Re: Eurovan, 1999, Test Drive

Nakamura, Roy M

Okay EV/EVC owners... Please don't "Flame Me..."

Let me open by telling you that I LOVE my 99 EVC.  

I've owned 68 Bug, 76 & 80 Rabbit, 84 Scirrocco, 84 Westy and a 99 EVC... so
I don't intend to bash VWs.  The EVC is great for camping and cost only a
few bucks more than the GLS.  

I bought the EVC for it versatility and uniqueness... and NOT because of
it's reputation as being "reliable" and the quality "Dealer" support.  Heck,
my new 99 EVC's has spent more time in the VW Dealer's service bays (getting
warranty repairs) than all of my Hondas and Toyotas I've ever owned in the
last 25 years combined! Basically... the EVC quality is fair (but for
$38,000... who wants "fair") and Winnie's conversion is pretty good.  The
several VW dealers I spoke with prior to buying my EVC had no clue about
EVs... or just told me misinformation...  they couldn't even provide me with
a Sales Brochure for the EVC (only the MV).  When my EVC broke down last
July during our vacation in Yosemite National Park, I used the "Trip
Interruption Reimbursement Program"... I "STILL" haven't heard anything
thing from VWof A.

As a group... we all know the VWof A/Dealers really don't give us EV/EVC
owners the proper respect... if any.  We're a small tight group that has no
significant impact to VWofA total sales... and we would by another EV/EVC
despite it's quirkiness.

As far as the 
Online Test Drive write-up is concerned... IT'S TRUE!! IT'S ALL TRUE!
First... we need to get past the anger and denial mode and realize that if
we were going to recommend a "great people carrying, reliable, comfortable
and economical to operate" minivan to our own Mom... it would NOT be the EV.
My choice... the Honda Odyssey.  My ex-wife drives a 2000 Odyssey... and
that thing puts the EV to shame. After I remove my middle seats out of my
EVC... my next task is to take 1200MG of Motrin and stay off my feet.  The
extra seat in the Honda "effortlessly" disappears under the floor.

I don't want to belabor the point... but I shuttle my kids and their soccer
friends all over town.. and most of their mom's have Mopar and Honda Vans...
but whenever new kids try to open the door.... I ALWAYS have to show them
where the latch is. They think that big black bumper thing is the handle...
terrible design... terrible.

I'm short... 5';6"... and yes the front wheel well gets in the way too.

The front seats are comfortable now... since I installed sheep skin seat
covers... but before that... the EVC fabric was slippery, too firm and had a
cheap look and feel. This is also true for the center and rear seat... very
uncomfortable (compared to the Honda).

Price... $32,000. ... well, if the EV had all the features that are
available on a $28,000 Honda... the EV would cost over $38,000!.

When my co-worker find out how much the EVC cost... they look shocked...
almost dumb founded (some even break a smile and start to snicker).  I
remember crossing the border to Mexico in my EVC.. and the Insurance Agent
asked me what the replacement cost of the EVC was.  I told him $35,000...
and then he looked at me like I didn't understand the question... now here's
a guy who appraises vehicles for a living!  He didn't believe me... so he
referred to the Kelly's Blue Book... then shook his head in disbelief.

If Honda made an Odyssey Camper... I might "consider" it. For the time
being... VW is the only game in town for "mini-van Campers".  As a loyal VW
owner... I find myself also questioning why anyone would pay so much for an
EV GLS or MV since there are soooooo many alternatives.  Oh Well so that's
my .02.

I guess how "I" justify paying so much for the EVC is that I remember
selling my 84 Westy after five years of ownership back to the dealer for
close to what I paid for it.  I've also looked for used EVC and they seem to
hold their high resale... I also like to "wave" at other EV/EVC drivers as
we pass.... since they usually wave back.  I guess we EV/EVC owners are a
unique and quirky breed. 

