Vanagon Modification Projects

Building an Air Accumulator tank out of Stainless Steel SCHD 40 Pipe and SS Plumbing couplings. Mounted in the same location as the Westfalia Propane Tank that was no longer needed. The compressor is the ARB Twin Motor Compressor

Started to make a help video about how to limp home with a bad radiator fan control resistor using a simple jumper. I was getting confuse anyway and then a friendly critic showed up so I chickened out.

This was my way of fitting a narrow 16" spare wheel and tire into the stock forward clam-shell location. This was to fit a 196/75 R16 Nokian WR C3 tire at 27.5" in total diameter.

Installing the Espar D2 Gen 3 Diesel Heater progress. Heater is secured with new fuel pump location. Exhaust and intake are connected but exhaust is not secured yet until I install some heat shields and then install the Syncro Diesel Skid Plate. Heater is fully functional, but now, I need to make sure the exhaust will NOT be melting anything... This Time.

A short video showing the control center for the new ARB Twin Air Compressor. The trick was how to install the quick-connect outlet so that the rear hatch door would not hit the outlet as it did in my other Vanagon before I modified that one. This was a much better solution.

A video tour of the home-built Vanagon Syncro named "Das MULE" by Joe and Dana Marshall who are now the owners of M.U.L.E. Expedition Outfitters near Preston, WA. This video covers the last few days preparation and departure.

December 2023 - Installing a Twin ARB Air Compressor. The compressor is in and functional but there is no air tank until I can weld up one using some 6" diameter SS Pipe and fittings to finish.

A recall video of adding LED lights to every cabinet in my 1991 VW Vanagon Syncro Westfalia. I made the video to help me remember what I did and how. I removed the stove top for better access to the wiring and to create a power terminal area hidden under the stove. This video was mostly for my own recall but also to give an idea of what others can do.

A collection of various wiring and other projects I performed on my 1987 Vanagon in 2012 with advice help from Joe Marshall. I learned a lot and have continued to learn until I'm not afraid to do my own wiring projects the correct way with top notch quality Marine grade components. Parts of these projects have been revised and improved later in 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Short video to show the sound that a bad rear CV joint made just before I replaced it. Video quality is low because the sound is all I really needed

Part #1 of 2 documenting the Electrical upgrade of my 1987 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia. The upgrade includes a change of battery types, identifying existing wiring, and changing all wiring to Marine Grade Wire and Terminal ends. Part #1 covers planning and options then includes the start of the work.

Part #2 of 2 documenting the Electrical upgrade of my 1987 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia. Upgrade includes a change of battery types, identifying existing wiring and changing all wiring to Marine Grade Wire and Terminal ends. Part #2 covers the work in progress to finish the main power cables and then more about the LED lighting in the Cabinets. Zone switching was chosen instead of automatic door switches because there are times were I don't want the lights to come on.

A video showing how to assemble and attach the EZY Awning that is popular from BUS DEPOT in the USA and Vanagonwestfaliaparts in Canada.

September 2014: A field install of a Pop-Top Canvas by professional installer Kris Knight. A step by step detailed guide how to change the pop-top canvas WITHOUT removing the pop-top from the vehicle. This video will replace the one I created in 2009 / 2010, also installed by Kris. This install is for the newer pop-tops from about 1985 through 1991 Westfalia campers that use the screwed aluminum tracks top and bottom. Pop-tops that used staples for the upper part of the canvas install in a similar manner but require some extra care in laying out. Part #2 covers the canvas lower connection to the top of the vehicle in detail as this part is known to be the most difficult part. This part also includes a written check-list written by me and notes from Kris Knight of Fine Auto Trim in Boise, ID about the difference in the upper connection when installing the "Staple Version Canvas" on the older Westfalias. The lower connection is the same for both versions of canvas.

September 2014: A field install of a Pop-Top Canvas by professional installer Kris Knight. A step by step detailed guide how to change the pop-top canvas WITHOUT removing the pop-top from the vehicle. This video will replace the one I created in 2009 / 2010, also installed by Kris. This install is for the newer pop-tops from about 1985 through 1991 Westfalia campers that use the screwed aluminum tracks top and bottom. Pop-tops that used staples for the upper part of the canvas install in a similar manner but require some extra care in laying out.

Mostly shot for my own recall, here is what I did after removing all of my Westfalia Cabinets. I replaced the factory flooring and underlayment and then replaced it with a one-piece Rubber Horse Stall Mat purchased at the local Farm Feed Store for $60. With the cabinets removed, I could extend the mat all the way to the kitchen and engine firewall limits. I first added some left-over insulation to fill in the low spots in the factory ribbed metal floor.