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Interior! / Re: Eurovan Heater Flap repair - quick and dirty method!

« on: December 06, 2016, 08:25:33 pm »

Awesome trick, I'll be doing the quick and dirty tonight if needed.  Just picked up a camera on a three foot bendy extender from Home Depot, just $99.  After taking a few quick looks around, I found out why the defrost stopped blowing air - my three year old daughter has been using the air vent slots in lieue of a piggy bank.  So far I've found enough change to get a coffee at Starbucks.  Im sure its jammed the directional flappers somewhere.  On a good note, there's still good foam on the blending flaps.


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17

Westfalia / Re: Westfalia Weekender aux battery, upgrades, solar, etc thread.

« on: July 20, 2016, 01:49:30 pm »

Im in the process of putting in an aux battery.  I've pretty much got it all wired up, but having some difficulty finding where to put the trigger wire for the isolator.  Can anyone shed some light?  I've tried a few circuits I figured wouldnt have power with key in off position, but each time I've found power there regardless  (probably goes through a relay after the fuse box).  Haven't been able to find much good info regarding the trigger wire either.   If you know, please share, I'd appreciate it along any other fools that keep working on these vans.   

Ill post my final project when its up and running. 

18

Exterior / Clunk, Clunk goes the Front Wheel

« on: July 15, 2016, 09:48:05 pm »

So I'm driving down the road, minding my own business, when a pothole jumps in the way of the passenger side wheels. Despite a sharp jolt against the bump stop, a surprised wife (I'd like to think because I never hit potholes, she'd argue that) and some hushed cursing from the driver, all seems well.  Well, until we make a slight left turn and the wheel squats out from under the van followed by a quick stop to the side of the road - thank goodness we were only going 20mph and a block from home. 

A quick look under the van and its obvious the lower ball joint is hanging on to the knuckle by one bolt instead of two.  Two months ago all the ball joints and bushings were replaced (bushing didn't need replacing but they came in a kit from SD) so I didn't want to believe I forgot to torque the bolts.  The walk of shame home and dragging the jack with tools back to the car was almost all my pride could take, after all I'm already the crazy bald dude in the neighborhood who works on his own cars. 

Needless to say, upon inspection the M12 bolt had sheared clean off with the triple-square head looking guilty as it lay next to the water filled pot hole.  Has that happened to anyone before?  I'm pretty surprised one hard bump would shear the bolt, but maybe it weak from previous use. One time use bolts? I didn't replace the bolts with the new lower ball joints but now I feel I should for prevention sake. 

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Although, more than anything, I had to get this off my chest in a public forum.    

19

Exterior / Re: Which awning to get for EVC?

« on: July 15, 2016, 09:13:01 pm »

Looking for roof rack options and seems like a goose chase already! :-(

Here's a link to some roof rack brackets - took me a while to find them in stock anywhere.

http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/ARBOS850

20

Exterior / Re: Which awning to get for EVC?

« on: July 15, 2016, 09:09:04 pm »

Glad someone else has the ARB - we love ours.  Very adjustable for different surface levels, easy to install and packs up nicely. We also purchased the tent that clips onto the rails in about 7 minutes, folds up small and has an access door to enter the van. All said and done for just under $400, tough to beat.  Second vote for the ARB.

On our EVW -- we have an ARB Touring awning (supplied by PO) and it works just great. Its armature seems a bit flimsy compared the Fiamma - but its easy and light to set up. I believe it is limited to three sizes. Not sure, but I believe we have a 2500mm model (~8') -- enough for us in a short wheel base (SWB) van.