1

Exterior / Re: GW Fox Shocks.

« on: March 29, 2017, 03:26:19 pm »

I've had the GW Fox shocks on my weekender for about a year. Well, the fronts have been on the whole time. I went back to Bilstein on the rear within a month. I don't think the Fox shocks have near enough rebound damping. I'm going pull the fronts back off (re-installing Bilsteins) and send both front and rear sets back to Fox to get them revalved. They are a smooth ride, but not nearly enough rebound control. I have the front torsion bars adjusted to level the van with .75" spacers on the rear springs. From what I've read, my case is the outlier, most people seem really happy with Fox shocks.

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Exterior / Re: Black Vinyl Material Between Outside Windows

« on: March 23, 2017, 02:09:47 pm »

Thanks. I'll be having a go at it when the rains finally let up in a few weeks.

3

Exterior / Re: Black Vinyl Material Between Outside Windows

« on: March 22, 2017, 11:44:46 am »

I'm planning to remove the faded vinyl from between the windows on my '02 weekender. What's the best technique to get them off without damaging the paint? I was thinking warming up with a heat gun on low, then peel by hand, follow up with "goof-off" to remove the remaining glue. Then clean with clay bar and apply Klasse sealant. Any better - or easier - process?

4

VR6 Engine tech / Motor mounts - supplier choices

« on: August 26, 2016, 08:22:10 pm »

Does anyone have first hand experience with the various aftermarket versions of the engine & transmission mounts?

For example, ECS have four different versions of 7D0199132D ranging in price from 54 to 125 USD. The top price is VW OE. Are the lower priced versions just shorter lived? Or are there safety/functional/fitment concerns with the parts from Febi, Meyle, etc?

Link: https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/7D0199132D/

(tried posting this question on the Samba and had no responses)

Thanks!

5

Exterior / Re: GW Fox Shocks.

« on: February 23, 2016, 08:38:20 am »

Few answers to above:

The remotes are like the third picture. The first two pictures are T3/Vanagon specific. The remote reservoir for T4/Eurovan applications have no space to be mounted on the shock body.

They are performance series.

6

Exterior / Re: GW Fox Shocks.

« on: February 20, 2016, 07:54:55 pm »

Thanks.  I ordered a set yesterday.  Now I need to figure out spacers and tires.  It turns out I'm going to be doing this myself.  I called a local shop about installing things.  They quoted me 12 hours labor for installation of tires, shocks, spacers and a 4 wheel alignment.  They also want to charge me extra since I already have the parts.  All up it was $1800 which seems crazy.  So I'll be buying a good jack, some stands and a few other tools.  With me luck.

Best of luck! The shocks are pretty easy to install compared to changing struts on some cars.

When I put the Bilsteins on, I did need to use an electric impact wrench to get some of the bolts loose. I got one from Harbor Freight. Not the most awesome tool ever and it's kinda heavy, but for the job it was perfect and low cost. http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-heavy-duty-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html They had a nice set of impact sockets as well - you shouldn't use standard sockets with an impact wrench.

Where are you located? There might be another Eurovan person nearby who could help out if you've never done work like this before. (guessing that since you need to buy a jack, etc.)

7

Exterior / Re: GW Fox Shocks.

« on: February 19, 2016, 07:26:00 pm »

Did you mean the ball joint replacement? There are a bunch of great DIY write ups on the UK T4 forum.
Start here:
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=196418 - upper ball joint - Sealey tool guide, I have a similar tool in transit
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=73156 - upper ball joint - less tools, more brute force approach
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=211197 - lower ball joint - companion DIY to above

I will snap a few pics of the GW Fox shocks install as the remote resi in the front might be a small puzzle. Planning to mount the remote bracket using some rivnuts, but that may change once I have it all apart.

8

Exterior / Re: GW Fox Shocks.

« on: February 18, 2016, 05:09:55 pm »

All the spacers just went out today. I had a machine break on me so things were delayed a few days while I waited for a part to arrive.

No worries, I won't have the upper ball joint tool for a week anyway.

9

Exterior / Re: GW Fox Shocks.

« on: February 18, 2016, 10:13:31 am »

I have a set which will be installed in the next few weeks.     Will report then on how they perform. Currently have Bilstein HD on my van. The remote reservoir is mostly to allow a larger oil volume and get the IFP away from the working piston inside the shock. It adds some cooling, but nothing like the giant off road shocks Fox makes. http://www.ridefox.com/upgrades.php?m=offroad&t=shocks&ref=topnav

Waiting for rear spring spacers (hi Cole) and upper ball joint tools to arrive before I put them on.

10

CaveVan Stuff / Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.

« on: February 05, 2016, 08:13:23 am »

Few more questions, if you don't mind:
For the later VR6 models, are the side windows half moon (like stock) or triangular?
What's the lead-time after ordering? (should I order soon so it arrives by spring  )
Are there parts which should be replaced when the top is out? Seals, hardware, etc.
Thanks!

11

CaveVan Stuff / Re: Heated Seat kits now on the store!!

« on: February 02, 2016, 09:24:35 pm »

Is the kit price for one seat or two?

12

CaveVan Stuff / Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.

« on: February 02, 2016, 11:48:22 am »

Thanks. Is the top on the green van (second to last picture) tan? That looks pretty good.

13

CaveVan Stuff / Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.

« on: February 02, 2016, 11:37:17 am »

Good news, Cole.

Do you have color swatches / images for us to see that various options?

What are the main differences between the cotton and acrylic fabrics?

David

14

Interior! / Re: Show us your stereo!

« on: July 21, 2015, 09:10:34 am »

Here's my dash in road mode. The radio is a VW RMT200 which I like for the simple OE look, an actual volume knob, the lighting matches the dash, streaming Bluetooth audio, no adapter harness required (literally plug and play), and decent sound quality.

15

Westfalia / Re: Replacement Tent Options

« on: July 21, 2015, 08:58:19 am »

Thanks guys! It does look like the 3 window adds a lot extra light and ventilation.

Cole - are those all from the same supplier?