Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 09:26:52 -0800
Reply-To: Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Jack for 90 Multivan w/fiberglass molding???
In-Reply-To: <9B12E495DAC840E7B8D892855963A5DA@DESKTOP>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
A few more thoughts about tire changing. Try it by yourself on a sunny day
in a suitable location (level, paved, close to coffee, etc). Do the full
monty, swap out the spare for the wheel in question and put the spare back
in the carrier.
Simple but not easy.
I have a large piece of pretty thick cardboard from an appliance box that I
keep under the rear cushion above the engine cover. Unfolded it is a clean
surface that will let you grovel in the gravel without taking souvenirs back
into the cab or sending the cleaners kids to disneyland. Folded grubby side
inside it stores well and can be recycled at your leisure or used until
misfortune overtakes you once again. Put that big black plastic trash sack
inside the folded bit. You'll likely put the really dirty wheel in there to
shuffle off to the llantera or vulcanizadora for more air and a repair.
Remember, it was only flat on the bottom. Have em change the valves and
caps on all the tires while youre at it. Get a valve core tool and keep it
in the glove box.
Putting the tire back in the carrier is a bit of a huff, so when you've let
the van back to the ground, tightened the wheel nuts, that scissors jack
will let you raise the carrier so you can latch it with the white plastic
safety latch while you worry the bolt into place and tighten it with the
lugwrench. The standard screwjack won't help you with this necessary but
clumsy requirement. You may want to secure a longer bolt so it's an easier
task.
When taking off the wheel in question, undo the lugnuts before you jack it
up. Chock at least one wheel before jacking and set the parking brake
firmly.
Other useful stuff is a box of those blue mechanics gloves, tuck some into a
baggie and store in the glovebox with the valve tool, keeps evilness from
ravaging your hands.
A couple of 'mechanics rags' stored in the old bath towel you wrap the jack
and the 1/2" breaker bar and impact socket in before stowing it in a
hallowed place of reverence. It did just save your day, remember?
For the fastidious, a set of coveralls, some plastic safety glasses, noilly
prat, boodles, a shaker, ice and a large olive and come to mind.
Now the standard doodah lug wrench leaves you woefully undergunned for the
wheel changing bit. You will need an impact socket and a 1/2" x 18" breaker
bar to do the deed on your nuts. Available at Sears or Harbor Freight or
FLAPs. If you've never had the wheel nuts off before, they could be cranky,
so while it's still sunny in santee, loosen and retighten your wheel nuts on
all four wheels using that new socket and bar. When the time comes you will
be able to get them off.
Pack your own chute. If it aint tested, its broke. Maintaining these
ancient road divas is not for the squeamish or faint of heart or finances.
Pensionerd. (syncro slave)
Now before you go, figure out how to get the hubcap off and on just for a
warmup.
On Sun, Jan 31, 2010 at 8:27 PM, Debra Clark <clark10006@cox.net> wrote:
> Oh, an one other thing. Any hints on where I can get a replacement jack
> for
> my 90 Multivan. It's got the fiberglass molding.
> Debra
> Santee, CA
>
>