I put a hatch designed for a sailboat in the roof space inside the
luggage carrier.
It is hinged plate glass that opens to the front.  I can open it up when I'm
driving and get forced air into the cabin that is very cooling.  A small
electric
fan on the dash takes over when stopped in traffic.  With the hatch, I
don't miss
AC at all.  It also brings in more air when sleeping at night.
'80 Westy AirCooled (more ways than one)

John Jensen
johnjensen@johnjensenartist.com
http://www.johnjensenartist.com
bluesbug@verizon.net

On 4/23/2011 11:34 PM, Daniel Rotblatt wrote:
> Chris -
>
> Yeah - I love all those accessories.  I'm a long-time car camper, I
> have a great system worked out.  I'll be making a storage box that
> sits behind the passenger seat, and maybe replace the backwards seat
> behind the  drivers seat with one that stacks so the top half can be
> taken off and leave a backless seat.  I'm looking at a side awning - I
> know that creates some real space at the campsite.
>
> My kid and my girlfriends kid are so excited that we are all sleeping
> in the van tonight in the driveway.
>
> I was a bit freaked about the AC issue - but now that there are some
> solutions I've calmed down.  The van is pretty sweet.
>
> Dan
> Los Angeles, CA
> '85 Westy Weekender
>
> On Apr 23, 2011, at 5:27 PM, chris and/or ruth wrote:
>
>
>> Congratulations on your new Vanagon!  It's a good day.
>>
>> Don't get too freaked out about the things to check--they aren't
>> going anywhere.  Make a list so your not overwhelmed with new
>> ownership.
>>
>> Considering the cost of restoring the stock Vanagon AC and it's
>> performance, an aftermarket may be a better choice anyway.
>>
>> On the fun stuff like camping things; Side tents, coolers (gas
>> powered and electric), swivel seats, chuck boxes/ camp kitchen, port-
>> a-potty, stoves,lanterns, awnings, solar electric panels, extra
>> battery, sky-light, bug-screens, etc.  These will enhance your
>> enjoyment so you may as well start looking. I had bought much of
>> this stuff. Don't wait, have fun.  I highly recommend it AND, when
>> you no longer need/want it you can sell it off.  There is always a
>> market for VW camping accessories and you can get almost the same as
>> what you paid if you keep it in good shape.
>>
>> My kids #1 accessory is the electric fly swatter. Ya, weird, I know.
>>
>> Chris C
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>
>> Re: Buying a Van - Bought a Van
>>
>> Thanks everyone for all the advice - it gave me enough info to feel
>> comfortable in making my decision!
>>
>> I found an '85 westy weekender here in the area for sale this week,
>> took a look, drove it, he was asking $6K, offered $5K, he countered
>> with $5.5K, and it's now sitting in my driveway!  Not a speck of rust
>> on it, looked under it carefully and it's got no indication of any
>> accidents.  The engine had new head gaskets put on two years ago (plus
>> a lot of other work).  The heads were rebuilt before that, and
>> according to the PO the gasket was not in it's groove in the head when
>> it was replaced.  So he had both replaced - the work was done at a
>> reputable VW mechanic in Santa Barbara.
>>
>> Anyway - he's put a lot of money into the engine, it runs really
>> nice.  Passed smog with flying colors, most of the emmisions where
>> below average (which is always a good sign).  Because he was putting
>> money into the mechanics, he didn't put money into the interior, but
>> it's still very usable.  He has two kids and wanted it safe.
>>
>> Problems: steering wheel is upside down (or 180 degrees off), there is
>> no plastic cover on the steering column (which will make it easy to
>> fix the steering wheel alignment), there is a little air in the brake
>> line (brake pumps up a bit - he says it's always been like that, but
>> I've done brakes, cylinders, etc. before), the left signal is working
>> intermittently (feels like a loose/dirty connection - brakes lights
>> work fine), and a number of little things.
>>
>> Pros: new Go Westy canvas, clean body, workable interior, peppy (for a
>> VW van), brake discs are good.
>>
>> Cons: no air conditioning, paint is old (that bronze metallic color,
>> the clearcoat is fading and worn).
>>
>> Thanks again - I'll be around!
>>
>> Dan
>> L.A.
>
>