AboutRon Wolff Expertise I am proficient in the following areas of VW Air Cooled Models from 1968-1979:
Vehicles: Super Beetle, Beetle, Thing, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Westfalia/Bus
Areas of expertise years 1968-1979
Engine Rebuild advice for all air cooled engines
VW Brake system replacement
Automatic Stickshift transmission
VW KOOL and DPD air conditioning systems (ex. thing)
Westfalia Electrical system dual battery
Westy Refridge Repair
Westy Cabinet Repair
Westy
AFC Fuel Injection system (1975 bugs) (1975 bus/Westys)
Soundproofing
General type 4 engine rebuild/technical data (i.e. 1.7 ltr, 1.8., 2.0) for buses
VW Air Cooled Beetle and Bus Paint codes
VW Distributor Compatibility Information
Westy component repair
Emission Systems
Exhaust Systems
General Electric System
Door rebuild (windows, seals, vent windows)
Body Panel Removal and general repair (non-welded)
Charging System
Convertible top Installation: Beetle
CV joints
Engine Troubleshooting
Valve Train
Non areas of expertise:
High Performance Modifications
Front end related components
Rear suspension (spring plate adjustment)
Bodywork / painting
Experience
Past/Present clients I often contribute to the westfalia users group technical boards. I have been a member for about 4 years. My usermame is 76Heatwagen
I restore vintage Volkswagens and currently own 4 of them.
Expert: Ron Wolff Date: 4/10/2007 Subject: Westfalia charging system
Question Hi Ron, I am restoring a 1974 Westy. I am adding a battery for auxiliaries. The van comes with an original 120 VAc to 13 VDC transformer. I would like to permanently connect it to the battery charging from the grid, however I am afraid it does not know when to shut off and could boil the battery.
Do you know if the original transformers were also intended as trickle chargers? Mine was not connected to the battery... only to the fridge.
Thanks,
Ben
Answer Hi Ben,
The original chargers came with a control panel that had a timer on it that you would turn and it would shut off the system. Next, it had a button next to it that would let you know the condition of the battery (Low vs. Charged).
You will need to get this control panel to do the job right.
