Summary of recent projects on my 1993 Eurovan

Busy time as I've been prepping for an upcoming trip.  It was just a few weeks ago that I was had a conversation with a good friend that has a Vanagon Westy Weekender.  We were talking about our vans (mine is a 1993 Eurovan Westy Weekender).  He talked about how much he loved his van and how he plans to keep it forever.  I love my van too... and after thinking about it, I hope I can keep mine forever.
I had been putting off some investments into my van because, until that conversation and the subsequent conscious choice to keep it, I thought maybe I'd sell it... thus, I'd been putting off some maintenance and upgrades.
Well with my new attitude and commitment, here is a summary of recently finished projects.
- New 16" wheels (upgrade from 15")
- New Poptop seal from GoWesty
- New Bilstein Sport shocks (from GoWesty, replaced completely useless/destroyed shocks)
- Repaired a large tear in my Poptop (casualty from my friends' kids during a surf camp trip, California Surf Tours)
- New battery monitors for main and house (simple cigarette lighter method, with dongle lead for house)
- Placed kitchen drawer mats in storage areas to reduce clutter noise
- Adjusted doors to close tighter
- Glued some loose moldings
- Major service (timing, pumps, serpentine)
- Replaced faulty AC high/low pressure switch
- Tried to charge AC, but likely air in system, so took to a shop where they evacuated it and charged about 1lb with dye, likely some small leaks and will follow up
- Hung some small cargo nets inside
- Troubleshot a cabin light, ended up just being a look connection

AC high/low pressure switch from PartsGeek.com

Cleaning the area around the poptop seal

Front shock plate assembly

Old shocks that were completely worthless

VagCom scan on my Eurovan

This past Sunday, I met with a VW genius to talk shop and scan my 1993 Eurovan with the VagCom diagnostic tool.

I had some concerns about a recent service and the readiness of my Eurovan for an upcoming trip.  We hooked up the scanner OBD1 attachment to the fuse box area and started the software on the laptop.  The software detected the VIN and ECU model.  We then began to look for fault codes and engine performance stats (like idle RPM, throttle body angle, etc.).  All of this information can be saved to a log for later review.

Everything checked out OK, and then the two of us took test drives in each others EVs.  I immediately noticed that his hard top Eurovan had less interior noises/rattle and his suspension was much tighter/responsive (his EV has the Bilstein HDs).

I am very thankful that we had a chance to meet, and I feel more confident to take my EV on my next road trip.  I'm even going to try to swap out the shocks before I depart.

Service performed on EV

Timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, coolant water pump, coolant temperature sensors all done in a recent service at VW Paradise / Paradise Motorsports.

I also did a fuel system cleaning service and a compression test (all within spec).

I had a slow coolant leak that they said was fixed.  I'm also hoping that my EV mpg increases.  It definitely seems like it is running smoother.  Also got an oil change and gave the EV a quick wax.

New wheels and tires for my 1993 Eurovan

After a long search and multiple attempts to buy some 16" VW Eurovan wheels to upgrade the 15" steel wheels on my 1993 VW Eurovan, I finally found a local seller on Craigslist.

Every time I found some wheels/tires online, the cost to ship was prohibitive.  So I started looking only within driving distance.  Luckily, I found a gent nearby that has a 2003 VW Eurovan, and he had recently upgraded to the GoWesty wheels/tires and suspension package.  Thus, he was selling his OEM 16" wheels with three matching Kuhmo tires (rated 104).

We met, and I bought them.  I picked up a 4th tire from Amazon for less than the local tire stores.  A day later (and within 30 minutes at Discount Tire) and for $33 (for the odd tire - tire mount, balance, disposal, and putting all four on the van).

Looks much better now.  I'm happy.

VW Eurovan Transmission reset procedure...

This was required after the "re-wiring" of my melted wiring harness going to the transmission.

Photo of the melted wire leads and connector (to transmission)

Subject: Resetting the Eurovan Adaptive Transmission Sequencing

The Eurovan uses an electronically controlled transmission which sets shifting points based upon engine load and RPM information that is "learned"

from your specific driving habits. 

This information, which is stored in the transmission's electronic control unit, can sometimes become garbled and may need to be reset to the

default pattern,so that it will "re-learn" your driving style.

In order to perform this reset, do the following:

1. Turn on the ignition, without starting the engine.

2. Turn the ignition back to the off position.

3. Turn ignition on again without starting the engine and depress the accelerator all the way to the floor, holding the pedal there for a 

minimum of ten seconds.

4. Release the accelerator pedal and then start the engine in the regular manner.

5. Drive the vehicle making sure that the transmission shifts through all four gears.

Recent festival photos

Yes, I love music, camping and hanging out with friends.  Thus, music festivals are a yearly adventure as the weather starts to warm.  Eurovan & friends.

Here are a few photos

Jabba barge music stage

Packed and ready to go

Continued sound insulation

One ongoing project that I've been working on is to create a quieter ride inside my 1993 VW Eurovan Weekender.

I've finished installing FatMat insulation on the driver, passenger and sliding doors.  I also added a layer of closed cell foam on some parts of the doors (where it wouldn't interfere with the mechanical parts or panel).

The installation process was quite easy once you understand how to remove the panels.  I didn't have to disconnect any wires on the doors.  I simply rested the door panel on the foot rest and secured it with a bungy cord.

I didn't do any sound level testing before or after.  Yet, I can confidently say that the noise level is reduced somewhat, and it seems to make for a more comfortable ride.

Here is a photo of the drive door off with the closed cell foam secured with duct tape shown on the top part.  FatMat was already sticky'd to that portion of the door.