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Subject:Re: repairing arm rest
From:Dave Mcneely
Date:Wed, 2 Jun 2010 08:34:45 -0500

---- David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net> wrote:
> At 04:08 PM 6/1/2010, Dave Mcneely wrote:
> When I did this, I was impressed by the quality of the entire
> assembly compared to things I see on many makes of vehicles.  Most
> such parts are rather fragile plastics, whereas this entire thing is
> steel, wood, and dense foam.
>
> Dear Dave,
>
> I quite agree.  On the other hand why do VW seem to be unable to
> build an arm-rest base that will stay attached to the
> seat?  Re-tightening those 6 mm flat-head screws was a regular job on
> my '84 ('85 seats), and my '89 came to me with one of the armrests
> practically falling off.  Same screws, same issue, just a lot harder
> to get to than on the non-adjustable ones.
>
> I've tried using Loctite (blue) on them this time, we shall see.  A
> similar attempt on the '84 failed to make any practical difference.
>
> Perhaps this is Deutscher Zeitgeist again.  All car maintenance
> schedules specify to check all around for loose fasteners, but only
> the VW in my experience enforces this schedule by having many
> fasteners unscrew themselves for your inspecting pleasure.
>
> Yours,
> David
>
Well, once I got the arm rests on my '91 VW Vanagon GL Campmobile repaired and tightened up properly, I haven't had a problem.  Been 14 months now, so we'll see, I guess.  I'll keep checking them regularly.  DMc
--
David McNeely