Speaking as someone who carries a 60-lb. toolbox around, I say the more
tools, the better, unless of course your van gets broken into. It's not
always your own vehicle that needs fixing, either, seems like there's always
someone who needs a tool they don't have. And what about the other stuff you
may be carrying, like bicycles? Mind, I really admire the minimalist
approach, and I don't advocate that everyone carry as much stuff as I do
(and there are others on this list who carry far more than I do), but I
wouldn't leave out a 7 or 14 mm just because I don't think I'll need it!
Anyway, after using the tools, I always like to line them up while cleaning
them and putting them away, very jarring to have gaps in the line-up - - did
I leave that one at home, or is it under the van somewhere?

As for thin, i.e. good quality, try using a cheap thick wrench on your rear
bearing box - -  I think it's 22 or 24 mm - - you really need a good wrench
for that!

Gary

> Date:    Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:45:38 -0700
> From:    Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
> Subject: Re: wrench/socket (nut and bolt head) sizes
>
> 7's and 8's are important,
> so are 11, 12, and 14.
>  ( though I can't think of a 14 right now )
>
> 'the problem' with taking a van all apart is you forget how things fit,
> which way then went, which fasteners etc.
> left on the hulk ......they're easy to find.
>  I have been mining parts off a burnt out shell of an 85 for about 8 years
> so far.
> I am *still* getting useful parts off it.
>
> you really need several versions of each tool..
> you need short and long, deep and thinwall,
> 6 point, 12 point, and tubing nut wrench .
> etc. etc.
>  and LOTS of penetrating oil.
>
>
> Date:    Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:07:07 -0400
> From:    Ed Duntz <eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: wrench/socket (nut and bolt head) sizes
>
> Why would you need 12-point sockets, unless you are not using a ratchet?
> Can
> you think of specific instances where you need a thinwall or a deep socket?
> Most work I've done (though far from extensive) has not required thin or
> deep sockets. I can see where a deep socket would be needed on the oil
> pressure sender.
>
> Ed
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Scott Daniel  - Turbovans" <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 4:45 PM
> To: "Ed Duntz" <eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM>; <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject: Re:      Re: wrench/socket (nut and bolt head) sizes
>
> > you really need several versions of each tool..
> > you need short and long, deep and thinwall,
> > 6 point, 12 point, and tubing nut wrench .
> > etc. etc.
> > and LOTS of penetrating oil.
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Ed Duntz" <eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM>
> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> > Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 12:55 PM
> > Subject: Re: wrench/socket (nut and bolt head) sizes
> >
> >
> >> Thanks to all who have replied so far. I'll be continuing to dismantle
> my
> >> old '85 Westfalia in the coming weeks, and I'll post sizes of nut and
> >> bolt
> >> heads just for reference.
> >>
> >> In the meantime, can anyone say that they've used 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, or
> >> 14mm
> >> wrenches or sockets on a Vanagon? (Besides possibly bleeder valves or
> >> exhaust nuts on some applications).
> >>
> >> Ed
> >
>
>