Thanks for everyone's responses about the alternator bolt. I won't get to it
until the middle of next week, but at least I have a plan mapped out. This
weekend it's camping in PA near the Delaware River in my '85 Westfalia. If
anyone's interested in attending this event, by the way, check out
fullmoonbusclub.com, go to events, and check out Tohickon spring event.

Ed

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Jim Felder" <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2011 8:31 AM
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject:      Re: Lower alternator bolt

> You don't need a U-joint. In front you need a box wrench with just enough
> offset to capture the nu t and keep it from turning. I like to use a
> ratcheting box wrench but any will do. Slip it over te nut and let it
> hang,
> it will catch itself when you start turning from the back.
>
> Pull off the airbox and the rubber boot, leaving a big cavity to work in.
> A
> 10 or 12 inch ratchet wrench (set it to remove before you even start), a
> ten
> inch or so extension and a 13mm socket will reach the alternator bolt.
> Working from the front of the car to the rear, slide the socket and
> extension over the top of the engine and use a little light and your
> fingers
> to get the socket over the bolt head.Then when that is done, snap the
> wrench
> into the extension.
>
> Jim