> About two months ago we bought our 89 syncro westy in Seattle and shipped
it
> to our home on the Big Island of Hawaii.  When it arrived and we checked
it
> out almost everything worked perfectly.  One exception... refrigerator
works
> great on propane, but not on 12 volt.  We subsequently learned there was
no
> spare battery in the bus (it's usually located under the driver's seat,
> correct?)

auxiliary batteries did not come stock on westies in the U.S.
You don't need one to make the fridge work on 12 volts.

and no connections for a battery, hence, no 12 volt backup system.
> Might be why refer doesn't work on 12 volt, eh?

It could be that the previous owner had installed an auxiliary battery but
removed it before selling and failed to re conncect the 12 volt part... or
it could just be a blown fuse in the small fuse holder on the post behind
the driver's seat.

> What do we need to get to install supplementary 12 volt, other than ,
> obviously, a battery.

This is a large subject. If you want to install an auxiliary bettery I
suggest you consult the archives for a full view of all the options... I
think it was last June that we covered the various options.

Also check www.vanagon.com for more information on auxiliary batteries and
how to hook them up.

Bill

And I think I saw Karl or someone talking recently
> about batteries.  Wasn't the recommended battery an Optima or something
like
> that?  What's the procedure for installation?  I'm no mechanic, but would
> like to tell the shop that's fixing it what opinions I've heard... they're
> great vw guys, I've been using them for years, but they don't know the
westy
> end of things.
>
> Also, wing windows do not sing at any speed, but do leak water when
sprayed
> hard (like in a carwash)... any suggestions?
>
> Mick Kalber
> Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
> 62 Halaulani Place    Hilo, Hawaii  96720
> ph. 808-935-5557    fax 808-935-0066
> hotlava@interpac.net
> www.volcanoscapes.com
>