Roy Nakamura
99 EVC
84 Scirrocco

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From:	Sea2river@... [SMTP:Sea2river@...]
Sent:	Saturday, February 12, 2000 11:29 AM
To:	ev_update@...
Subject:	[ev_update] Eurovan, 1999, Test Drive

This is A test drive report from Fortune City website to which Dirk van
Ulden 
referred us.  The report is quoted below and is also published at 

QUOTE
The 1999 Volkswagen EuroVan
 Base Price Range:  $31,300 - 32,800
* (One Star -- Substandard.)

 If the new Beetle has made you fall in love with Volkswagen, the EuroVan 
will make you want a divorce!

Volkswagen will only sell 1400 of the EuroVan's in the U.S. this year, and

that's good. Because if they sold any more, it may be considered an act of

war.

I thought the whole purpose of a minivan was to have the utility of a van,
in 
a vehicle that drives like a car. The EuroVan has few amenities. You sit 
high, with cupholders on the floor that are almost out of my reach--and
I'm 
6'4". The drive is very trucklike. The seats are uncomfortable. 

I couldn't figure out how to open the one sliding door from the inside.
And, 
despite the additional room, the basic EuroVan only seats seven, just like

your average minivan.

Controls are pretty basic, with one exception, the gear shift lever. It
sits 
on the floor, and has no light, so you have to guess which gear you are in
at 
night.

I never did get comfortable in the EuroVan. Because of the wheel well's 
location, there's really no place to put your left foot. The seats just 
weren't comfortable. 

The EuroVan has a slight resemblance to the early Chrysler minivans. It's 
very boxy, but a little higher and a little skinnier, which makes it feel 
unstable in corners. The steering and the brakes were very rough. The
engine 
was adequate.

I know Volkswagen's have a nice following, and I know I'm going to get
angry 
e-mails from EuroVan owners saying I don't understand. You're right, I
don't 
understand. I don't understand why people would pay 32,000 dollars for a 
vehicle that rides rough, is a menace in parking lots, and has
uncomfortable 
cloth seats.

There are a lot of good things happening at Volkswagen. The new Beetle is
a 
runaway hit. The Jetta is cute. The Passat is practical. The EuroVan needs
to 
be re-done, into a 21st century version of a Microbus. That would work.
This 
vehicle doesn't, with one exception.

There are customized versions of the EuroVan that are said to be very
nice, 
especially the limited edition camping version. If you camp a lot, you may

want to check out the EuroVan. But for all of the other uses that people
find 
for minivans these days, the EuroVan comes up short.

About that price...it's not a misprint. I did a survey with other
reporters 
who cover the auto industry who hadn't driven a EuroVan. I asked them to 
guess the price. They fainted when they saw the sticker. Thirty-two
thousand 
dollars would buy a lot of comfort in a competitors minivan.

You can get the EuroVan is three trims, GLS, MV and Camper. Standard 
equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, rear window
defroster, 
etc. The MV gives you some extras like a folding table, florescent light
over 
the rear seat, and seats that fold down into beds. The camper adds a 
refrigerator, a gas stove, sink countertop, screened windows, furnace and
a 
pop up roof with an overhead full-size bed. 

While the camper sounds pretty neat, I drove the basic EuroVan, with a 32 
thousand dollar sticker price. It was far from adequate, and nowhere close
to 
the competition.

Let's pray for the return of the Microbus, and give the EuroVan a 1 on our
1 
to 5 scale.
END QUOTE

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Re: Eurovan, 1999, Test Drive

Norman Leong

#4542

<<the gear shift lever. It sits

on the floor, and has no light, so you have to guess which gear you are in
at

night.>>


(snip)
drive it without an indicator. What kind of incompetent moron need a gear
indicator on a manual? You should have to look at the dash to shift.
You'd truly be a maroon if you needed gear indicators on a manual, but this "reviewer" was writing about a '99, which, AFAIK, only comes in automatic.  The guy must not get out very much because every car/vehicle I've driven w/ an automatic either has the indicator at the shifter, or somewhere in the dash area...and the EV's is a backlit LCD display, too.  What a maroon...

