In a message dated 5/17/03 12:43:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
BPAULTR3@AOL.COM writes:

> Also, the owner's manual says the brake master cylinder is under the gauge
> cluster on the dash but I can't get the plastic cover off to look in there,
> any tips?
>
> Where's the best place to get a repair manual, are there more than one,
> which
> is best.
>
> On hard braking the nose dips quite a bit. is this usual?  No loss of
> control
> or anything but it is noticeable.
>
> I have to remove the front passenger's seat and slides completely to get at
> the battery. Is this usual?
>
>

inst cluster cover removal - 2 finger indentations at forward edge by
windshield, place your elbows on the part of the cover closest to you, your
fingers in the indentations, and pull up.

busdepot.com and vanagain.com as well as others carry the Bentley factory
repair manual.

battery removal on westy-  press down swival detent lever under front of pass
seat, spin front pass seat so it faces rearwards, then slide seat toward
front of van.  you can acess battery now.

ps, the windshield washer resivoir fill is under your left front foot (under
carpet) when youre in the drivers seat. since that would probably be your
next question..

as far as the braking question - barring any low fluid or worn pads/rotors
problems, the vanagon's brakes generally suck even if they are working good.
 upgrade to 15" rims and get yourself the SA big brake kit  vanagain.com
sells.

chris