The "Down low" location for the electrical hookup was a Canadian thing.
  US spec models have them up high.  The Canadian spec westies have a
permanently attached power cord whereas the US models don't.  The US
version uses, what is in effect, an extension cord which plugs onto the
electrical connector on the side of the vehicle and into the
"Shorepower" receptacal.

Mike

TC wrote:
> So I will weld in the new driver side rocker panel
> & new metal  on the rusted out applicance panel on my 85 westy
> this week ...
> but I have not decided where to cut in the electric, & water inlet s
> I am thinking I might cut them in like the
> 86 and later models where the electric for shore power is up high like the
> water inlets
>
> was this change made because being down low the inlet was
> subject to more road wash and thus more likely to rust ?
>