Date:         Wed, 12 Jul 2006 16:18:50 -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
In-Reply-To:  <44B5531C.5050104@verizon.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=windows-1250; format=flowed

Something I failed to mention is (for those with earlier Vanagons) ... I
also have an '84 Vanagon and I dry fitted the console to its dash just
to see what would have to be done to install it there.

The US spec '84 dash has a piece that runs across the front that
European dashes don't have.  For proper installation, I would have had
to trim the sides ... right at the front ... of the console so that it
would fit over this piece.

Mike


Mike Collum wrote:
> 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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>