Date:         Thu, 20 Feb 2003 08:27:46 -0800
Reply-To:     Leaf <chemistre@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Leaf <chemistre@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      FS: 1984 Vanagon Westfalia with "going - gone" Engine (Long)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Well, after several years of good service, I decided
that it is time to move on to a newer vehicle.  I
think this would be a great engine replacement project
for somebody who can either do the work themselves or
doesn't mind spending a little money.  I think the van
is well worth it (just look at how much I spent...)
Anyway, I was going to put a TDI in her, but since I
have to pay for the labor, it'll cost about the same
to get a whole new van with a rebuilt engine.  So…
she's up for sale.  Despite her problems, I think she
can still make it to just about anywhere in the
country before she needs serious attention.  Here is
what I've put in her since I bought her in Nov. of
2000 (I have all the receipts):

2000 Total - $2880 + misc.:
Regular oil changes ()
New O2 sensor, timing adjust and plugs ($118)
Replace fuel hoses, seals and gaskets ($235)
From Bus Depot ($360)
-Complete new exhaust
-4 new bumper end caps
-fuse box cover
8 new speakers, alarm, remote keyless entry ($1000) -
I already had the stereo, bass tube and 6 disk changer
from previous vehicle (I might remove this and put it
in the new van depending on offer amount)
Exhaust install labor, gaskets ($544) - I got ripped
off I think, but the bolts were really stuck on there!
New ball joints and something I can't make out on the
receipt (some kind of bar) ($927)
From Bus Depot ($140)
-Rear hatch struts
-Mud flaps (might remove)
-sun visor clips
Seats from an 1985 with non-adjustable arm rests
($100) from BenT.
Used parts (no receipt): New steering wheel, rear view
mirror

2001 Total - $5266 + misc.:
Regular oil changes ()
From Bus Depot ($238)
-New side view mirrors
-Rear impact strip (plus mounting clips)
-Front pillar mouldings
-Pop top, flat and luggage seal
-Dual battery kit (not installed)
Full Bulley Insulation (except front doors) - About a
month of labor and I can't find the receipts for the
NASA Insulation, the dynamat stuff I used (B-Quiet
maybe?), the cool-seal, expanding foam, or the
household insulation...
New heater core, distributer cap, wires, vacuum hoses,
pcu hoses ($321)
New complete front and rear breaks, head gaskets,
front axle seals, radiator, oxy sensor, spark plugs,
rotor, rear heater core and valve ($2457)
Window tint all around (except front) ($200)
Instrument cluster with tach, rewired ($387)
New clutch, throw out bearing, flywheel (used) ($593)
Coolant hoses, rebuilt starter ($324)
Fiamma Bike Rack (I'll probably remove) ($253)
New fuel hose, oil change ($80)
Deluxe Dash console (with fold out table) ($83)
Rebuilt Alternator ($304)
Water pump, Thermostat ($26)

2003 Total - $81 + misc.:
Regular oil changes ()
Misc. repairs
New skylight ($81)

Whew… well that's a good start.  As can be seen I
really planned to keep this van forever.  Oh yeah, I
also bought new tires in 2001, but I can't find the
receipt.  They're from Les Schwab, larger than stock
and cost about $450 for the set of four. So total
invested not counting the cost of the van itself is
over $8700 in the last two and a half years.  The
mileage is about 160k, but the instrument cluster with
the tach had higher mileage so it says 215k.

Here's the bad stuff:
Some dents and scrapes (it is an '84)
!!The engine needs to be replaced!!  I still drive her
about 1600 miles a month to see my girlfriend in Ca,
and she runs really strong, but it's on it's way out.
The bolt holding the pulley to the crankshaft is
stripped out.  It's JB Welded in there (by mechanic
recommendation) and is holding strong.
The heads are also leaking (again).  I have a new
rebuilt pair of heads I bought to fix her up.  Then I
found out about the bolt.  So I'll throw them in if I
get my asking price.
There's a small tear in the rear bench seat.  About
2.5 inches :)
Oh yeah, of course the sliding door handle is broken
off.  I've gone through three and then quit buying
them!
When I did the sound insulation, I put the cool-seal
(which was supposed to dry hard) all over the back, so
now I have to lay a plastic sheet down between it and
the rear cushion when it's hot.  It's also covering
the engine lid.  Not a biggie, but some people (me)
are real particular and it's kind of bothered me.

I think that's all.  Thanks to all who are still
reading this :)  I'm asking $4550 with everything
except the stereo (just found out the new van's stereo
is being removed), $4000 with alarm (+ keyless entry),
bike rack and mud flaps removed.  I'm also open to
offers…  The van is located in Eugene, OR.  Pictures
are available upon request.

Best,
Leaf~




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