Date:         Tue, 17 Jun 2014 16:11:10 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Sound improvement success
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi listers,

        the quieter my van is the happier I am.  I admit that I'm probably overly interested in this as sound is very important to me. 

        I made a simple improvement the other day that made a big difference.  I'll share this in  hopes that others share their ideas and successes.

When replacing the water pump I recognized the sound of the metal lid above the tank as the sound I hear when going down gravel roads.  I then noticed that the floor of the other storage area  also jumped up and down making a significant noise in the back.  I happened to have some small metal tabs that have a place for a small screw and then pivot to    hold something in place.  these could be used to hold a storm window in place.  Basically like a butterfly nut but only one side. 

        I took a light cube of foam and cut it to fit above the water tank so the metal pressed on it then held it in place with the tabs.  I then used tabs to hold the floor of the other compartment firmly down.  Now when traveling down bumpy roads there is much less sound from the back.

Another simple improvement was to place the utensils in the silverware drawer in a cloth bag. It made a big difference as well.
Sometimes very simple things can make a noticeable difference.

Now, if I could just fix the squeak made by the steering wheel turning against the plastic column I be really pleased. 

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto Westfalia