Date: Mon, 2 Mar 2026 13:56:19 -0500
Reply-To: John Lauterbach <lauterba@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Lauterbach <lauterba@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject: Re: We're back Questions on fasteners and instrument
cluster
In-Reply-To: <273853765.2363584.1772288698173@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
Thank you, Dave. Most pressing problem is getting the GoWesty
license plate light assemblies, but together and mounted on the
van. Instrument cluster replacement and other under-dash wiring
is optional as the gauges from the Subaru conversion cover
everything but fuel, so I can remember to fill the tank every 200
miles.
John
-----Original Message-----
From: ddbjorkman@verizon.net <ddbjorkman@verizon.net>
To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>, John
Lauterbach <lauterba@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: Re: [VANAGON] We're back Questions on fasteners and
instrument cluster
Date: 02/28/2026 09:24:58 AM
Hi John.
I hope you get lots of answers. We need to wake up the list.
As far as your questions, the last one I know something about.
If you only have problems with the "foil" that connects
everything in the cluster, our vendors (Vanagain Bus Depot
GoWesty etc.) carry wire-based replacements of the foil. Not
hard to make all the connections, but a shop familiar with
Vanagons can easily change it out.
If replacing the instrument cluster, are you doing it with the
same year or a different year. If a different year/model you
will have to change the pins in the master connector. It takes
some doing but the correct configuration and directions are
available in the archives. That's what I did when I changed out
clusters to get a tach instead of a clock in a previous Westy.
Good Luck!
Dave B.
On Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:59:32 AM EST, John Lauterbach
<lauterba@bellsouth.net> wrote:
I keep my '91 Subie Vanagon in my girlfriend's garage 30+ miles
south of Orlando. Auto parts stores aren't prevalent in the
area. So perhaps someone can tell me what fasteners I need to:
1. Put back cover that goes over track for sliding door.
Cover is immediately below rear window on right-hand side.
2. Screws that hold together GoWesty license plate
assemblies and brackets. It looks like I need metric-size self-
tapping screws or bolts, but where to get same.
I need help with installing new instrument cluster, if available,
or rewiring instrument panel area as well as electric side
mirrors. I have no problems with paying for work. I am as
skilled as I used to be.
Thank you,
John
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Arnott <jr.arnott@GMAIL.COM>
Reply-To: Jim Arnott <jr.arnott@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: We're back
Date: 02/05/2026 10:31:53 AM
Dead power supply replaced. Physical move of the server.
Thanks Tom & Ken.
Jim
