Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 12:09:50 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Rrear seat removal in a westy
In-Reply-To: <4DE722EA-5076-4624-B6BF-05C33032A16D@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
The stuff under my seat was all glued in with dried soda pop
residue--another reason to remove those plugs.
Unless you ford streams over the floor level water will not get in, and even
if it does it will run back out. Those holes are in the bottom of channels
that run side to side, so coolant is kept from running under the floor.
In 25 years I've never had water come in, but I have had two failed rear
heater cores. Another advantage of open holes is you'll know right away
when the core goes. Last winter I came back to the van and saw a pool of
green coolant next to the curb coming from right under those holes. Shut
the heater valve and drove home.
This time I just flushed out the area under the seat with a pitcher of water
because I'd removed the plugs when I had the seat out earlier.
Unfortunately, I didn't check those latches and will be pulling the seat
again. Some folks have had to remove the entire floor to clean out the
coolant since it doesn't evaporate and continues to absorb water. You often
don't know the core has failed until you either overheat or smell the
coolant inside the van.
If you leave them in I'd pre-emptively install a new heater core ($86 or
$164 with valve).
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Eric Caron
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2014 10:59 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Rrear seat removal in a westy
Hi Stewart and others,
Success! Your tips were of great assistance.
Rear seat is out safely and passenger side panels removed for sound
deadening.
My fears of lost nuts and broken bolts were not realized. There were three
large bolts in the floor. one connector at each front upper corner and the
two screws on the engine compartment brackets. I removed the heater cover
and I think that was about it. It lifted up and out and slid forward
easily. well thought out even with a gap for the electric fuse knob.
all areas getting a 30 year cleaning and lubrication.
Interesting things found during removal? Sadly no treasures. one ear ring,
two guitar picks, 4 peanut shells, a pair of 3D paper glasses, and about a
dollar in coins, and lots of dust.
I feel funny about removing the three plastic plugs as that would let in
water and dirt. But, I see how it would let out the coolant during a rear
radiator failure. Stewart has never lead me astray but can folks let me
know if this is common practice and a good idea?
Also, I've heard people mention not putting back the fiberglass insolation
after sound deadening is this also a good idea and common practice? Mine
was clean and dry.
Luckily rear wiper tank also looks great, dry and intact.
Thanks Stewart for the great help and also for the tips on seat lift catches
and such. All are in good shape and will be lubricated.
Eric Caron
85 GL Auto
On Jul 24, 2014, at 11:55 AM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> One more thing to check when you have it out, and that's the two
> spring loaded hook latches that engage when you tip the bed back up into a
seat.
> I'm down one working now, and both broke on my '84 years ago.
> Can't access them with the seat installed and folding the seat up is a
> PITA without them.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 2:57 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Rrear seat removal in a westy
>
> Hi folks,
>
> I want to remove my back seat to access the panels on the
> passenger side.
>
> Can someone tell me which screws and bolts must come out. I often
> guess wrong and take out bolts that could have stayed. the result is
> I get into trouble I could have avoided.
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL auto Westfalia
>
