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Subject:Measurements for side holes.
From:Bob Norman
Date:Mon, 12 Jul 1999 11:38:46 -0230

I've just replaced the entire driver's side panel on my '81 Westy.  The
area covered runs from the seams front and rear, to the first crease up
top (just below the fridge exhaust) down to the inner sill on the
bottom.  It was quite a job.  My old panel was toast, as water had been
leaking in through the water & electrical holes, running down the inside
and rusting the whole side/bottom out of it.  The pieces that were not
rusty were sacrificed to patch certain floor/sill areas.

The panel that I used came from a scrapped non Westy Vanagon.  I had
envisioned replacing the panel, then taking measurements from my mom's
'88 for the water & electrical holes, cutting them out and refitting my
fridge, etc.   Not so easy.  Turns out that the holes in the side of
mom's Westy, while similar looking, are not in the same places as mine
were.  Of course I know now that I should have measured this first, that
has already been brought to my attention by several "helpful" people.

Anyway, I've given myself an arse kicking for not checking the
measurements first, and for cutting up my old panel. What I need now is
for some kindly lister with the appropriate Westy (80-83.5?) to measure
the position of the water filler, and city water hook up holes.
Specifically in relation to the seams on the sides, and the top of the
crease below the fridge vent, or from the bottom seam (rocker panel) up.

I really appreciate help with this one, as there are no other Air-cooled
Westys around here.

Cheers,

Bob Norman
'81 Westy
Gander, Newfoundland
Canada

p.s. Anyone know why they changed the location of the holes? I've seen
the Westy's with three in a row, but why would they slightly change the
2-on-top-1-down-bottom style from early years to late years?