Van list - 
 
I'm in the middle of remodeling an 80 westy, and I have a ton of
questions:
 
I just finished rebuilding the engine (I pulled it, cleaned & repainted
the
steel, and had it professionally put back together). The first road trip
isolated the alternator as a point of failure (on the freeway @ 2am).
Now I
know what the battery and egr lights mean.
 
I'm prepping for a long term road trip...I hope to surf Baja someday.
However,
I have a laundry list of repairs first. Any thoughts on this extensive
list
would be great.
 
Van TO-DO List:
1. Add Temp Gauge (I'd like to get sensors on each cylinder...overkill?
At the 
 very least, I'd like a temp gauge on the dash)
2. Add Tach Gauge (I notice there's been some discussion on this
lately...I'll 
 look thru the mail)
3. Clean mildew off inside pop-top...cleaner recommendations?
4. Clean outside mildew off outside of pop-top...The question is how to
finish 
 it so it looks like new? I just cleaned w/ tsp and Clorox. 100% 
 better...but not 'new' looking yet...should I use rubbing compound 
 and then wax?
5. Replace Headlights (brand recommendations?)
6. Extend gearshift lever higher...it's so low I have to bend down to
reach it. I used to 
 ride an old 77 Westy, and the PO had installed an anchor bolt to the
stick arm. 
 Does anyone make an extension?
7. Replace sink pump (any brand recommendations?)
9. Add an oil level and pressure meter...I'd like always know about this
 precious fluid...
10. Spare tire (---found this in Bentley---cool, need to see if I have
one :o))
11. Paint job (where can I get something cheap in the Seattle metro
area? Any
 places to avoid?)
12. Replace missing sliding door window (glass is gone...is this a
junkyard 
 item...or something that can be fixed?)
13. External oil cooler?...should I get one?
14. Gas grade?...my mechanic recommends premium for an air cooled. Is
this 
 necessary?
15. Recommended oil, after rebuild, then later...what grade should I run
for
 how long after a rebuild? My mechanic recommends either sae30 or 20-50.
16. Fix skylight...some DPO used sheet metal screws to put in a
non-stock
 skylight. It's in, but it leaks...the caulking or whatever they used 
 to seal it is cracking...what should I do? Just add more caulk, or pop
 for a new skylight?
17. Where are all the grease fittings? Didn't see a diagram in the
Bentley
 ...and the front end squeaks a bit.
18. Fuel system...when I fill the tank up, the filler tube leaks a bit.
Is this
 normal? Or do I need to start looking at the grommets and such? My plan
 is to drop the tank, fix the sending unit on the tank, and replace all
 the rubber/gaskets/fuel filter/fuel pump...anyone done this?
 
Thanks in advance for any answers to my newbie questions!
-Todd
'80 Westy

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