From michael.heron@utoronto.caFri May  5 09:40:51 1995
Date: Tue, 25 Apr 1995 16:27:30 -0400
From: michael heron <michael.heron@utoronto.ca>
To: gsker@lenti
Subject: westy insights (may only interest old westy nutz)

gerry,

i would make this info available to vanagon.lenti people, but not sure if
this info would be better posted to the archives? if ya think it is good
for general viewing (i.e. won't be too boring to non-westy splitty owners)
then could you please forward it to the list. otherwise i'll assume you've
posted it to the archives.

thxs.

michael

********************************************************************************

first off let me begin by saying that this note is posted primarliy for
*retentitive* restorer types who want to restore their westy back to *very
original* shape. for others whom the aesthetic/authenticity isn't that
important will probably find the below note rathter anal retentive.

Note: i have even gone as far as to check part numbers in my westy part
manuals to ensure that the aforementioned parts are interchangeable.

in restoring my 65' westy back to as original as possible, i have made a
few insights as to the interchangeability of pre and post 67' Westy's. As
the van changed from the split window to the bubble window the westy
interior changed just enuf (sic) to make it infuriatingly *not*
interchangeable. For example the coldbox from a bubble window camper is
approximately 2" taller than the coldbox for my 65' Westy, and therefore
not interchangeable without major surgery. D'oh! Thus anytime i find any
interchangeable parts i am just a little bit tickled.

here are my findings on interchangeability between my 65' Westy and bubble
window westy's ( up to 1973) FWIW,,,.........

1. the wood grain on the cabinets stayed the same from 65' (maybe back to
64?) up until 1971)

2. that now famous yellow vinyl that covered the camper seats remained the
same from 65 (maybe 64?) up until early 1973. obviously the shapes of the
seats etc. changed

3.the yellow and brown checkered curtains stayed the same from 65 (maybe
64?) up till 73'. the curtain material on the bubble windows was designed
to cover up longer side windows, so some cutting needs to be done to fit a
split, but finding this material in half decent shape is an accomplishment!

4.the small washer like thing that site recessed in the floor that the leg
of the dining table screws into the same remained the same from 65' to 72

5. the beige metal "securing snaps" that hold all of the cabinets remained
the same from 65' to 73

6.the engine access hinges remained the same fro 64' to 74' ( i know i am
repeating myself)

i'll post more as i discover things, if you would like VW part numbers for
the above mentioned items, please e-mail me privately and i'll check them
out.

michael