Date:         Tue, 27 Sep 2005 18:12:37 -0400
Reply-To:     Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: To Buy or not to Buy? 86 Vanagon Westfalia

It is a 85. The short sliding door handle is 85. Now determin if it is a
late 85. See if it has plastic cooling tubes that go to the radiater.Also
see if it has cast iorn lower control arms(very desirable). The brown paint
will buff out real nice. The oxidation protects it.Because it is brown,
better recheck for seam rust along the driver side rocker area. The price
it too much though, but if it is calling to you, maybe you are in trouble.
I guess the coolant has been replaced, but I check a vanagon by using a
antifreeze tester. If the coolant is alot less thatn 50/50, I would suspect
a head gasket leak. The owner had then just topped the tank off with water,
repededly, till the coolant is diluted.Check the canvas by opening the
top.Check the power steering fluid level. Ask if it has needed toping off
recently.This van is at the point where it will need many new parts.Expect
to spend about $1000 on it to get it into inspected. Then you will keep
spending , and spending. There is help somewhere on the list that goes over
all the things to do to a new vanagon to get it into shape, once you buy
it.  I would use these things to negotiate a lower price. I would buy a
california vanagon on ebay. It comes with a vacation.