Westfalia

Map Storage

The map pocket on the driver's door is handy, but as the passenger is usually navigating, there should be a map pocket on that door as well. However the large glovebox that opens downward very close to that door prevented VW from installing the usual map pocket on the door.

These are my solutions to map storage.

Click on the image to see it full size.

Door Pocket


Drilled and Cut.

A map pocket from a BMW was found at the local wreckers for $5. It has a PN 1853 897, and is exactly the same width as the VW pocket, but about 1 inch (2.5cm) taller. If I had a source for wrecked VW Vanagons, I would have used an original VW part.

The back of the door panel was marked and drilled for the new pocket.


Pocket Mountings

The two upper holes were drilled large enough for a dished washer and screw head to fit down into the panel. Screws through the washer and panel hold into very solid brass inserts in the map pocket. (Better than VW's version.)

The three lower holes had to be cut rectangular with a very sharp craft knife. Three tabs from the bottom of the pocket project through these holes in the panel.


Pocket Front View

The front edge of the pocket had to be 6 1/2" from the front of the door panel, and 8 11/16" from the top edge to allow the glovebox to open fully.

This is a little higher than the driver's door pocket, but I don't think it will be noticable. And besides, function before form!

Map Shelf

An unexpected bonus!

An unexpected bonus of the seat project was finding an unused space under the passenger seat. Imagine that - wasted space in a VW Westfalia!

It compares to the space available under the driver's seat, accessable from the opening behind the seat - unless you have an auxilliary battery fitted. This space under the passenger seat is blocked from the rear by the battery compartment.

By cutting out the strip of sheetmetal (now shown standing up at an angle) from under the front of the passenger seat, a space of about 3 inches high by the full size of the seat pedestal is available. The only obstruction inside is the vent hose for the main battery box in the back inside corner.

I do not feel that removing this piece of tin has compromised the strength of the seat mount.


View under the pasenger seat.

A 1/4" lip was left projecting up from the bottom of the opening and 3/4" left on the right side (as viewed here). The floor of this space will be carpeted, and the edges covered with smooth trim (taken from the rain channel of a derelict Vanagon GL).

The compartment is not easily reachable while seated, but can be reached easily from the outside when the door is open.
The power wires for the seat were taped up to the top of the opening to prevent snagging by maps, etc. (The black and white wire in the photo does NOT go through the bottom of the opening.)

If a problem develops where maps slide out from under the seat, I will add a door or elastic mesh over the front.


The author takes no responsibility for anyone else making these modifications.
Photos provided by owner. Contact the postmaster for permission for use.


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F. Griffiths


Last updated December 5, 2016

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