Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2020 13:06:56 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Big empty space just forward of Passenger Side brake light
In-Reply-To: <9E1A0537-EC1B-44FB-91BF-AB321C953270@shaw.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
I had my light out to change the bulbs to LED some time ago. I remember the cord being long enough to easily move the light out of the way and reach around in the empty space. That is when I started thinking this would be a good place to store things.
Would the magnets be strong enough to hold when hitting a bump?
Do the magnets fit on the light and attach to the body or to the other side of the body and a metal piece is on the light?
Looking forward to hearing your conclusions.
> On Feb 23, 2020, at 12:11 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:
>
> Eric,
>
> The other obvious hindrance to the storage is the wire harness to the tail light.
>
> I looked at my spare light assembly again this morning, in my jam jams, sipping coffee. Yeah, I’m living large.
>
> I have four rectangular rare earth magnets. They have countersunk holes in them. And they do fit on the holes that the stock screws go thru.
>
> This might be worth a quick try. I need to dig out some fasteners that will work, but imagine if you will, two of those magnets on two of the holes. Diagonal to each other. The other two screw holes filled with dummy screws to act as location pins into the van sheet metal.
>
> As is said, it’s worth a try.
>
> Alistair
>
>> On Feb 23, 2020, at 5:20 AM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>> OK DeanB,
>>
>> That’s the spirit. Don’t let Alistair have all the ideas!
>>
>> But I think the drawer idea is too much hardware and over thinking.
>>
>> We need a simple solution that gets the light out and I think preferably supported so you can leave it either swung out or down or up and then use your hands to reach in or move things around. Holding the light would be ok but not prefered.
>>
>> I’m thinking of ideas but hampered by not having my van hear and designing from memory.
>>
>> But many of you have your van’s right there.
>>
>> Any supporting ideas?
>> Or, has someone already done this and is keeping their secret storage area a secret?
>>
>> What in the heck could Alistair be planning?
>>
>> I found the secret storage area set up in my van but it was for a small item. Pretty clever though.
>>
>> Eric Caron
>> 85 GL Auto
>> Getting it’s 35 year big tune up.
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Feb 22, 2020, at 10:04 PM, OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>>>
>>> Not sure how to do a Latch & Release but I envision a Drawer that the TailLight would be the
>>>
>>> FacePanel of that would pull straight out the back ~
>>>
>>> ORR ~ DeanB
>>>
>>>> On 22 Feb , 2020, at 7:47 PM, Alistair Bell wrote:
>>>>
>>>> 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
>>>>>>>
>>>>>
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