Date:         Wed, 12 Jul 2006 15:53:00 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Feedback wanted - Dash Console For Vanagon from BusDepot
Comments: To: Dana Showers <dshowers@CPDS.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2006071213432231@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=windows-1250; format=flowed

I have one of these in my '85 Westy and love it.

I notched both the front and rear of mine so that it fits the dash
without sticking out too far on the windshield side where it would allow
air from one of the defroster vents to go up under it.  I used a
"Profile gauge" to get the exact shape for transfer to the plastic
before making the cuts with my Dremel tool.

I used modeling clay to "Gauge" the distance from the dash pad to the
console where I wanted to put screws.  That way I could fabricate the
right thickness wood pieces, which I cemented to the dash with
construction cement, for anchoring it down.  The construction cement
holds well but can be removed from the vinyl (with some work, of course)
should I ever want to return to stock.

I trimmed out the front and bottom of the ashtray compartment so that I
could mount 3 gauges in the front of the console and still use the cup
holders.  I then modified a black ashtray so that it would fit as a
"Cover" where the ashtray normally goes.

In the upper right hand corner of the console, I drilled a counter sunk
hole, then marked and drilled (you need a right angle drill to do this)
a hole in the depression of the metal dash right where the forward part
of the stock dashpad sits.  Then I ran a 3 inch black screw through the
console and into that hole for a positive anchor to offset forces
applied when using the fold-out table.

Mike


Dana Showers wrote:
> Can anyone provide feedback on this?
>
> Overall quality (including the hinges)?
>
> How usable the cup holders are?
>
> thanks,
>
> Dana
> 85 Westy 1.9td
> 04 Beetle 1.9tdi
>
>
>
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