keith wrote:I think that looks like a good job really well done Andy.
im sure that I will be forced to look at a fridge solution at some time as nothing lasts forever...ideally I would like a fridge similar to yours but also to keep the current westy front door as a fascia ...
have you seen anything like that ?
I have seen it done. If I find a link I will post up. I think there is one on the Samba Keith. The reason I decided to go down this route (if i hadn't already mentioned it) is to utilize the extra space available. I understand why people would like to keep the stock look and get the benefits of the bigger, better internals of the modern fridge over the added extras though . I Will just say that I intend to hang on to the original fridge. It's a good working unit. I can't ever imagine me wanting to put it back in, but you never know what the future holds. Better I keep
keith wrote:I think that looks like a good job really well done Andy.
im sure that I will be forced to look at a fridge solution at some time as nothing lasts forever...ideally I would like a fridge similar to yours but also to keep the current westy front door as a fascia ...
have you seen anything like that ?
The holy grail Keith...with respect to Andy's fitment, it just doesn't look right to me at least, its well done, certainly neat and I've no doubt functional but ..... as you say, if only there was a solution that keeps the original appearance. Forgive me as I've been lazy and not read the whole post, but doesn't this fridge need external vents cutting in the bodywork?
Martin
Last edited by California Dreamin on 30 Jun 2016, 18:32, edited 2 times in total.
No they don't need vents, as for the factory look.. (while Andy's looks fine to me) you can convert your westy fridge into a compressor type. the kit is available.
lloydy wrote:No they don't need vents, as for the factory look.. (while Andy's looks fine to me) you can convert your westy fridge into a compressor type. the kit is available.
Ahh! OK, that's a relief...and yes, I do remember reading something about a compressor conversion but the cost was not far off the price of the whole fridge?
Thankfully mine is running pretty good ATM but I suspect, as Keith says, sometime in the future this upgrade could be the option.
Andy..may need a favour...did you take lots of pics when you fitted the Webasto in the ebber box. Looks like I might be doing the same 2000ST. You obviously are aware of the pitfalls/issues and work around's having done this yourself.
Just an update from the last post. We had over a week away in the van 'off grid'. On occasions didn't move for up to three days so no charging from alternator during that time. The solar panels are pulling in plenty of power even when overcast. The batteries are seldom below 12.5v in the evening, and frequently got up to 14.7v in sunlight. The fridge was on for best part of 2 weeks on full power. We decided to turn it down for the last few days as it was too cold in the fridge area. Just one other note about this fridge if I haven't mentioned it. It's a lot bigger on the inside than a standard Westy fridge (and it's got a proper freezer compartment). There are always people that are going to want to retain the classic Westy look (I totally get that), but in doing this you loose out on the extra space created by doing the change. I couldn't have had the slide out chopping board or the draw below if I used the original front facia, so I have gone for the most functional option. Oh, and your gas tank is purely for cooking alone so will last ages! Horses for courses I guess but I'm chuffed to bits with the package so far
Just a few pictures of our trip to wales.
Three Cliffs Bay
Three Cliffs Bay
St Davids (Misty)
Sunburn @ St Davids
Woodland Campsite & Devils Bridge
Last edited by nordberg on 19 Jul 2016, 14:52, edited 4 times in total.
California Dreamin wrote:Andy..may need a favour...did you take lots of pics when you fitted the Webasto in the ebber box. Looks like I might be doing the same 2000ST. You obviously are aware of the pitfalls/issues and work around's having done this yourself.
Martin
Martin,
Here is the link to my website for the heater install, although it's not really a fitting guide parse. I may look at adding a bit more content so you can follow it a little better. Having said that, I did do a lot of the provisional work getting the heater to sit in the original box. However, i didn't actually mount the unit myself. Due to the awkward nature of mounting the heater underneath the van, I decided to have a garage to fit it. If you need any photos I may have some that show things from a slightly different angle on my google drive, but here is the link for the time being
All done now mate....I few install hiccups and not quite as straight forwards as it might seem...all done now though. Webasto Airtop 2000ST roaring like a good'n.
California Dreamin wrote:All done now mate....I few install hiccups and not quite as straight forwards as it might seem...all done now though. Webasto Airtop 2000ST roaring like a good'n.
Martin
Quick work Glad its working...although i wouldn't have it on today . Where did you get it from Martin? Got mine from Oldie on here
Thanks . Nice to know its appreciated. I struggle to find the info i need when i want to get my teeth stuck into a project. If it helps somebody to get the job done quicker I feel it's been worth the effort
Yeah Rick sorted it out...later ST model but petrol, which are not as common. Did you end up selling the old bits Andy...there must be a market out there for spares I would have thought.
Hi Andy,
Looks like you had great weather in Wales, where is that site looking over the sea please?
Also what is the solar kit you have installed looks the business?
Were off to France with the family this weekend but I think I'd like to go to that site in Wales when we get back...
Mine - 1990 California 1.6TD Intercooler (not sure if that makes a great deal of difference!)
Steve
1990 California 1.6TD intercooler
WL - Lower 50mm, Penta Alloys, Upgrade solar panels, respray
Good chunk of solar love going on there Andy...great install but arhhhhh! why did you drill a hole in that lovely roof and fit that plastic thing when you already had a perfectly good and near invisible option available.
See my cable entry?
Here you go..the secrets out:
Centre bolt removed, drilled and wire grommet from the inside..blank grommet on top to keep it water tight.
. I Will just say that I intend to hang on to the original fridge. It's a good working unit. I can't ever imagine me wanting to put it back in, but you never know what the future holds. Better I keep 
Glad its working...although i wouldn't have it on today 
