Date:         Wed, 09 Jul 1997 21:16:35 -0700
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Austin <austins@ix.netcom.com>
Subject:      Re: AdventureWagen

>To: condor2@flash.net
>From: Austin <austins@ix.netcom.com>
>Subject: Re: AdventureWagen
>
>>
>>At 07:11 AM 7/10/97 -0500, you wrote:
>>>Austin,
>>>Saw your thread on the Adventurewagen conversions. I looked at one here
>>>in the Houston area (just called rather), and researched the factory.
>>>All is as you say, but one question, is it possible to alter the upper
>>>bed to make it sleep say 2 adults? I am looking for a Westy, have wife
>>>and 2 kids (hoping for one more soon) and I like the raised roof, but
>>>need the sleeping space. What is your opinion on fabricating possibly a
>>>sliding-berth addition to the upper bunk, is this do-able?
>>>Thanks much. BTW This is an 87 Adventurewagen conversion which is very
>>>desirable as wifes everyday driver is 87GL 7Pax.
>>>Regards
>>>Mark B. Magee
>>>87GL 83K
>>>Kemah TX USA
>>>
>>Hi Mark! - actually the upper bed is already 'compressed' - the front end
is     ~ even with the rearmost seat-back; it has 3 different lengths to
which it may be extended, which of course shrinks the 6'2" headroom
available.  The longest upper bed available is (also) 6'2", but anyone that
tall better be able to emulate a pretzel to get up there.  Because the
lower bed is a variation of the 'weekender' style of bed, the so & I honied
that & stuffed the rr's up above - they loved it as they had the side
windows, rear window, their own reading light, & a nice elevated view
outside.  We dumped the mattress pads for the lower bed & got one of those
blow-up jobbies from Costco (+ a turbine inflator-do *NOT* try to blow one
of those suckers (?) with lung power; you're gonna feel *real* weird & the
kids won't respect you when it's half an inch high & you've given up.
Don't ask.)  In doing so we gained another covered 'trunk' behind the
seatback.  We also slide the middle seat out (& gain a couch in the
garage); I ordered it without camping ammenities so that I can use it as a
hauler (4'x9' with the hatch closed) - you could carry baby giraffes back
there!  I like this setup so much that I've had 2 of them (1st a '70 that I
bought used & drove up to Ft. Bragg for a weekend installation by Ed - he
even put us up in the motel by the river just out of town that can be seen
in the movie 'Overboard'.  This one -'87- I had him buy &  convert, all
done over the phone.)  Still wish I had the '70 though, after putting a
Corvair engine & transaxle in it, it was a very nice driver.  Cubic inches
definitely count.
>>
>>Austin