Hmmm,  I wonder if that's why there's supposed to be a cover on that fuse
box.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Sandlin" <ssandlin@lcc.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2000 8:01 PM
Subject: Be careful of making this mistake!

> 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
>