Date:         Fri, 31 Jul 1998 09:57:51 -0400
Reply-To:     Mark Schrope <mschrope@VIMS.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Schrope <mschrope@VIMS.EDU>
Subject:      Re: need used part
Comments: To: BM2AM@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Bill-

I had the same problem with the threaded portion of the wiper assembly
breaking off, and I had no luck in my attempts to tap a new hole.  I found
a junkyard with the whole assembly for about 60 dollars.  Just for kicks I
called the dealer and they ended up having the cheaper option.  Imagine
that.  They sold just the portion of the assembly that includes the
threaded post for about $30.  The local VW shop told me you have to take
the front panel off the van and put it in from outside, and they would
charge 2 hours labor.  I'm sure that might be easier, but I did it from the
inside myself and it took about 3 hours.  This was on my 81, but I see
nothing on my 89 that would make the installation any different.

To remove the old portion of the assembly, which is kind of riveted on if I
remember, you have to grind the tops off the attachment points.  Ideally
you would weld the new piece in place or do something similarly
professional, but I just attached mine with bailing wire and never had any
trouble.  The assembly fits against the front panel so it doesn't have
anywhere to go.

It's been a couple of years since I did the job so my memories is a little
foggy.  Your main access to the assembly is through the glove box area
(removed) and the dash access panel over the instument cluster.  I did NOT
remove the dashboard, though that also would be easier if it's ever off
anyway.  I think the air-cooled Haynes may have even had some information
on dealing with the assembly.  I don't know about the new Haynes.  If you
have questions email me and I'll try to answer them

Mark
'89 Wolfsburg



______________________________________________________________________________

Mark Schrope
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
PO Box 1346
Route 1208, Greate Road
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
mschrope@vims.edu
(804)684-7220 [office]   (804)684-7675 or 7007    [labs]
(804)684-7250 [fax]
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