Date:         Sun, 15 May 2022 00:04:20 +0000
Reply-To:     Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Alternative...just thinking
In-Reply-To:  <1419903824.1768271.1652481206433@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

 No PopTops.  Not needed.  Only camp with 2.  Custom side window screens and a rooftop vent give me all the ventilation I need.  Yes, I can still pull on my jeans sitting down, no need to stand up.  Cooking outside on campground picnic table works just fine, and keeps the bears away (except for one time at Mammoth with trash bag on passenger side window.....you will never know how big a bear's face is until it's 14 inches away in the middle of the night with only a window pane separating!)

    On Friday, May 13, 2022, 03:18:07 PM PDT, Gil Ngai <eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 Richard, care to share pics of your other conversions? Do they have poptops?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••GIL NGAI • I TELL GOOD STORIES
filmmaker • DP • chief storyteller • instructor www.dayonemedia.ca 

On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 4:09 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

 Insane amount to convert into camper?  Oh, not at all.  If you've got an electric drill and an electric saw of some kind....and a staple gun and scissors...YES!!!  I have done this 3 times.  True that foam cushioning prices have climbed, so has plywood.  But still...with some imagination, and a modicum of expertise, the Westfalia interior can be easily surpassed in both price and function.  BTDT.

    On Friday, May 13, 2022, 02:27:09 PM PDT, Gil Ngai <eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 I have a similar Westy and I too frankly wonder why there isn't more
discussion about this.
Modern Toyota and Honda vans are incredible machines, so reliable and
cheaper for entry in the long run.
For sure an insane amount of work to convert, but we are all use to a lot
of work on our rigs.
So what's the reason not more people are dreaming like Richard??

Gil Ngai
'85 Westy 2.5EJ
Calgary, AB
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
*GIL NGAI* • *I TELL GOOD STORIES*
*filmmaker • DP • **chief storyteller • instructor*
* www.dayonemedia.ca <http://www.dayone-media.com/> *


On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 3:18 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:

> Add a rooftop tent and you're good TO GO ....! ! !  :-)
>
> On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 2:13 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
>
> >  It's Friday, so OK to post something like this.  I have owned VW vans
> > since 1974; current '85 is approaching 300,000 miles of fun.  Has a
> recent
> > Subie 2.2 motor conversion, a new rebuild of transmission, and soon will
> > have new front suspension and new brakes all around.  So obviously, I am
> > committed to this thing.
> >
> > Others have eyed my Vanagon with envy.  My tintop parks nicely in garage,
> > gets 22 MPG, I smile everytime I drive, especially when I see reflection
> in
> > glass store front windows.
> >
> > So....Toyota Sienna.  About a 2005-2008.  Fits in garage.  Has A/C that
> > works.  Drivetrain is exactly like my daily driver, a 2004 Toyota
> > Highlander.  V-6 motor.  Robust.  Parts and service are available
> > anywhere.  Price on San Diego Craigslist is typically around $6000 to
> > $9000.  Plentiful.
> >
> > My idea would be to strip back interior.  Build my own bed and camper
> > interior.  Screens on windows.  House Battery in that deep space in the
> > back of Sienna.  Butane stove.  Ice chest.  Custom curtains.  All the
> usual
> > junk too.  Totally doable.  Great campervan for 2 people.
> >
> > Please don't hate me.....just thinking.
> >
>