugly embedded in the pivot shaft.

Using one of the long bolts, place the end of the bolt on the pin and tap it
in.  With any luck and a moderate amount of tapping, the bolt will push the
pin out.  The bolt is slightly smaller than the pin and you can then just
wiggle the bolt off.  Now you have three pieces, pin, armrest and pivot.

Using the proper incantations and noticing how the OTHER one fits, re-attach
the pivot to the seat back using the original screws in the proper
orientation with respect to the location of the hole through the pivot
shaft.  Blue "loctite" "vibratite" or a small dollop of fingernail polish
will help to retain the screws for the rest of your van's natural life,
avoiding the embarrasment of "limp armrest".

Now, using one of the fine bolts, purchased especially for this event,
attach the armrest to the pivot by pushing one of the bolts from below the
armrest up towards the roof.  The other direction may seem easier now but
will confuddle the insertion of the mills pin.

The mills pin has a tapered end which you now will gleefully place in the
top end of the hole, withdrawing the bolt just enough to allow the pin to
enter.  Using the same rock you used to drive out the pin in the first place
and placing the head of the bolt on the end of the pin, gently tap the pin
into place by tapping the threaded end of the bolt whose head now rests on
the pin.

When the pin is flush with the top hole, you're done.  Pick the other bolt
up and pass them on to the next novice so he may be suitably enlightened on
the shining path to vanirvana.

pensioner (who recently used a hefty chunk of Canadian granite to start the
syncro)