hey ...kinda clever running a stock inline four dipstick tube right into the
side of the filler tube at an angle.
kinda neat actually, if it works well.

have you seen a 5 speed diesel vanagon dipstick and tube ?
they work well.
I call it an 'overhead' dipstick as it's up by the alternator ..
like at the top of the license plate opening ..check you oil lever from
there nicely.
I just make them out of metal fuel line bent in a curve ..
like a  copy of a stock 5 speed one ...and use some longish slender dipstick
from pick n' pull.

but your filler nick/dipstick  one is a work of art.

I find brazing works really well.....not on brass so much , but a
metal-to-metal ..
works well, is easy to do, and is arty too.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Hanson" <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 6:33 AM
Subject: Rubber mats..

>  For possible varied Vanagon and shop use.   I may have mentioned this
> before, if so sorry for the doubly- redundant redundancy..
>
>  Look at horse stable mats as a possible source for floor covering or
> engine deck area mats in your vanagon.  I have them on some of my benches
> in
> the shop and as cushioning where I work.  They're made from reclaimed
> tires.  Come in various thicknesses and are really durable.  I have front
> floor mats cut from them in my van and one for outside under my slider in
> rough camping spots,  My wife has them in her barn and stable stalls.
> They
> would also work as sand traction mats for the Syncro crowd.
>
> Don Hanson