Date:         Sun, 12 Sep 1999 19:13:25 -0400
Reply-To:     santos <afn18258@AFN.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         santos <afn18258@AFN.ORG>
Subject:      3 seat bench renov. '85 westy
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

howdy all.

i'm at that point in life where i've got to make a fairly serious
decision concerning my van.  whether or not to alter the interior to
suit my current needs.  and i'm looking for a little input, positive or
otherwise.

what i'm a-gonna do....remove the fridge, sink and stove.  possibly the
side cabinets immediately connecting the aformentioned.  why?  so i can
make room in the center strip for a three seat bench.  i'll be keeping
the current rear seat, but it will probably not get any use as a seat
(it will likely be down all the time).  why am i removing these items?
frankly, i just don't use them anymore.  even when i camp, i always
carry tons of water in 1 ltr. jugs.  i don't eat meat so the fridge is
practically obsolete.  and as far as cooking on the range, when i'm
outdoors, i'd much prefer to use an open pit fire.  i'll eventually
remove the entire ac unit as well, but that's another day and another
story.

i'm figuring at worst, it'll make the vechile damn near impossible to
sell.  and a few hundred pounds lighter (and a degree safer).

questions?

is it possible to take a rear three seat and -safely- install it in
(over, around, through etc.) the middle track?  has anyone done this?  i
know it's been done with a two seater, but...  if i could rig a three
way weekender seat, that would be ideal.  one monster bed immediately
after the driving cab.

my only alternative would be keeping (and then selling) my westy intact
and getting a double cab.  but -that- doesn't seem very likely to be
happening in the next five years of my life.  so....

whadda ya think?

Rik