Norman
______________________________________________________

Re: Non-EV Subj. Anyone record the Homicide Movie ?

Vance, Beaumont W.

#4541

Here are the instructions given to me by Gregory. I would add only one
change. When removing the old motor, rather than trying to remove the
squirrel cage, I would just break it into pieces with a pair of pliers. 

When replacing the squirrel cage on the new motor, I found that it helped to
put a 1 X 2 board against the squirrel cage to hold it in place. Use a C
clamp to hold the board. 

When replacing the retainer ring on the squirrel cage, a 1/2" copper pipe
can be place on the ring and then tapped with a hammer to pop it back into
place. 

Let em know if you have any questions the memory  (and pain) of this job is
still fresh. 



1. Open the hood and remove the metal retainer clip holding the plastic
squirrel cage to the blower motor shaft. The squirrel cage can be
accessed through the fresh air intake located in the engine compartment.

2. Remove the glove box. The blower housing and motor are directly above
it.
3. Remove the electrical connectors from the motor. Then, using an
offset Phillips screwdriver, remove the 2 screws holding the blower
motor to the plastic cover plate, and the 3 screws holding the cover
plate to the blower housing.  Pull the plastic cover plate off the
blower housing and the motor. The cover plate is sealed to the housing
with soft caulk so you may have to pry it off gently with a screwdriver.

4. Now comes the fun. It's really tight under the dash and the only way
to get the blower motor assembly out is to first remove the squirrel
cage from the motor. You can start this process from the engine
compartment with a hammer and punch. Then from under the dash, pull the
motor and cage assembly out of the housing, pointing the motor down.
Wedge the squirrel cage between the metal support bar and the blower
housing. Now grab the motor and pull down, working the squirrel cage off
the motor shaft. It's a slow process but it does come off if you keep at
it. Tapping the cage with a hammer and rotating it periodically will
help speed its removal.
5. Once the cage is off the motor, the motor can be removed by
positioning it at the widest point between the blower housing and the
metal support bar in front of the housing. Just keep moving the motor
around until it slips through. The cage will drop right out.
6. Reverse this procedure to install the new motor and cage. The new
motor will come with the squirrel cage attached. The cage will need to
be removed to get the motor back in. Use the new cage since it is
properly balanced for the motor. Be careful not to knock the weighting
clips off when reinstalling the cage or it will be out of balance and
vibrate at the higher fan speeds. Don't push the cage too far onto the
shaft or it will rub on the housing. Re-putty any gaps before putting
the plastic cover plate back on the blower housing. Make sure the
electrical connectors line up with the holes in the motor cover before
screwing it back in. If the resistor pack is burnt-out, it must be
replaced. The pack snaps out easily. To locate it, look for the wiring
harness with 4 wires on the top of the blower motor/air handler housing.

It's really not as bad a job as it sounds. Just be prepared to twist
your body up like a pretzel when you are working under the dash. The
whole process takes about three hours; even less the second time. But
you really don't want to do this job twice. Even though it's tempting to
try and save the motor, lubing it has proven to be only a temporary fix
based on my experience and that of two others I know who tried it. The
other person that used this R&R procedure took out the front seat which
would make it easier on the back. A few cold ones after the job should
help relieve the pain though. It worked for me.


-

Re: 95evc back seat shoulder belts

Bill Segesser

#4540

hi volks,
I have received the winnie seatbelt install diagram.  It's scanned in now
(on my home pc) & is a 750k jpeg.  Bruce, et.al., should I attach it in the
vault or do those who need it prefer me to directly email it?

It does look like a bit of work, but should be doable.  lots of winnie parts
to order or you could take the idea from their drawing and customize it
yourself.
those who care, let me know.  (those who don't, at least I titled this so
you can ignore it ;-)
Bill

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Curry [mailto:taizo@...]
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2000 10:07 AM
To: ev_update@...
Subject: [ev_update] Seatbelts - E-Groups Dedicated EV Webspace

How about we start adding useful fixes like this seatbelt thread to the
e_groups EV website.

