Date:         Fri, 16 Nov 2001 14:02:31 -0500
Reply-To:     Kitzmann <kitzmann@EXIS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kitzmann <kitzmann@EXIS.NET>
Subject:      Re: Caveat Emptor, or: So You're Buying a Vanagon?
In-Reply-To:  <200111161611.fAGGBuf20102@marlin.exis.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

As a VW guy you already know about rust (seems to like the panel right
infront of the rear wheels).  That said the things that have bit me are as
follows.

1. poor repaint on sliding door and some panels on that side after having
minor damage repaired, but I was never told of.  Found out about this
several months after buying when the paint started falling off.  The color
(white) didn't help show the respray.  Magnets still stuck to all the
panels since the amount of fill was minor.  Recommend getting a paint
thickness gauge and checking all panels this way.  Also found that the
panel infront of the rear wheels behind the sliding door allows water to
get up behind it.  Seems the seam there got opened by this accident.  I
also saw trouble at this spot on the Syncro I had, but water was being
trapped behind the rubber door stop at the bottom.  This had rusted out the
seam and allowed water into the space behind.

2.  Wiring was strange in places.  The temp switchs on the radiator were
reversed which never turned the low speed side of the fan on.  Pull
everything off and see if any funny business has been done in those dark
recesses.

3.  Head leaks, like everyone else on the list who has bought a used
Vanagon, I had to worry about this.  Make sure they used phosphate free
coolant!!!  Otherwise you could wakeup to puddles under your new vehicle.

Hope that helps
Dave K.


>Well, I've finally saved up what I hope is enough money to close the deal,
and
>am soon to meet the (owners of the) van of my dreams tomorrow.  87 Westy,
2WD.
>1 owner -- a retired couple.  Good body, seemingly solid drivetrain, nice
>interior.  Even the fridge works!  This van is relatively has relatively low
>mileage, for better or worse; I think it's been sitting (save periodic
>driveway reshuffling) for about 3 years.  And to think: not 2 blocks from my
>apartment, all the while!
>
>What should I look out for that wouldn't be obvious to the uninitiated?
I'm a
>lifetime VW guy, but have never owned a vanagon - nevermind a westy - and I'm
>sure there a dozen little (or big?) things I should have on the checklist,
but
>just don't know about.
>
>All advice, admonishment, encouragement and empiric wisdom appreciated!
>
>-Isaac in Cambridge
>