Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:19:47 -0700
Reply-To: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Rear closet permanent removal Was: Rear closet temporary
removal
In-Reply-To: <666096156.1139960.1634077498358@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Ah, Richard, I misunderstood your original comments. I thought you said
you had removed the closet, and had a regular, narrow bed with a space
where the closet would be. SOMEONE did say that, but I can't find the
original post. So, whoever said that, or anyone else with knowledge of
that setup, please comment in response to my above question if you can.
mcneely
On Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 3:25 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:
> Dave, I'm not exactly sure how to answer. Since my first tintop in 1974
> and now on my Vanagon, I have always had a full width bed. It of course is
> about the same size as a Queen, but effectively even bigger since you can't
> roll off the edge of the bed! On hot nights, no crowding each other.
> Anyway, I wouldn't have it any other way. Duffle bags in the daytime go to
> the front seats at night; simple as that. Fun fact: this trip marks 47
> years of VW Van trips all across the country....and there is always
> something new to see.
>
> On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 12:18:51 PM CDT, David McNeely <
> davmcneely40@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Hmmm.... . Never even thought about removing the closet, though I, like
> some others, have sometimes cursed it, and certainly would like a wider
> bed, especially as both Bonnie and I have aged and find the narrow bed more
> confining than in the past. Now that I have read these comments, and the
> instructions on how to remove the closet, I might consider that. After
> all, I can organize the things I put there perfectly well otherwise. Like
> some others, I have never, ever, hung any clothing items there. The main
> compartment serves for bedding mainly, and then for storage of items during
> camping. We use sleeping bags rather than home style bedding, for the
> convenience of storage and mainly for the warmth. They "store" almost
> anywhere stuffed into bags.
>
> The smaller, rearmost compartments I use for the same items as Eric does.
> Spare oil and filter also go there, and a few tools. I could put
> everything there in a small case.
>
> I have at times considered putting in the door on the side of the closet
> that someone from Canada once described on here, and actually bought the
> parts to do it, but have never gotten around to it.
>
> So, even though the bed would still not be any wider, does not having the
> closet there make it effectively roomier, Richard?
>
> mcneely
>
> On Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 6:59 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
> > I changed the subject so that I can keep them straight and for archives.
> >
> > Recently my closet has become much more useful. So I’m In the keep it
> > camp.
> >
> > The three rear compartments in the closet organize items really well. I
> > can easily find items from extension chords, rear screen, hatch opener
> > lock-on and on. I even found a low cost organizer for the back part
> > between the door that holds useful small items. Rather then crowded I
> have
> > spaced things out to help with finding things or room for special items
> > for different trips.
> >
> > The large portion is not used for hanging close but rather bedding,
> > pillows, and both bags of clothes. It is amazing how useful the cabinet
> > space is when I set it up for a trip. There can be very little in the
> > living space. Once I arrive I pop the top, put the bags on the Buese
> shelf
> > or up above, make the bed and the closet is empty and ready to gather
> loose
> > items like stuff sacks and such.
> >
> > So, I can see the usefulness of the removal but I love the
> > organization, look, and neatness of this closet option. But hang up
> > close? Not for me but I bet someone out there loves that option!
> >
> > Someone on this list once described the Vanagon as the Swiss Army knife
> of
> > vehicles. I think that is an accurate description. And the removal and
> > return of the rear cabinet, depending on current needs only adds to that!
> >
> > But, for me over time the cabinets have become more and more useful.
> >
> > Eric Caron
> > > On Oct 12, 2021, at 3:32 AM, Mark Belanger <mbelanger@GMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hook? My '91 has a bar going across...
> > >
> > >
> > > -MB
> > >
> > > On Mon, Oct 11, 2021 at 6:45 PM Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@icloud.com>
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > >> So I actually like and use the closet :) Freshly pressed shirts for
> job
> > >> interviews. T-shirts easier to hang than fold. I’ve been using one
> of
> > >> those shoe storage hanging thingys for the last little bit to store
> odds
> > >> and ends.
> > >>
> > >> If I could choose a wider bed I would, but since I’m stuck with the
> one
> > I
> > >> have … I guess the bed can best be described as ‘romantic?'
> > >>
> > >> But then the hook in the closet broke off. I’ve never heard of that
> > >> happening before. And it seems like I’ll have to pul the cabinet to
> be
> > >> able to access and repair. So this thread is timely!
