In a message dated 2/26/2004 8:39:27 PM Pacific Standard Time, vw4x4@FYI.NET
writes:

> I'll be had on this one. On my 1986 and newer Vanagons the
> front seat belt spools are covered by this big strainge plastic thing.
> My older 1980 Vanagon did not have this.

I would refer to this as "trim". There's probably lots more you could do away
with ;)

I suppose I'm a bit of a sissy, but I actually added one of these plastic
covers to my 83 Westy from a later model bus. In my opinion it really dresses up
the interior. Makes the bus a real lady killer. In fact I cut the second cover
down (the driver's seat belt spool is already covered by the kitchen cabinet)
and used it to mask the cluster of wires that are exposed as they travel out
from the steering column cover to behind the middle heater vent cover.

I hated looking at the wires and I hated looking at the seat belt spool.  And
while reaching to unlock the slider doesn't bother me, the world would be a
better place if I had power door locks...and windows...and a Subaru
engine...and so on.

Best
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA