Date:         Fri, 15 Apr 2005 17:44:24 -0700
Reply-To:     Aleksandr Milewski <n6mod@MILEWSKI.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Aleksandr Milewski <n6mod@MILEWSKI.ORG>
Subject:      Re: Convert GL to Westy? - add Syncro to a Westy!
Comments: To: Sam Walters <sam.cooks@verizon.net>
In-Reply-To:  <426004A9.40201@verizon.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-15; format=flowed

Sam Walters wrote:
> Z,
>
> Another thought is to put the Syncro parts onto a GL or a Westy.  There
> doesn't seem to be much point in putting the Syncro parts on a GL unless
> you find a Syncro with a blown engine and a rusty body.

Like the $2k Syncro Jeffery just advertised, for instance. (which isn't
even rusty, just running on 3 cylinders at the moment) Syncros don't
seem to be that expensive.

> But if you can
> find a good Westy, you can put the Syncro parts on it.

I had (it seems foolishly) assumed that would be more work, by rather a
lot. But, that was before I read the link Alistair provided. I had no
idea there was that much sheetmetal difference between a Westy and a
passenger van.

> For a summary of how to do this check out the Syncro@yahoogroups.com
> list and check the files section where there is a file with several
> posts from Larry Hamm who Syncroized an 81 Westy.  It also has a Subie
> engine in it IIRC.  The folder has my name on it because I pulled the
> files from the archives and posted them with Larry's consent.

I'll do that...the files section is members only, so I'm waiting for
moderator approval.

> I think pulling and the installing the cabinets, plumbing and wiring
> from a Westy into a GL might be more work than you are thinking it is.
> Not that it is impossible, but just that it is not a minimal job.

I didn't think it was minimal, I just thought it was easier than moving
the running gear. It could be $10k worth of pain and I'd still come out
ahead of buying a Syncro Westy. This approach could also leave me with
enough parts to make a 2WD passenger van as well, something that can't
be said of the amount of hacking required to move the pop-top. (Unless I
wanted an open-air bus)

-Z