Texas a Vanagon’s Abel Longoria has a nice mod for a lock box under the bench on his blog.  

> On May 5, 2018, at 00:00, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:
> 
> There are 9 messages totalling 306 lines in this issue.
> 
> Topics of the day:
> 
>  1. Brake fluid (6)
>  2. roof top storage container for westy and etc
>  3. Roof top storage today on Island Highway - Vancouver Island
>  4. Subie conversion SNAFU!
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Date:    Fri, 4 May 2018 12:27:29 -0400
> From:    "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
> Subject: Brake fluid
> 
> Can one mix Dot 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid in a Vanagon brake system, or is that not recommended?
> 
> Dave B.
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date:    Fri, 4 May 2018 10:05:09 -0700
> From:    Chuck Theobald <chuckt1961@YAHOO.COM>
> Subject: Re: Brake fluid
> 
> I am not greatly familiar with brake fluids, but from what I have read
> you must go with the manufacturer recommendation. You do not replace DOT
> 3 with DOT 5, etc.
> 
> Given that, I would suggest not mixing brake fluid types. You could get
> away with topping off 20-50 with 10-40 in your engine oil, but using the
> wrong brake fluid is a Very Bad Idea.
> 
> Chuck
> 
> 
>> On 5/4/18 9:27 AM, ddbjorkman@verizon.net wrote:
>> Can one mix Dot 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid in a Vanagon brake system, or is that not recommended?
>> 
>> Dave B.
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date:    Fri, 4 May 2018 11:37:24 -0700
> From:    David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Brake fluid
> 
> IIRC (but check the owner's manual), the correct brake fluid for the
> Vanagon is DOT 3.  It matters, because they have different volatility, and
> different ignition temperatures.  Whether they are mutually soluble or not,
> I am not certain, but I would not mix them, just as I would use the type
> recommended by VW.
> 
> On Fri, May 4, 2018 at 9:27 AM, ddbjorkman@verizon.net <
> ddbjorkman@verizon.net> wrote:
> 
>> Can one mix Dot 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid in a Vanagon brake system, or is
>> that not recommended?
>> 
>> Dave B.
>> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date:    Fri, 4 May 2018 14:44:51 -0400
> From:    moritz schmid <schmidm90@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Brake fluid
> 
> I have been using Valvoline brake fluid for the last few years without an
> issue and it says compatible with DOT3/4.
> https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/valvoline-dot-3-and-4-brake-fluid-32-oz-601458/7080002-P?searchTerm=brake+fluid
> 
> As far as I know the differences between DOT3 and 4 are very small and they
> can be mixed. The DOT5 CANNOT be mixed with the two.
> 
> 
> On Fri, May 4, 2018 at 2:37 PM, David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> IIRC (but check the owner's manual), the correct brake fluid for the
>> Vanagon is DOT 3.  It matters, because they have different volatility, and
>> different ignition temperatures.  Whether they are mutually soluble or not,
>> I am not certain, but I would not mix them, just as I would use the type
>> recommended by VW.
>> 
>> On Fri, May 4, 2018 at 9:27 AM, ddbjorkman@verizon.net <
>> ddbjorkman@verizon.net> wrote:
>> 
>>> Can one mix Dot 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid in a Vanagon brake system, or is
>>> that not recommended?
>>> 
>>> Dave B.
>>> 
>> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date:    Fri, 4 May 2018 18:35:21 -0400
> From:    Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
> Subject: Re: Brake fluid
> 
> DOT3 & 4 can safely be mixed. HOWEVER DOT5 (or 5.1) brake fluid is =
> silicone based and must NEVER be mixed with DOT3 or 4.
> 
> I run Castrol Dot 4 in my Westy.
> https://www.summitracing.com/parts/csx-1261412504?seid=3Dsrese1&cm_mmc=3D=
> pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-castrol&gclid=3DEAIaIQobChMIuKzX9ozt2gIV=
> W7nACh3BPw6WEAYYAyABEgJWKvD_BwE
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf =
> Of David McNeely
> Sent: Friday, May 4, 2018 2:37 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Brake fluid
> 
> IIRC (but check the owner's manual), the correct brake fluid for the
> Vanagon is DOT 3.  It matters, because they have different volatility, =
> and
> different ignition temperatures.  Whether they are mutually soluble or =
> not,
> I am not certain, but I would not mix them, just as I would use the type
> recommended by VW.
> 
> On Fri, May 4, 2018 at 9:27 AM, ddbjorkman@verizon.net <
> ddbjorkman@verizon.net> wrote:
> 
>> Can one mix Dot 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid in a Vanagon brake system, or =
> is
>> that not recommended?
>> 
>> Dave B.
>> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date:    Fri, 4 May 2018 23:53:46 +0000
> From:    Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Brake fluid
> 
> use the dot 4, it has a higher boiling point.. also, make certain to keep
> the fluid moisture-free.  the main thing happening with "brake-fade" is
> that any moisture in the fluid turns to steam as the fluid heats up under
> hard use... thus causing a soft pedal...Steam is compressible... keep the
> fluid "dry"
>  I changed the brake fluid before every race in my P-race car.  I always
> used fluid from a scrupulously sealed container...
