Monthly Archive for March, 2011

Additional Door Locks

Published on March 18, 2011 in exterior and modification. — 0 Comments Tags: door, lock, paint, protection, security.

Just from looking at the wimpy stock door locks as well as the experience from other travellers, I decided to add some proper locks on each door. After researching what other people have done and what’s available I ordered the cargo van hasps as well as three keyed-alike puck locks. The hasp was too large and the wrong colour to fit nicely on the outside of the van, which was easily solved with a grinder and paint. Mounting the hasps was more challanging though as there is just a very small sweet spot where you actually can mount them. Tighten these bolts was a pain and took forever as the available space was really tight. Overall I’m happy how well everything blends in.

Another small “security-feature” is now the tamper proof bolts for the front- and rear licence plate.

There is still a lock on the trunk door missing as the hasp system doesn’t work there. Also another project will be the protection for each window. I have already something in my mind, so stay tuned…

Brake Caliper Paint

Published on March 16, 2011 in exterior. — 0 Comments Tags: brake, paint.

A few month ago we upgraded the front brakes to a double piston setup. After a while they had some surface rust on it. As you know I hate rust and like to tread it before it is too late. I found a very good deal ($6) for a brake caliper paint kit including cleaner. So I took the brakes off again, cleaned and painted them properly. The yellow colour is not my favourite, but they are going to be dirty again anyway. The main thing is that they are better protected now.

Differential Breather Extension

Published on March 13, 2011 in exterior and modification. — 0 Comments Tags: brass, breather, differential, fitting, hose, vavle.

After adding a snorkel the next step to make our van ready for deep puddles was to extend the front- and rear differential breather. The rear was pretty straight forward as it has already a hose attached which goes directly in one of the subframe cross members. So I took the old hose off and extended it with a 1/4 ID fuel hose to the inside of the van. The front was a little bit more tricky as it has some kind of valve cap attached to a plastic fitting. One option would be to take it out and cut a thread into the differential housing. I didn’t want to risk any metal shavings in the diff, so I cam up with another solution. I found a small barb brass fitting which was a perfect fit for the hole. To make sure everything is really water tight a neoprene gasket as well as silicone was added. The extension hose goes above the radiator with an return loop.