Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:34:29 -0600
Reply-To: JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Re-introduction & Dash Removal Question
In-Reply-To: <CA+r=Jhqh_mSmo3ozAOip6+L=r3_j7m76r3JWsND3Jk0T0=Ah2Q@mail.gmail.com>
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TJ Hannick showed me that nearly all the switches can be taken apart,
cleaned, and reassembled nearly good as new. I was surprised because my
switch experience was if it breaks, buy a new one.. He said not necessary.
John
On 2/25/2014 3:16 PM, Larry Alofs wrote:
> I have been on this list for at least 10 years and this is the first I have
> heard about relocating the power window switches. I am not sure why
> someone would want to do this unless it is to make use of some replacement
> switches that would not fit in the doors.
>
> When the original switches no longer make contact reliably, it is
> possible to pop them open and clean and polish the contacts. It is rather
> difficult, however, to keep the small parts in place while you pop them
> back together. If a switch doesn't feel like it is clicking properly, it
> just doesn't "push", it's because the little rocking contact in there has
> jumped out of place.
>
> Jettas of the same vintage with power windows have a nearly identical
> which can be used in a vanagon. The wires from your original switch will
> need to be soldered on tho, because the plug that the Jettas use projects
> too far into the door and gets hit by the window when it comes down. BTDT
> :-) Of course Jetta switches from a junkyard may also be worn out.
> Bring an ohmmeter.
>
> Recently when I needed a switch for an '87 Wolfsburg I am working on, I
> could not seem to repair any of the old ones I had. I thought that someone
> on the subaruvanagon list had once mentioned using Subaru switches so I got
> one out of the junk '91 Legacy that had donated the current engine for my
> '91 GL. After a lot of Bentley study and quality time with a continuity
> tester, I found that the Subie switch was the same electrically as the
> Vanagon one. After some soldering, Dremel carving, and J B welding it is
> now fastened to the bezel (eustachian?) in the passenger door and works
> fine. What fun.
>
> Larry A.
>
>
>
> On Tue, Feb 25, 2014 at 2:41 PM, Nathan Wood <dart330@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Thank you to everyone for all the helpful suggestions. This is really
>> turning into a big project. Added to my list below I now also have this to
>> do:
>>
>> Headlight Relays
>> Box flap seals and body gasket
>> Sound-deadening material
>> Fix any seam rust (not sure the best way to go about this, POR-15?)
>> Tighten 12v outlet (mine is loose)
>> Check wiper shafts
>> Washer jet tubes
>> Lube brake pedal & control cables
>> Check ground star block (if rusted, replacement available from?)
>> Relocate power window switches (GoWesty has a kit. Not sure if I want to
>> do this or not. Do most people ditch the factory switches? My drivers side
>> is inoperable but I haven't diagnosed it yet.)
>> Have wife ready to help lift dash off.
>>
>> I might have to wait a little while to get started so I can source all the
>> parts and make sure the weather will be warm enough and tornado free as I
>> imagine this will take me 2-3 weekends to complete.
>>
>> Nathan
>>
>> On 02/23/14, Nathan Wood<dart330@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>
>> Hello list,
>>
>> I have been away from the Vanagon community for some time. I joined back in
>> 2001 when I picked up an 85 Westy. Since then I also had an 87 Syncro and
>> an 82 Westy all of which I had to sell due to 2 job relocations.
>>
>> Things have settled down and I recently picked up a 90 Carat Automatic for
>> a project vehicle. I believe I am the 3rd owner. The last one purchased it
>> in 1998 and only drove it 7k miles in 14 years. It is pretty much bone
>> stock with 125k miles, even has the factory radio. My plan is to simply fix
>> all the little broken stuff and do as much preventative maintenance as
>> possible so we can take it camping and hit the VW shows. This is my first
>> automatic, so that in itself is a bit of a new adventure.
>>
>> So far I have done the tires (proper Hankooks), shocks (Bilstein HD), rear
>> hatch struts, and am fixing all the various lights that aren't working due
>> to burnt out bulbs or rusted out housings. I have it at the local shop
>> right now getting the ATF & diff fluids changed along with the Foreign Auto
>> Supply transmission cooler being installed.
>>
>> The next big thing for me to tackle is the dash removal as the front blower
>> fan is inoperable. This is a first for me, as I never had this problem on
>> my previous Vanagons. I have read through the step-by-step on Ben's website
>> and I don't think I will have too much trouble.
>>
>> My question is what is the exhaustive list of things that need to be
>> replaced while the dash is out? So far I have:
>>
>> Blower Fan
>> Heater Core
>> Heater Core Valve
>> Heater Box Clips
>> Ignition Switch
>> Brake Master Cylinder (no clutch MC since it is an auto)
>> Wiper Motor
>>
>> Is there anything else I should tackle if I plan to drive this for the next
>> 5-10 years? I don't want to have to do this more than once.
>>
>> Thanks for the help! It is great to be driving a Vanagon once again.
>>
>> Nathan,
>> Now in OKC.
>>
>
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