Date:         Fri, 3 Sep 1999 22:20:35 -0600
Reply-To:     "Jon B. Kanas" <kanas@QUALITY.QADAS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Jon B. Kanas" <kanas@QUALITY.QADAS.COM>
Subject:      Power Mirror Conversion
Comments: To: stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Stuart,

I just completed an identical conversion on my 1987 Syncro Westfalia this
spring.  Joel Walker sent me a wonderful procedure which, when used in
conjunction with the current track diagrams in the Bentley manual, made
the installation procedure reasonable.  The biggest problem I had was
getting the mirror wires threaded through the rubber 'conduit' between the
front pillar and door.  If his instructions are not available in the
archives, I can send you my file via private email.  Let me know if you
want them.

I posted to the list that I needed a complete set of mirrors,
wiring harness, and control switch.  I posted about once every two or
three weeks until I got a response from a listmember in Kansas City who
sold me the whole setup for around $200.

I took all of the items which I received, hooked up the appropriate leads
to a spare battery on my workbench, and tested everything before
installation.  I'm very glad I did, since I uncovered a nearly invisible
break in one of the leads to the passenger side mirror heater.  I am
certainly glad that I had the opportunity to fix that BEFORE the harness
was installed!!

In summary, the conversion is definately worth the effort.  If you do alot
of work on your Vanagon, you should be able to complete the entire job in
four or five hours (not including bench-testing the mirrors and switch).

Regards,
Jon Kanas
jon.b.kanas@lmco.com
303-977-6354