Date:         Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:33:12 -0700
Reply-To:     John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Feedback wanted - Dash Console For Vanagon from BusDepot
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2006071213432231@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

> Can anyone provide feedback on this?
> Overall quality (including the hinges)?
> How usable the cup holders are?
>
>
I have a unit like that. I got it from Eurocampers, but I'm certain they're
all coming out of the same factory. The plastic isn't terribly thick, but
it's pretty tough. The front face is backed by a wood strip which acts as a
stiffener and also gives the "map table" hinge screws  something solid to
hold on to. I'd have to say the overall quality is "average" to "slightly
better than average" for aftermarket parts of this kind. The thin plastic is
somewhat flexible, so it's not likely to crack; but this makes the flip-down
map table thingy less than sturdy.
 Since mounting accomodations are nearly nil, I built up a platform on the
dash made of plywod and screwed it down to that with drywall screws. I also
removed two of the six short wood screws on the table hinges and replaced
them with longer ones that go all the way through, into my plywood platform.
The flip out table is a little sturdier at the hinge, but still, it's made
of thin flexible plastic so it still can't really handle any weight. It's
truly only suitable for supporting a map.
 The cup holders only hold a drink of the standard 12oz can diameter, but
they hold pretty well. I had to "blank off" the left holder to make room for
two gauges I installed in the face. I had the fold-out type cup holders
already, so I don't use the remaining dash console holder for much more than
space change and loose screws. It 'd work well enough, I'm sure, but I do
most of my miles driving in hot, desert conditions and being up on the dash
it would tend to expose cold drinks to the sun.
 All in all, I think it's well worth it. The only complaint I've had is from
my wife, who doesn't like that she can't ride with her feet propped up on
the dash anymore-- but I didn't really approve of that anyway.

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"