Little upgrades
As part of the process of going over my ‘new’ bus and checking everything is as it should be, it allows me to highlight any bits and pieces that either need to be changed, or that I want to change or upgrade in due course. Some bits might be safety concerns that need looking at, others might simply be personal preferences that can be done over a period of time, or as budget allows…
Throttle kit
There are currently some issues over the existing accelerator cable set-up that need looking at pretty shortly, so I’ve bought a replacement EMPI multi-strand, super flex steel accelerator cable to provide a smoother, more precise throttle action to be fitted in conjunction with the brilliantly engineered Throttle Tube Cable Roller from 73 Aircooled along with the equally brilliant Buttys Bits Throttle Kit that I had fitted on my old camper. That should transform things quite a bit!
Oil sensor
Then recently on the SSVC forum, there was a ‘group buy’ option to get a big discount on the Save my Bug Hot Oil sensor, so it seemed like a good idea to get one of these, as it saves looking at getting addition oil temperature gauges to monitor the engine oil temperature. The sensor was created by Harold Brown in the late 1960s and remains virtually unchanged since the first one was offered for sale, over 40 years ago.
By simply replacing your original dipstick with the Hot Oil Sensor, then attaching an 18″ wire (included with the kit) to the oil pressure switch, you immediately begin to monitor your engine’s oil temperature. Now you finally know when your engine is running too hot!
From this point forward the light at the bottom of your odometer serves two functions. While continuing to monitor your oil pressure it now provides the data from your Hot Oil Sensor as well. Now, when your engine oil reaches 225 degrees F the light will begin to flicker, indicating that you are approaching an unsafe operating temperature. If your oil temperature continues to rise to 235 degrees F the light will remain on, solid. This is the temperature at which we recommend pulling over at the first safe opportunity in order to investigate the issue.
Thermal insulation
On the subject of temperature, I’ve been very fortunate to get a roll of Tri-iso super 10 plus thermo-reflective insulation from a friend…
Tri-iso super 10 plus is multi-layered thermo-reflective insulation that has the specific advantage of being only 30mm thick but is thermally equivalent to 210mm of mineral wool! It provides thermal insulation which is heat-reflective, counteracting all modes of heat transfer all year round. It is highly effective in retaining heat inside in winter, and reflecting infra-red radiation in the summer, therefore preventing the overheating of spaces in the summer. Should be perfect for providing some insulation for what is, in essence, a tin can on wheels!
Acoustic insulation
Whilst there’s no rear interior at the moment (there are ideas/plans in progress…) I’m also looking at getting some bitumen-based acoustic insulation/deadening sorted for the bus. This will reduce both road and internal engine noise in the bus, but also improve the internal acoustics for a new audio install (more ideas in progress…).
With this and some 6v to 12v relay issues, there is plenty to keep busy with on the bus at the moment!
