Date:         Wed, 16 Oct 2002 16:32:48 -0400
Reply-To:     "Fitz-Randolph, Douglas" <Doug@BEACONTEL.TV>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Fitz-Randolph, Douglas" <Doug@BEACONTEL.TV>
Subject:      Question about engine carriers - 4WD v. 2WD - Fast Forward kit
Content-Type: text/plain

Hi all. Step for a moment, if you will, slightly outside the realm of things
that are strictly realistic and sensible. OK, good. I've been contemplating
the differences between the syncro and the 2WD vanagons, sort of wondering
how feasible it would be to convert a 2WD vehicle (single cab) to a syncro,
having access to a completely intact (except for the engine), rusty syncro
sitting in the yard. Among the numerous differences between the two is the
height of the drivetrain with respect to the body - the syncro engine
carrier bar is a few inches taller than the 2WD version, thus putting the
body a few inches higher on the syncro than on the 2WD. My 2WD has an inline
4-cylinder with the Fast Forward conversion kit - I'm wondering if these
kits are supplied with different carrier bars for 2WD vs. 4WD versions, or
if there is some sort of spacer used for the 4WD application. Also,
wondering if these carrier bars are sold individually, or if there are
sources for "upright" engine mounting hardware aside from Fast Forward,
which is in another country, 4,000 miles away. Or, if people have ever had
carrier bars fabricated locally.

Thanks,
Doug Fitz-Randolph
Freeport, ME