If you haven't had a chance to do so yet, take a gander at our 20 megs c/o
egroups.  Here we have the space to compile quite the library of general EV
info - a la vanagon.com.  A bit of a pain to sign-in 1st time but could be a
great resource for the group.  

I'm thinking fuel leak fix, fuel guage solder fix, shock install, dreaded
tire thread, parts sources, etc.

Any interest?

Bruce

----- Original Message -----
From: Rick Gordon <rickgo@...>
To: <ev_update@...>
Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2000 12:34 AM
Subject: [ev_update] Re: Winnebago speaks...well, writes anyway

Hey, this info would be useful to me as well. I just discovered that
we're going to need to do
something like this once the 3 year old moves up to the next size seat.
Let me know if you find a way to share them. Failing that, a contact
person at Winnebago would be useful.

I re-petitioned winnebago for info on how to add shoulder harnesses tothe
rear bench seat in our 95evc.  (we only have lap belts now).  at firstthey
said they had no retro-kit, but have now agreed to mail me the
drawings/instructions for me to do it myself.

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Re: Non-Ev Subj. Anyone record the Homicide Movie?

Michael G. McCarthy

#4539

Let me in on this one too.  We missed the whole show.  Completely forgot 
since we are dealing with the health of my dad, who apparently is gravely
ill (he's generated a medical file almost as thick as a Bentley EV manual in
just the last few weeks alone).  Things don't look good, but we still have
some moves left.

In any case, we sure could use two hours of escapism with a quality Homicide
movie.


Mike

----------

Show quoted text

From: "Paul M. Ledbetter" <Paul@...>
To: ev_update@...
Subject: [ev_update] Re: Non-Ev Subj. Anyone record the Homicide Movie?
Date: Mon, Feb 14, 2000, 11:42 AM
At 12:16 AM 2/14/00 -0500, you wrote:
Ok, totally off the subject of EuroVans, (except for the episode with Lilly
Tomlin when a green EV passes the detectives on an interstate) did anybody
record the "Homicide Movie" tonight?  "Somebody" whose wife is very mad at
him right now forgot to check to see if the tape was rewound.  I'd pay for
shipping to and from Colorado.  If so, e-mail me direct.  Thanks.Ha!  Mine was rewound, but I _forgot_ to put the stupid thing in the machine!!

I sure could use a copy too...

Paul

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Re: Companion Seat for EVC

Russ Bishop

#4538

If any of you out there have a late 1999 or 2000 model EVC (with new
fabric  pattern) equipped for the either the double bench or companion
seat...This  guy still has one for sale.James,

I'd be very interested. I've been contemplating the bench seat, but it 
does sound like the single is a lot more versatile. Ours is a late 1999 
EVC and has the four (widely spaced) holes. I assume that's the same as 
yours and that the single seat will fit in either pair.

Russ Bishop
Ventura, CA

Re: Non-Ev Subj. Anyone record the Homicide Movie?

Paul M. Ledbetter

#4537

At 12:16 AM 2/14/00 -0500, you wrote:
Ok, totally off the subject of EuroVans, (except for the episode with Lilly
Tomlin when a green EV passes the detectives on an interstate) did anybody
record the "Homicide Movie" tonight?  "Somebody" whose wife is very mad at
him right now forgot to check to see if the tape was rewound.  I'd pay for
shipping to and from Colorado.  If so, e-mail me direct.  Thanks.Ha!  Mine was rewound, but I _forgot_ to put the stupid thing in the machine!!

I sure could use a copy too...

Paul

Re: 2000 EVC

Bill Segesser

#4535

hi John,
not sure it's worth the drive to you, but there are many new ones up in the
Seattle area, although they may be 99's.
Bill

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: john gleason [mailto:john_gleason@...]
Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2000 9:53 PM
To: ev_update@...
Subject: [ev_update] 2000 EVC


Has anyone seen a 2000 Eurovan Camper anywhere?   Nothing in the SF Bay
Area.  


