Date:         Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:07:07 -0400
Reply-To:     Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: luggage rack cleats

That's me Robert. I made up a prototype that has all the good features that
we want, but I cannot find anyone to make it. They all want at least $10 per
unit to manufacture it. An then I have to get 1000 made up. Toooooooooooo
much! I was considering making them myself in bronze, but I just don't have
the time.

Go westy has the only tie down available besides the OEM tie down(galvanized
steel). It is the space between the two holes that limits the selection to
just two choices. Go to google and google images and put in "footman loop".
You will see this.

 The GW tie downs are made from stamped wire. They are thick so when stamped
the feet will spread out enough(not enough). The supplied screws and washers
are not adequate. The washers are so small, they will almost pull through
the fiberglass. BUT, that's all there is...

 I bought a OEM replacement for a model and it cost me $8.40 without bolts
or pop rivets. However an after market one that I saw th at is identical to
OEM is available for about $3.50 without bolts. Don't know where to find it
 though.

 I suggest cleaning up your old ones and using POR15 on them. They will look
good. www.por15.com    They have a starter kit for about $20. I believe that
metric M5 oval head bolts will fit the OEM tie downs ok. The original rivets
can be used without removing the luggage rack, but late westys had a washer
added to the reverse side of the rivet to spread out the attaching force.