Date:         Fri, 7 Aug 2015 23:16:03 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Van magic, and keep anything that shows up in your van
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi folks,

        When I first got my van I cleaned it up.  In the process I tossed out a plastic strip that I thought looked like a extra strong tag holder from a new shirt or something.  I almost kept it but then tossed it out.  Turns out it was the left glove box strap that had found its way to the floor.  after that I made  a habit of keeping every odd thing I found in the van.  I designated a parts holder and just put things in there.  In almost all cases i eventually found out what the item was and was glad I kept it.  

a  good example of why I keep things happened a few weeks ago.  My girlfriend handed me a odd loop of wire with little bends at the ends.  I had know idea what it was.  She found it on the bed.  I put it away in the odd parts holder.
        Following West River Westies David Beierl helped me out with some odds and ends with my van.  At one point he asked for my hub cap puller.  I handed him a screw driver.  he explained that for my metal old style bus hub caps I should use a puller so I didn’t damage the paint on the wheels. 

 Well, you guessed it.  a few days later I was still thinking about that hub cap puller and thinking that in all my years growing up with beetles I never heard of such a thing.  and, sure enough when I pulled out the metal loop with the bends, it fit in the little holes in the hub cap and pulls them right off.  this bus magic is pretty fun.
        the strange thing is I’m pretty sure my van originally came with plastic wheel covers.  the second owner I purchased the van from used the older metal style caps.  so, Where in the heck did this puller come from, landing on my VW bed moments before someone would ask for it, describe it, and explain it’s purpose?

So, Anyone out there use metal hub caps for years and never know there is a special puller? Now I know what those two little holes are for,  I thought they were to let water out, in fact the puller bent tips fit right in there.

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto Westfalia 
with newly painted black steel wheels that will stay nice a little longer