Date:         Wed, 5 May 2004 11:25:22 -0600
Reply-To:     stucco <stucco@INSANEPURSUITS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         stucco <stucco@INSANEPURSUITS.COM>
Subject:      Vanagon for sale - Colorado
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi all,
 
It's a sad day in my world, as my Vanagon is no longer suitable as a daily driver.  
It is a 1987 Vanagon Wolfsburg Weekender in Vesuve grey.  I bought this in 1996, as I recall and it had already had the cylinder heads replaced (they were the AMC(?) brand variety).  That lasted until 186K and then the ECM failed and caused (or illustrated) a problem with the engine.  So I paid the cash and had a new AVP engine installed.  $4500 later, I got through the warranty period and started having cooling problems stemming from exhaust (vapor) gas getting into the cooling system.  I'd park on a hill, and burp the system and keep going, but it'd spill coolant out over the reservoir as this developed.  I tried tightening the torque on the heads, and that slowed the problem, but it remains.  Now it's got an oil leak from somewhere (possibly the plug).  
 
There are lots of trivial details that follow the same direction, but the core problem is that I don't have the time or patience to keep up with my van anymore, and would feel better if I could help out another Vanagon fan with parts or a new project.  The AVP engine has 20K miles on it, and I don't know the extent of the problem(s).  I'd recently replaced the windshield, alternator,  and ECM, and engine aside, it is in pretty good shape for it's age (little seam rust, and a small dent behind the sliding door).  It has the alloy wheels (minus the plastic center caps- what won't people steal?), and overhead AC setup (which doesn't work- all the hoses rubbed together and got holes).  This is a four speed, and the transmission should be fine- when the engine was replaced at 186K, a new clutch kit (pressure plate, throwout bearing, etc.) was installed. 
 
So I don't expect it's worth much, but it does still drive (you wouldn't need to tow it if you are in my area).  I was going to call my mechanic- Blaser Auto (Vanagon specialist in town) and see what the collection of parts was worth to him, but I though I'd check to see if anyone on the list wanted first crack at it.   I don't have a minimum price in mind, so I'll go with the best offer.  I have pictures somewhere, but could take more if I can't quickly find them.  So let me sum up:
 
1987 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Weekender (fold out bed arrangement with backwards seats and table)
205K Miles
4 Speed
Vesuve Grey
Parker Colorado area (Denver suburb)
Runs, but not without extra effort as described
Best offer.
 
I'm happy to answer any questions, and thanks to all.  
 
Scott Paddock
stucco@insanepursuits.com