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Re: Blower motor

Scott Bramwell

#4536

I am a new owner of a '93 EV MV WK and seem to have missed the instructions
for replacing the blower motor and resistor. I also live with a family of
squirrels in the dash. Could someone point me in the right direction for the
instructions?

Thanks much,

Scott Bramwell
Colorado Springs

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: Vance, Beaumont W. [mailto:Beaumont.Vance@...]
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2000 8:26 AM
To: 'ev_update@...'
Subject: [ev_update] RE:Blower motor

---[Vance, Beaumont W.] Thanks to the instructions of Gregory Kveton, I
replaced my blower motor and resistor this weekend. I fully expected to find
a family of deranged squirrels residing in the dash.

Total time: 4 hours because I forgot to bring the instructions home and
tried to take the dash off. I think you have to remove the steering wheel to
get the dash off though, so I went back and took the cage off of the blower
and was able to pull it out like that. I noticed that the old motor was
rubbing badly against the inside of the motor housing. I do not think that
any amount of lubrication would have fixed the problem.

It was a pain in the neck, but it only cost $110 bucks to do it myself and
the estimate from the shop was $450.

And it works great.

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Re: Eurovan, 1999, Test Drive

Vance, Beaumont W.

#4534

<<the gear shift lever. It sits 

on the floor, and has no light, so you have to guess which gear you are in
at 

night.>>  


I learned how to drive stick when I bought the van 11 months ago. Even I can
drive it without an indicator. What kind of incompetent moron need a gear
indicator on a manual? You should have to look at the dash to shift. Is this
guy insane?

Re: Blower motor

Vance, Beaumont W.

#4533

---[Vance, Beaumont W.] Thanks to the instructions of Gregory Kveton, I
replaced my blower motor and resistor this weekend. I fully expected to find
a family of deranged squirrels residing in the dash. 
 
Total time: 4 hours because I forgot to bring the instructions home and
tried to take the dash off. I think you have to remove the steering wheel to
get the dash off though, so I went back and took the cage off of the blower
and was able to pull it out like that. I noticed that the old motor was
rubbing badly against the inside of the motor housing. I do not think that
any amount of lubrication would have fixed the problem. 
 
It was a pain in the neck, but it only cost $110 bucks to do it myself and
the estimate from the shop was $450. 
 
And it works great.

Coach battery charging

[email protected]

#4547

Hello campers!

I'm having some problems with my coach battery (95EVC).  First I can't get it 
to fully recharge unless I plug it into a 110 source.  The alternator will 
not charge the battery to green even after a 4-hour drive.  Is this normal or 
is the alternator/recharging feature malfunctioning? (It will go to green 
after charging overnight on 110 -at home)

Second.  When camping in Wisconsin's winter the coach battery dies on the 
second night due to the  almost constant use of the furnace.  Propane use is 
not an issue but battery power is.  It's a Wal-mart extreme deep cycle 
battery.  Is it worth investing in an Optima $170.00 deep cycle battery?

Third, Nokian all season tires rock in the snow.  I have no fear of getting 
stuck.  My old 87 Westy was awful in the snow compared to my 95 EVC

Re: I am receiving duplicate emails

[email protected]

#4545

donald,
if you are setup to receive copies of your own messages, and someone replies to "all" on one of the messages you've sent, you will receive 2 copies of that reply.

I am only replying to the list, so you should only receive one copy.

Steve

EV MV for sale

Donald Gibbons

#4532

I have decided to sell my 93 EV MV as I have just bought a 96 Rialta.
It has almost 150k miles on it. Recent battery, brakes, Surp belt &
Oxygen sensor. Always used Mobil 1 and dealer filters. Located in
Raleigh NC but can deliver nearby. $4,500

Re: EV Test Drive

#4531

Hi all:

I was at the Sportsman's Show at the Portland Expo Center today and had
occasion to inspect some American conversion vans. They were not "plush"
but more like a slide in pick-up camper in finish and features. They
seemed to sleep two and had permanent high roofs and AC in the overhead
and a microwave, etc. There were interesting exterior doors for storage
to the rear of the back wheels. They seemed to be built on a normal
chassis, I guess 3/4 ton. The point, and I do have one, is that the one
I priced was $59,000 US.

