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
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