Well, I pulled a stupid.  Packed up my '84 Westy after a car show.  I use
the front table as a work surface for rekeying locks and things of that
type.  Almost finished loading and noticed the pole for the table.  There
was a bit of room behind the drivers seat, so I stuck it in there.  When I
ctranked the engine, I heard a belt squeal, but that happens sometimes.
Then I noticed a smell, and thought about the belt overheating.  Then the
smoke came up.  Shut the van down and got the flashlight and fire
extinguisher.  Smoke coming from under drivers seat.  The pole had shorted
the fuses for the "kitchen" and burned the wiring to the relay and possibly
to the battery.  Disconnected the fuses, moved the pole and made the 200
mile drive back.  Guess I have electrical work to do tomorrow.
Steve Sandlin
www.steveslockshop.com
'84 Wolfwburg Westy
'79 Transporter
'00 New Beetle