Andrew:
Welcome and congratulations on your new baby! = Here's some comments, based on my experience so far:
> Polish the = roof (rubbing compound, and then wax ?)
What color is your roof? If it is white, then = rubbing compound is not the way to go, IMHO. Other colors are painted = on, and rubbing compound may work, but the white tops are finished with = some sort of gel coat. I have had good luck with lightly using a = 3M Scotch Brite pad (they make different colors with different = roughness), then following up with a good marine wax.
> 2nd battery = and charging system
Tons of material on this in the archives. Your = best bet may be to try and source the original German battery which = fits in the compartment. The name of the battery escapes me at = the moment (Sonneberg? Sonneshein?), but I am sure someone will chime = in. The advantage being that it is made to fit (or the other way = around) and it should be easier to come by for you than for us here in = the States.
> Install = CD-autochanger
if you are into MP3 files in addition to regular =
CD's, check out the Aiwa CDC-MP3 player.
http://www.aiwa.com/Catalog00/Products2.asp?id=94
> GPS
I have a Garmin GPS II+ that I am very happy with and = got for about $199 USD
> Modify = hookup to 240V ?
I'm no expert, but it stands to reason that your = biggest challenge will be to change the receptacle inside the van, and = change out the breaker to a 240v unit. I'll bet there's an = adapter you can use for the outside receptacle so that you can use a US = spec extension cord for hooking up (and the adapter would go between = that and the shore power)
> Its not a = Syncro
Think of all the money you will save! = :-)
> Wish it had = a grill under the hob
Huh????
> The wife = hates it with a passion :-(
Why on earth would your wife hate it (other than the = fact that you will be spending more time with the Westy than with her = for the next week or two...) <g>
BTW, my wife only hated our Westy when she was = pregnant - the seats don't recline far enough.
Cheers,
Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.C=
OM]On Behalf
> Of Andrew Marshallsay
> Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2000 1:54 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Westie bought in England
>
>
> At the weekend I became the proud owner of a =
`87 Vanagon Westfalia.
>
> Nothing unusual there, but I am based in the =
UK, the vehicle
> being exported
> from California a few years ago.
>
> The Van seems in good condition, but a full =
service on Friday
> will reveal if
> I've bought wisely.
>
> The Van is in very original condition, I cannot =
see any
> modifications that
> have been made over the years.
> There are lots of original Westfalia and =
California Emmision
> stickers all
> over the place.
>
> Once the service is complete, I've got a few =
things to keep me busy
> Polish the =
roof (rubbing compound, and then wax ?)
> 2nd battery =
and charging system
> Install =
CD-autochanger
> Charge the =
gas in the A/C
> Fire up the =
fridge (nervously)
> Rig up 12V =
TV & Video to the removable seat
> GPS
> =
Porta-potti
> Purchase =
and stash all necessary camping gear
>
> Some things on the wish list
> Modify =
hookup to 240V ?
> 15" =
Wheels and tyres - aftermarket possible ?
> =
Awning
>
> Regrets so far
> Its not a =
Syncro
> Wish it had =
a grill under the hob
> The wife =
hates it with a passion :-(
>
> Any other Westie owners based in the UK out =
there ?
>
> Andy Marshallsay
> '87 =
Westie
> =
Winchester
> =
England
> =
Andrew.Marshallsay@bigfoot.com
> =
______________________________________________________________
> __________
> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail =
at
> http://www.hotmail.com
>