Vanagon EuroVan
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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.


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