I wasn't looking very seriously since I already have an EVC. I wouldn't
bother the list with this except to point out that the recent reviewer
should be comparing our $32000 rigs with their real competition. I must
say they were huge trucks. (That's not a good thing.) I had the
impression of looking wayyy up into their interiors. That is, they are
really large on the outside and tall, but the interior was not roomy
looking at all. Without the "head" compartment it would have been about
like an EVC, without the upper bunk.

I drive big-assed American trucks at work and they won't turn around
without LOTS of room. The fit and finish are not outstanding on the
Winnie side but the VW parts are (at least) well made, contrary to what
we often find in Ford or worse: Chevy. On the other hand the mini vans
by brand X are smaller outside and crushing inside. They would be about
as comfortable to sleep in as my old beetle.

Cheers, jc

Preaching to the choir.

Re: 93 poptop avail Seattle area $8500

Zenn

#4574

开云体育

I'm interested. Do you know anything else about it???

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Curry <taizo@...>
To: ev_update@... <ev_update@...>
Date: Sunday, February 13, 2000 8:55 PM
Subject: [ev_update] 93 poptop avail Seattle area $8500

Yes thats right.? 93 EV MV WK.? Have yet to see it but its up in No Bend.? 196k miles tho.?

?

Email me if interested and I'll give you the number.?

?

Bruce

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93 poptop avail Seattle area $8500

Bruce Curry

#4528

开云体育

Yes thats right.? 93 EV MV WK.? Have yet to see it but its up in No Bend.? 196k miles tho.?

?

Email me if interested and I'll give you the number.?

?

Bruce

Alternator lamp on dash not going out until 1800 rpm

Howard Fleming

#4527

I have a 99 EV, and the dash indicator for the alternator does not go 
out when it is cold until around 1800 rpm.  Is this normal for a 99 EV?

TIA,
Howard


hfleming@...    Alexandria, VA   hfleming@...
99 EuroVan MV - 97 Cabrio - 85 Vanagon - 84 Westy
84 Vanagon GL (spare parts that turned into a project)
1945 Cletrac AG

Re: I am receiving duplicate emails

Donald Newman

#4526

Hmmmm, I don't understand.? I just sent a note to Chris acknowleging having send two nearly duplicate messages yesterday, and I received two copies of my own message with a very small difference: [ev-update]Re:I am receiving duplicate email, and, Re:[ev-update]Re:I am receiving duplicate email.? Only the initial in the second message is different.? My machine is playing tricks?

Don.? '99 Weekender

Christopher Low wrote:

Show quoted text

??????? Can you correct this problem I am receiving almost identical
messages which is troublesome as I have limited email space.
??????????????????????????????????????? Thank you Chris Low
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Re: Worst Car of the Millenium Contest

Eckhard Rolz

#4523

I must be clueless.  I owned a LeCar, and it was fabulous.  Extremely
economical, fun to drive, virtually unstoppable in the snow, and very
reliable.I agree. My first car was the Renault 5 GTL. I got it free without an engine.
Got a used engine, put it in myself, and off I went.  It had a 1.3l engine
and around 60hp. I got great gas mileage. Yes, the muffler only lasted 2
years and rust in general was a problem. I learned how to use Bondo and just
patched all the holes.  It was roomy inside, had a pretty peppy engine, and
looked pretty neat at that time. (I had the original bumper and headlights in
Germany, which looked much better).  Later I owned a Renault 5 Alpine with
the Turbo engine. It was great fun on the Autobahn.  I miss my little car.
Eckhard