Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2000 21:37:35 -0800
Reply-To: Zach Kaplan <zakaplan@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Zach Kaplan <zakaplan@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: LT
In-Reply-To: <200011270457.UAA16200@emu.prod.itd.earthlink.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
> Does anybody know if the LT28s came with one piece windshields? I saw
> pictures on this one ands I see a seam in the middle of the windshield.
>
> BenT
All the LTs came with one piece windshields though I do seem to recall
seeing a custom armoured money transport van based on one in a mid-1980s VW
catalogue that had a split windshield, probably for the bullet proof glass.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s Kenworth and Peterbuilt sold medium weight
trucks in the US that used LT cabs from VW do Brazil. I climbed up on one of
these outside a truck dealer back then and all the cab details where very VW
right down to the markings on the glass and the window winder cranks. I
don't know why they stopped selling them. I haven't seen one on the road for
five years or so.
I just learned some interesting news for LT fans. The Mercedes Sprinter van
which shares the same body and some mechanicals as the LT is going into
production at one of Freightliner's factories. Freightliner is owned by
Daimler-Chrysler. This full size Mercedes van will go under the Freightliner
Sprinter name and will compete directly with full size Ford and GM vans in
North America. It may also replace the Dodge B-series full size vans which
are being discontinued for the 2002 season. The Sprinter is expected to be
available in the second quarter of 2001. Apparently FedEx is already testing
them out in certain areas. The engines aren't finalised yet but the
information I read mentioned a Mercedes 5-cylinder turbo direct injection
diesel being used that would give it 21 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. It will
both be far more economical than a US full size van and hold more inside.
There will be cargo and passenger versions. There will also probably be some
American V-8 engines available. A minor revision was done to the Sprinter to
lengthen the engine compartment to allow for larger engines.
I think this is very exciting news. I've wanted to see European full size
vans attack the US market for some time and I've thought it would be a
natural for Freightliner to do it with Mercedes. Also the Dodge full size
van hadn't had a complete redesign since 1970 so it is good to see Daimler's
influence there in discontinuing this archaic vehicle and replacing it with
a modern European design. The factory in Canada that made the B-series van
will switch to producing a new SUV.
Zach Kaplan