Date:         Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:28:12 -0800
Reply-To:     Rick Cooper <rick@WEBLEAF.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rick Cooper <rick@WEBLEAF.CA>
Subject:      Re: test to see if list is working
In-Reply-To:  <SJ2P222MB097242BBB778292099EBE2F4A01C2@SJ2P222MB0972.NAMP222.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

I received all four messages above from gerry; seems to be working fine, for me anyway.

I just completed two additions to my '87 Westy.  First, I removed the stock rear heater and installed in the same location a Chinese diesel heater with the tank at the other end of the under-seat compartment.  I constructed a 'box' out of 3/4" plywood to raise the heater about 7 inches so I could align it parallel to the vehicle and route the exhaust and intake air pipes through the sloped 'firewall' and into the engine bay.  A five-foot exhaust pipe follows the engine exhaust to the rear of the vehicle.  As for the hot air routing, I drilled two, vertically aligned, three inch holes in the plywood panel at the front of the under-seat compartment.  Hot air blows out the top hole and cold air flows in the bottom, the latter being drawn through my 'box' to the back of the heater.  That cold air flows around the exhaust pipe and helps remove and recycle the heat that it emits.

The second project involved installing a 100AH lithium phosphate battery in the cupboard rearward of the fridge and a charger under the driver's seat.  Fridge, water pump, heater, cigarette lighter, radio and interior lights are now supplied by the new house battery.

I'm looking forward to camping this year!

Rick

On Fri, Jan 10, 2025, at 9:20 AM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> I got the message. Let's see if it gets reposted. Going to try just posting to the list instead of "reply all". 
> Currently in Florida traveling back this weekend weather permitting. Slightly chilly here. House heat is on!
> A few more weeks of the large project at work. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Friday, January 10, 2025 11:08 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: test to see if list is working
> 
> Hey folks,
> 
>         I’ve been a lazy person with regard to van projects.  
> 
>         So, have not posted.  It has been cold here in VT and so I like being by the warm wood stove! 
> 
> But, I have heat in the garage and need to get moving. 
> 
> I am waiting on a wood worker friend to help me cut in a door on the side of the large side cabinet.  I have the door and just need him to make a little time.  I have  the cabinet out and ready.  While out I will set up the wiring for a light to go on the head banger cabinet so it can light up the engine area or be used by someone in bed.  Light also has a usb port so very handy. 
> 
>         This for my 85.  The 84 has both mods and they are worth the effort. 
> 
> My other plan, hopefully I won’t regret it, is to add a handle on the B pillar near the base of the seat belt.  I want it to steady myself and my wife when entering and leaving the van.  I think a handle there will make that safer.  I can have a controlled descent.  This is very helpful as when blind and stepping down I can use the handle to step gently in case of obstacle or uncertain ground.  And for entering van I think it will make it easier to step in rather then crawl in as I tend to do now!
> 
> Any tips on the handle mod appreciated!
> 
> I have extra brown handles, and the wedges that will tilt it out a little.  The same ones from the A pillar handle.
> I’m a bit uncertain how to install as they have plastic stems that stick out.  The ones I have seen from GW don’t have those stems.  So, I’m nervous about the correct drill sizes. 
> 
> Also on the list, replace rear spray nozzle as the gasket disappeared and it is loose.  I have new ones so need to see how tricky that is going to be. 
> 
> I enjoy the tasks, but man that warm stove and a nice place to play guitar while the cold wind blows makes it hard to head out to the garage!
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> > On Jan 9, 2025, at 11:08 AM, Mike Miller <mwmiller6@ATT.NET> wrote:
> > 
> > Hangovers?
> > 
> >    On Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 07:00:21 AM PST, Mark McCulley <mark@markmcculley.com> wrote:
> > 
> > There have been no posts since Dec 31, nothing in the archives...
> > 
> > -Mark
>