> > >>
> > >> Thanks
> > >> Jeff
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>> On Oct 11, 2021, at 9:23 PM, Alfred Bagdan <abagdan@SHAW.CA> wrote:
> > >>>
> > >>> When I was remodeling my house, I removed all the innards so I could
> > use
> > >> the van for hauling construction materials. When I put it back
> > together, I
> > >> did not put the closet back in. I put a couple of screws in to the
> > ceiling
> > >> to hold up the top of the cabinet, since the closet was not there
> > anymore
> > >> to support it. To hang up clothes I put some hooks at the end of the
> > top
> > >> cabinet. These are some of the advantages of not having the closet:
> > >>> Better vision through the rear window
> > >>> Less weight to haul around
> > >>> More width to haul wide items, for example a queen size bed, sheets
> of
> > >> plywood, etc ...
> > >>> More room to move around when using the bed
> > >>> It feels airier inside ...
> > >>>
> > >>> Alfred, 85 Westy
> > >>>
> > >>> Sent from Mail for Windows
> > >>>
> > >>> From: Richard Koerner
> > >>> Sent: October 11, 2021 7:16 PM
> > >>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > >>> Subject: Re: Rear closet temporary removal
> > >>>
> > >>> Okay, okay....this is from a Tintop guy with a homemade camper
> > situation
> > >> inside. I never fully understood the rationale behind the "closet".
> > Seems
> > >> to me, that it takes up a LOT of bedspace, and after all, that's why
> we
> > >> live in a van, so we can sleep inside. Adds weight of course. What,
> > are
> > >> you going to travel cross-country with nicely hanged clothes?
> > >>> All right...I realize I am going to step on toes of many fellow
> Vanagon
> > >> owners with this comment.
> > >>> Currently in West Texas, from San Diego to Mississippi River and
> headed
> > >> back home. All clothes nice in duffle bags; ready for laundry day at
> > >> nearest spot I will admit.
> > >>> But, I still don't understand the utility of the "closet".
> > >>> Yikes! Flames a'comin'!!!
> > >>>
> > >>> On Monday, October 11, 2021, 08:04:41 PM CDT, Jim. Felder <
> > >> jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:
> > >>>
> > >>> I haven’t done this in a while but it doesnt take very long and isn’t
> > all
> > >>> that difficult especially with help. The closet is a tight fit and
> if I
> > >>> recall, you will have to slide it over toward the center of the car,
> > plus
> > >>> turn it around, so that it can be laid over and slipped out the back.
> > No
> > >>> need to remove the twin-too cabinet but if you take out the panel
> under
> > >> the
> > >>> seat you can do that too. If you want to get behind the wall behind
> the
> > >>> double top cabinet you will have to pull out the kitchen unit. This
> > will
> > >> be
> > >>> easy now but you will have to take all the LP gas plumbing out and
> take
> > >>> wiring loose. Just be very careful you don’t pull any wires loose and
> > >> mark
> > >>> where every single connector goes back to. And there are many by the
> > time
> > >>> you get down to the water tank. But it won’t take as long as it sound
> > >> like
> > >>> it will. Reassembly is a bit harder but not too bad.
> > >>>
> > >>> Jim
> > >>>
> > >>> On Mon, Oct 11, 2021 at 7:55 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
> > >> wrote:
> > >>>
> > >>>> Hi folks,
> > >>>>
> > >>>> I’ve never removed my rear closet. I’m planning to eventually take
> it
> > >> out
> > >>>> to hopefully access some of the area on the side of the van for
> sound
> > >> and
> > >>>> vibration material. I also want to get behind the siding for the
> wire
> > >> for
> > >>>> the rear upper GW brake light.
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Can I remove the bolts connecting the closet to the upper cabinet,
> > side
> > >>>> cabinet, upper shelf and the floor then pull out to access some of
> > that
> > >>>> area? Is there more to it and some problem areas?
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Will this allow me to access some of the side of the van?
> > >>>>
> > >>>> I don’t plan at this time to get into any other cabinet moving but
> > would
> > >>>> like to access as much as I can.
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Is there a safe way to remove the panel over the two flip top
> cabinets
> > >> to
> > >>>> access some of the side panel area?
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Tips appreciated.
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Eric
> > >>>
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > >
> ________________________________________________________________________
> > > Mark Belanger - mbelanger@gmail.com
> >
>
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