> 
> .
> 
>> On Fri, May 4, 2018, 3:35 PM Jack R <jack007@comcast.net> wrote:
>> 
>> DOT3 & 4 can safely be mixed. HOWEVER DOT5 (or 5.1) brake fluid is
>> silicone based and must NEVER be mixed with DOT3 or 4.
>> 
>> I run Castrol Dot 4 in my Westy.
>> 
>> https://www.summitracing.com/parts/csx-1261412504?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-castrol&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuKzX9ozt2gIVW7nACh3BPw6WEAYYAyABEgJWKvD_BwE
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>> Of David McNeely
>> Sent: Friday, May 4, 2018 2:37 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Brake fluid
>> 
>> IIRC (but check the owner's manual), the correct brake fluid for the
>> Vanagon is DOT 3.  It matters, because they have different volatility, and
>> different ignition temperatures.  Whether they are mutually soluble or not,
>> I am not certain, but I would not mix them, just as I would use the type
>> recommended by VW.
>> 
>> On Fri, May 4, 2018 at 9:27 AM, ddbjorkman@verizon.net <
>> ddbjorkman@verizon.net> wrote:
>> 
>>> Can one mix Dot 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid in a Vanagon brake system, or is
>>> that not recommended?
>>> 
>>> Dave B.
>>> 
>> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date:    Fri, 4 May 2018 17:31:23 -0700
> From:    Edward V Barger <edvbarger@MAC.COM>
> Subject: roof top storage container for westy and etc
> 
> Back again for the wisdom of the gang  Thinking about one of the roof =
> top storage containers for our 87 Westy=20
> 
> I can see that additional storage will help keep the clutter down in the =
> van=20
> 
> Does any one on the list use one ?
> 
> I also am thinking about putting a lock on the storage area under the =
> bench seat Some place to store cameras gear and computers=20
> 
> Any one done this or a better idea ????
> 
> I ordered one of the collapsing ladders from go westy Think it will be a =
> wise move   At 76 and needing to get up / rather down and hit the =
> bathroom in the night it will be a safety feature  What do the rest of =
> you all do ???
> 
> We are just about ready to roll  packing up now
> 
> Really happy with the rattle trap stuff I put it every where except =
> under the carpet in the front I have noticed that tire / road noise =
> seems to be coming from the front wheel wells so when we return will =
> remove the seats and the front carpet and see what all I can cover=20
> 
> Planning to get a new more quiet muffler also Our 93 Subie conversion =
> was done by some one who also does off road etc The muffler he put on is =
> just too loud I really like quiet on the road=20
> 
> 
> much rambling =20
> 
> ed
> in Venice CA still hoping to move to Goleta Santa Barbara=20
> 
> 
> Edward V Barger
> edvbarger@mac.com
> 310 922 6251
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date:    Sat, 5 May 2018 01:57:53 +0000
> From:    Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Roof top storage today on Island Highway - Vancouver Island
> 
> Dear Tie Me Up Tie Me Down
> 
> On the way to Tofino today - just entered the Island Highway from the
> Cumberland Road =E2=80=94 in front of me an older Subaru - we all just got =
> up to
> highway speed when suddenly the roof storage unit on the car in front of me
> started to come adrift =E2=80=94 the driver pulled over so I did too to hel=
> p =E2=80=94
> Turns out it was a young woman driver who was rushing to get to Naniamo for
> a job interview - the roof storage had removed the last section of Tie Down
> Rail from the starboard side of car =E2=80=94 there was no way it could be
> reattached -
> I was driving our 92 Suburban and I just picked the unit up and shoved in
> the back of my vehicle - gave her a business card and told her to text me
> where to drop it off when I returned through this way -
> She jumped in her car and roared off at freeway speed -
> Who knows if she will text -
> https://youtu.be/LvB2MnIIdMw
> 
> 
> --=20
> roger whittaker 604.414.6266
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> PR MARINE SURVEYORS &
> http://www.tvthatworks.com
> http://www.tvpowellriver.com
> LinkedIn -
> 
>   - ca.linkedin.com/pub/roger-whittaker/14/78a/b71/Explore printed work at=
> :
>    http://www.prliving.ca/
>   View the growing list of video work at:
>   http://www.youtube.com/user/LastonLastof#g/u
>   http://vimeo.com/42309497
> 
>   http://www.prpeak.com/articles/2010/11/29/multimedia/video/doc4c62e5f80d=
> 228504902172.txt
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date:    Sat, 5 May 2018 02:21:24 +0000
> From:    John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Subie conversion SNAFU!
> 
> Well, in my efforts to get going on a conversion to a Subie, I apparently
> did not get the right year donar car!   Companies making conversion kits
> apparently don't like my 2005 EJ25. They want either earlier -2004 or
> earlier, or they want an EJ25 engine from a 2007 or later IMPREZA,  Because
> the later can be tuned  to produce right at 200 Hp. I found a 2004
> manifold, but what else would I need to complete the setup.
> 
> Ignorance wants to know.
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> End of vanagon Digest - 3 May 2018 to 4 May 2018 (#2018-135)
> ************************************************************