Date:         Sat, 21 Mar 2020 09:24:49 -0700
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Update, including rear wiper controller
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi,

Seems to be quiet recently on list. My world a bit affected by the viral shenanigans. Seems that some of our clients are still wanting parts, like now!

My wife’s work shut down, so she’s enjoying gardening in the spring sun :-)

So the work crunch for me means no progress on that rear light hinge idea. 


Have a couple of vanagon things to say:

1. For a few years now I’d have this occasional sluggish rear wiper. I had a look at the electrical contacts and as much of the mechanics I could see and reach back there in the hatch. Nothing to report. Recently the wiper would just not work. Something made me think to reach down to fuse panel and push in wiper relay module... wiper started to work. So I pulled the module, cleaned contacts with de-oxit, re seated module , and surprise surprise , rear wiper works smartly and snappily. Easy win for me.

2. Was given a rear view camera/mirror unit. Same as the one my friend has in his van. It’s quite impressive pic quality. I haven’t installed it yet, but have made bracket to use instead of mounting it to stock mirror. Bracket fits on mirror stalk ball. Made the same thing a while back for my friend and it seems to be working for him. I’ll post pics and computer model on blog this weekend. 

3. Got new shocks for the Syncro . Went with the bilstein b6 16” Syncro units. The fronts have the spring perch sitting on a circlip on shock body so there is a chance of making a spacer to raise suspension a little. No idea when I’ll get them on van. I have a spare set of Syncro front springs , I’m wondering if I have them powder coated that bilstein blue to compliment the yellow shocks :-)

4. J pipe on exhaust rusted out at the sampling port. Got a new one plus a new collector ( cast unit that combines the two pipes from head to the j pipe). When I replaced these units 5-6 years ago, the head pipes were not a good fit to the cast collector. Doubled up on gaskets and even made a tapered shim. Wasn’t great, was crap. I hope to do better this time.

5. Saw a tin top Syncro on the lift at mechanics. It had the aftermarket stainless wbx exhaust system that has the different path and piping than stock. Boy it looked good. Tucked up nicely.

6. Too many unfinished van projects. What happened to my New Years resolution? :-)

Hope all of you are taking care and staying well.

Cheers

Alistair