Date:         Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:06:57 -0700
Reply-To:     BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Newer Vanagon Technology in older Vanagons?
Comments: To: Kyle Davis <davis_family_46168@yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To:  <951186.88677.qm@web37315.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On 9/27/07, Kyle Davis <davis_family_46168@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
>     Was wondering how successful list members have
> been at bringing the newer Vanagon technology like
> power door locks, power windows, newer stereo system
> into the older vanagons.
>
>     I myself, am interested in the power window
> story, if anybody has one?


I just added factory power windows, power locks, and power mirrors to my 88
Doka. It's easier if you have the donor next to it. I took the whole
fuse/relay block from the donor and transfered everything over to my Doka's
relay panel. Pretty much to plug and play.

    As an aside, power door locks would be cool, too,
> for with the safety of the drivers side door lock
> refusing to lock while you are inside of the vehicle,
> it doesn't prepare you well against a potential
> carjack.


Huh?! Power doorlocks work with ignition on or off. You can lock it from
inside or outside (with a key) once the door is shut. If your power
doorlocks are not working from inside with the door shut, it's time to
replace your PL motor/actuator. They usually fail when water gets inside and
gums up the works or more commonly, when the wires at the door jamb break.

    Been thinking the ideal digital read out guages
> to put in my extra dash slots on my westy would be
> thermometers, one for inside temperature, and one for
> outside temperature--certainly I'm not the first to
> think of that, am I?  If so, I'll see what I can find.
> If not, feel free to share your experiences,
> especially via pmail if this is a FAQ.


Go to Ebay. There's all kinds of addon gauges for temp, etc, some even with
inclinometers for less than $20. Used ones from MitsuSushi Monteros and
Toy-Yodas worked fine too.

Oh yeah, all of the above can be found in archives.

That's it for now.  The Kia is getting repaired
> tomorrow.


Killed In Action, eh?

Anyway, you might want to consider aftermarket PW & PL as well. I've heard
of people using Electric Life brand with decent results. I think Ken at
www.VanAgain.com carries the brand. There's also an outfit called Autoloc
who sells retrofit kits. Just Google for names of dealers. Cheapest way to
go was (used) factory stock for me.


BenT