Date:         Wed, 20 Oct 1999 15:00:50 EDT
Reply-To:     FrankGRUN@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Grunthaner <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Comment on Dash Consoles was  Re: cupholders?
Comments: To: ThingGuy@aol.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Have to take exception here. Steve says he has dash consoles that fit '80
through '84 etc. He has two as I recall. One is the short two cup version
probably similar to that sold by dealers at the time. I have no direct
knowledge about this one, since I have one of the VW dealer originals. Steve
also sells a more extensive one which goes from the edge of the dash cluster
to edge of the dash at the passenger side door. This one I have purchased and
have some comments.

My Vanagon is an '82 Westfalia, purchased new, and delivered in Germany
during the days when the European Delivery Program still existed.

I can say categorically that this full size dash console is a poorly made
component which doesn't fit an '82. Steve gave me the option of returning it
if I didn't touch it (reasonable). Nonetheless, with about 6 hours of work
with a Dremel tool, contour gauges some esoteric adhesives, and other
plastics, I have fit the unit acceptably. It still doesn't have the quality
of fit I would like but it is acceptable. The two cup holders molded into the
console are sized to firmly grip a normal 12 oz. soda can or a small cup from
a junk food joint. Larger cups do not fit without an adapter which is rather
tall and requires a permanent mount for safety.

My advice: If you want something that will fit with a minimum of hassle,
don't buy it. If you are a masochist, like spending hours fitting a poorly
designed unit to your prized possession, then buy two. The first will let you
cut and fit, and then the second can be used for the nearly acceptable
version that you mount.

Sorry Steve, but it doesn't fit! Does look like a good template for
additional LCD displays on the front face.

FWIW,

Frank Grunthaner