The New Adventure Mobile

It's the end of an era...not really, it's the beginning a new adventure.


The Grape is now for sale, so if anybody is interested, give me a shout at adventurebrigade@gmail.com.
But on to the new vehicle:
Meet the new to us Volkswagen Westfalia circa 1986. 2.1Liters of water cooled hotness (although my brother would disagree about the hotness).

That conversation went this way:
Me: "Isn't this awesome"
Tyler: "I can't believe you got this."
Me: "I know, it's pretty sweet."
Tyler: "Well, at least you won't be stealing any chicks from me in it!" 

We'll see about that since my chick loves the van! Big plans are being talked about, but we're going to take it slow with this one. Just run it until we decide or feel a need for something as the Germans were pretty smart in designing this thing.

The only current modifications that will be done soon are:
1. New water pump for sink
2. Fix air conditioning
3. Replace auxiliary battery system to power fridge, lights, 12V accessories and the radio all while the car isn't running. (Maybe a small furnace heater in the future)

• Why replace you say? The current system has tiny wires and while it works, I don't trust it. I have a National Luna Portable Power Pack which I will install under the rear seat where the current second battery is. 
• This system, when powered on, allows me to monitor voltage and has an intelligent solenoid to recharge itself when the vehicle is started AFTER detecting the main battery is fully charge.
• The PPP has an Optima Yellowtop in it. I will also wire on a second Optima Yellowtop to double the capacity of the system.

So that's the current plan. We're heading up to the Santa Barbara Hot Springs again on October 15-17 for the weekend as an inaugural trip. Funny thing is, in the first 24 hours of having the van, I drove it over 100 miles from a romantic dinner on the beach with Sam to opening night of lobster season with my brother, Brent, catching the biggest lobster I've ever gotten. Good signs for the adventure mobile!

Naturally a blog post isn't complete without what most of you already came here for - PICTURES! Higher resolution to come soon, but here's what I have so far:

Lastly, here are the fun facts about the vehicle:

Engine: 2.1 Liters of water cooled awesome
HP: 95
Transmission: 4 speed manual
Camper: Sleeps 4, table space for 4, dual burner stove, sink with 13 gallon fresh water system, Engel fridge (from Jeep as the one currently in the Westy will be removed to make space for storage/heater), campsite hookups if ever parking with RVs....yea right!, Pop top canvas, dual battery system.
Height: 6.75 ft (fits in most parking garages which was critical to my decision)
Suitable ground clearance - 2" lift springs are available; however, we'll see if we need them.
Storage above front seats on roof - perfect for firewood or dirty pieces (trash bags)
Very strong aftermarket support for spare/replacement parts with two big van authorities right here in California!