Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2020 18:47:56 -0800
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: Big empty space just forward of Passenger Side brake light
In-Reply-To: <637CC13F-FF88-49C9-A965-D88C927334D9@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Ok, ok Eric :-)
I have idea about it, it might not be the hinge you’re looking for.... but an idea. I’ll see if it works
Alistair
> On Feb 22, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Nope, I”m taking a stand on this one. I think this would be a great storage space.
>
> On my 85 the ECU and coil are on the left. They live there through all types of driving and weather conditions. And very little moisture actually gets there. On the right side the air intake fairly enters the area , I think it is fairly high up and the divider is pretty wimpy allowing air from all over to get to that intake.
> So putting a tool box bigger then a battery or at least as big would not block air flow.
>
> I went a bit crazy with fat mat sound dampening and put it inside the area under the back vents. I watched the lower area behind the lights and after several rainy days and trips noted no water gathering there. I put fat mat down there as well.
>
> I know I am crazy but I think being blind I love the solid thunk when I walk around my van and tap on the sides. I thought maybe it would keep engine vibration noice down and make a difference.
>
> I then checked the areas off and on to be sure water was not a problem there. I sometimes found partly eaten acorns but no moisture.
>
> I’m sure it will get some water but nothing a plastic tool box could not deal with. Or a ziplock bag as Richard suggested.
>
> The only downside is easy access.
> Of course, I’m not talking about the folks that off road through deep water. All bets are off there. But, I went through some nasty mud for a extended time and it took a long time to clean up the underneath of the van, but that area was clean and dry.
>
> So, hinged rear lights!
>
> And so easy to then access light bulbs, and trailer hitch wiring and of course the neatly stored items .
>
> And, yes camp out bragging rights.
>
> Heck It would be a great place to stash your keys and wallet and phone when off hiking. It would be much bigger then the under the front seat drawer and people have to cut that out and pay big bucks for that little bit of extra space.
>
> You could pay $300 for the GW new center console with combo lock, but who would look for your stuff behind that tail light?
>
> I’ve actually dreamed of this mod for a long time.
>
>
> Eric Caron
>
>> On Feb 22, 2020, at 8:40 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:
>>
>> Diesel battery wasn’t exactly there. Was more in the Engine compartment.
>>
>> Diesel snorkel elbow of course takes up the left hand space in front of the tail lights. Wbx elbow the right hand side space.
>>
>> I’m not sure the free space infront of the tail lights, which ever side, is that great a storage space. Will get wet, and you wouldn’t want to block that area off, it does provide a bit of ventilation .
>>
>> But i like the thinking of using space...
>>
>> Alistair
>>
>>>> On Feb 22, 2020, at 4:49 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>
>>> Cool....so far no one has said this is a bad idea. And per some posts, even VW used it for a heavy battery on some diesel motors and Dokas. So I think I'm good to go ahead with refining my idea of storage of emergency use stuff. I forgot to mention, my 85 is a Tintop with homemade camping interior, so I don't have all those cabinets and cubbies like the Westy crowd has. So I will still do some brainstorming and looking around and thinking, maybe build some cardboard/hotmelt glue prototypes, but that location definitely has merit for something useful. Also, it's encouraging from Eric Caron to note that the Passenger Side of the van would be more than willing to accept a little additional weight....most of the heavy stuff seems to be on Driver Side.
>>>
>>> Rich
>>> San Diego
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Friday, February 21, 2020, 4:28:36 PM PST, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>
>>> With Subie 2.2 conversion on my 85 Vanagon, the air intake to motor no longer protrudes through that black fiber panel on Passenger Side. I removed the little clips securing the black panel....and peered inside. What's inside? Nothing! What? Wasted space, a lot of it! I immediately had visions of fabricating a little plywood shelf, mounted into sheet metal beneath and supported by rubber feet (purpose is so that air can get underneath to prevent rust, and also to give me something to attach some rubber bungees). The idea would be to store in that unused space stuff that could be very useful on long roadtrips like I do, mostly for emergency situations. Perhaps...a quart of oil, a quart of 50/50 coolant, an oil filter w/ crush washer for drain plug for when I finally get to a place to change oil, funnel, oil filter wrench.....who knows what else. All of these would be protected in gallon plastic zip-bags, and then maybe go into some plywood box with appropriate drain holes.
>>>
>>>
>>> Just an idea at this point....but hoping others would point out the errors in my thought process. Obviously, this is not a good space for regularly used items, too hard to get to. But just fine when far from home in an emergency situation. Spare parts could go in there too (ignition switch, spare fuel pump and filter, some wire.....). It's a big volume of unused space.
>>>
>>> Rich
>>> San Diego
>>>
>
| 
