----- Original Message -----
From: <Steve@Schwenk-Law.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 11:23 PM
Subject: Carrying 4x8' sheets of plywood

> Anyone ever carry 4x8 sheets of plywood in a Westy?
> Steve

Steve

I have an 85 Westy and I can carry Plywood, drywall and any
 other sheets 48 in by 96 in easily.  The total thickness of sheets
not to exceed about 4 inches.

This is how you can do it too:

First make a frame out of 1 by 4 spruce.  The 96 in pieces are
in the shape of an angle and the 49 in pieces are just used to
hold the long pieces together and are nailed flat at the ends
of the long pieces.  You now have a frame where you can slide
the sheets in and out.  The frame slide should be about 49 inches
by 96 inches when finished.
Now open the rear hatch and slide the frame in on an angle.
Careful with the corners. The front of the frame is not supported
so make 2 supports to keep the front corners up and screw them
in.  Also make another support to hold up the frame by the closet.
Done.  Use your common sense to figure out  the details.
Now you can haul all kinds of stuff.  Careful when stopping or
accelerating or going around corners.
When done hauling, unscrew the supports, slide out the frame
and put it away for next time.  It works amazingly well.
If your interested I'll Email you a diagram.

Alfred
85 Vanagon