Date: Tue, 3 Nov 1998 07:09:37 -0500
Reply-To: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon interior mods
Although I haven't done it to our Vanagon, the loaf we just got rid of had
a complete "Bulley-Engineered" lighting system, worthy of your
consideration. It took a few evenings to install everything, but made a
HUGE difference in the utility of the van at night; a real bright idea.
For each of the doors, except the back hatch (that would be another
project) I tapped into the existing pin-switched ground wire that goes to
the dome light. Using this switched ground, I installed a fuse and a small
30 amp relay, with positive from an un-switched source.
Finally, in each footwell, and under each wheel well I mounted one of those
cheap "Utility" 12v lights, (chrome backed 4" x 2" with reverse-light bulb
in it). These mount by drilling a hole in the body, although the underbody
lights were mounted on holes that VW apparently left for my convenience. I
also protected the underbody lights from stones, etc. with a small "cage"
of rabbit wire to cover.
I can't emphasize enough what an incredible difference this made, opening
the door while camping and being able to SEE the ground. Also, there is
something luxurious and homey about footwell lights; just looks great.
Whole project was less-than $50.00, not counting my extremely expensive
time. :)
Good luck,
G. Matthew Bulley
Principal
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
Communications for Organizational Development
www.bulley-hewlett.com
(888) 468-4880 toll free
-----Original Message-----
From: Todd Last [SMTP:rubatoguy@WORLDNET.ATT.NET]
Sent: Monday, November 02, 1998 11:04 PM
To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Vanagon interior mods
I recently added a dome light on the passenger side. It is really quite
simple.
The hardest thing being the removal of the ceiling panel. Here are the
steps:
1.) Buy a new dome light
2.) Remove ceiling panel
3.) Make a template of the driver's side opening
4.) Carefully measure so that you make a passenger side opening as an exact
mirror image of the driver's
5.) I added a cut metal plate like on the driver's side for strength (cut
from
flat stock) and
pop riveted to the panel
6.) Extend the wires from the driver's dome light to the passenger's side.
7.) Put everything back together.
I'm thinking about adding a third dome light that would be at the rear of
the
ceiling panel between the front seats as well.
It makes a real difference and is worth the time.
Randy Huyck wrote:
> A year or so ago I found a list of modifications someone had made to his
> Vanagon, such as driver's side assist handle, passenger side dome light,
> etc. on some web page. This wasn't a post to a list, rather it was a
page
> of its own on a Vanagon-related site. Wasn't able to bookmark it on my
old
> computer and have lost my hand-written catalog of "useful" sites. I
haven't
> been able to find this info at any of the VW/Vanagon related sites I've
> searched in the last few months. Anyone have any idea where this post
was?
>
> If I recall correctly, the author thoroughly detailed a number of simple
> convenience modifications and storage ideas. If you have any idea where
> this info can be found, please let me know. Yes, I've already checked
the
> archives...
>
> Randy, Carla & Anna Huyck
> '75 Westy
> '79 Mercedes 300D
> '85 Vanagon
> '90 Fox
