Date:         Fri, 1 Sep 2000 10:21:51 -0700
Reply-To:     Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject:      '82 Adventurewagen to be dipsosed of (long)...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

If anyone is interested, I will be trying to sell or otherwise dispose
of my '82 Adventurewagen, either in the next two weeks or, if I still
have it, beginning again in late October (see below). At this point, I
don't have the time to devote to keeping it, what with storage,
maintenance, etc., and since I recently purchased an '87 Westfalia, the
'82 has become redundant. I no longer use it, and it just sits in my
office parking lot. It needs a good home.

My particular challenge is that I am leaving on my corporate sabbatical
in two weeks, and I haven't had time to get the van smogged, cleaned up
and waxed so that it's presentable. It is running great, but there is a
slight transmission or differential whine (although it shifts OK and
holds all gears).

It's major pluses are a) the engine, a virtually new 2.1L Mark Stephens
motor that makes about the same power as a later wbx, and b) the
Adventurewagen camping interior, which features teak trim, fluorescent
lighting, more storage than a Westfalia, a forced-air thermostatically
controlled propane furnace, stove, large refrigerator, 15 gal water
tank, gray water holding tank, and other amenities (all working) and c)
a recently rebuilt front suspension (all ball joints & control arm
bushings) and low mileage, correct Vanagon tires.

It's minuses are a) the tranny whine, b) general appearance (oxidized
paint, a little rust here and there, non-stock curtains, etc.), c) a
leaking skylight that has caused the stove/refrigerator cabinet to
absorb moisture, and d) a slight oil leak (looks like its coming from
the oil screen gasket on the bottom of the engine)

I am also including a left, 49-state heat exchanger and an "extractor"
-type exhaust system in addition to the stock California system
currently installed. If purchased by someone outside of California, the
rather inefficient and expensive to replace CA system could be
eliminated with these parts.

I don't have pictures available yet for the internet, but if anyone
thinks they might be interested, please let me know. This camper could
use a new lease on life. It has been very good to me, and has been all
over the Western U.S. and Canada (including Alaska). I still drive it
occasionally to keep the battery charged and lifters pressurized.

But I need to dispose of it soon. I have paid the insurance on it thru
December, and will attempt to get it smogged before I go on vacation.
Ideally, I would like it to go to a good home on the list where someone
can put some time and effort into its cosmetics. It really is a neat
camping package!

I'm thinking of asking around $3k, but will entertain serious offers.

I will be around until September 15th, and then returning on October
20th.

See below for details of the Adventurewagen:
***
1982 Vanagon L Adventurewagen camper.

High-top design, with standing room for 6'+ people
Sunroof that opens (similar to Westfalia design, but much simpler)
Teak interior wood trim
Brown interior (stock vanagon)
Folding platform makes a 2-person bed (could use a decent piece of foam
for a
mattress)
Second sliding platform above for 2-person bed, including mattress (can
sleep adults,
but getting into that space is better for kids)
12VDC/120VAC refrigerator
2-burner propane stove
Propane forced air furnace with thermostat controls in both the camping
area and in the
cab (furnace can be used while driving)
15 gallon water tank, electric inline pump.
Gray water holding tank with drain valve
Stainless steel sink with cutting board cover
Hanging clothes closet
Various drawers and cabinets for storage
Folding table with extra expansion leaf
Small table that attaches to dashboard for passenger
Passenger seat swivels 180 deg.
Additional storage above cab and above engine (below bed platform)
Fluorescent lighting in the ceiling panel, supplemented by tow
incandescent lamps.
Second deep-cycle battery under rear bench seat (discharged and may need

replacement)
Separate circuit for rear lighting and appliances
Battery isolator (currently not used, but there)


Mechanical:

Mark Stephens 2.1 liter air-cooled engine, less than 2K miles since
purchase
This is their "Stage Two Stroker" modified 2 liter that is designed for
more torque and
HP where the van can use it. Performance is significantly improved over
stock, 67hp
engine.
Rebuilt front suspension, including ball joints, upper and lower control
arm bushings.
Recent front brake pads, brakes in general work excellent.
Has the correct reinforced sidewall radial tires, handles well without
excessive lean

Other modifications:
Pull out Pioneer casette stereo, plus additional pull-out sleeve in rear
area so stereo can
be used in back. (this was before the era of inexpensive remote
controls)
Switch installed to manually switch between primary and secondary
battery

Condition:

In general, not bad for an almost 20-year old camper that has been to
Alaska and
back. Mechanically good. Paint is oxidized, and there is a small spot or
two of rust, but
not seam rust. The fiberglass top was repainted white several years ago.

The van runs well, shifts fine (although a bit stiffly until warmed up),
stops and generally
performs OK.

All the camping appliances work. The refrigerator gets cold, the stove
lights, the
furnace operates when you turn on the thermostat. All lighting works.
The water tank is
fine, but the electric water pump doesn't work correctly. This is a
generic item, easily
replaced.


Problem areas/deficiencies:

The sunroof leaks, most likely from the seal. This item may be a
standard item in RV
parts places, I don't know. But because it leaks, and from neglect,
water has gotten and
leaked onto the stove/refridgerator cabinet, causing the partical board
to absorb
moisture. This could be repaired or replaced.