Date:         Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:10:20 -0700
Reply-To:     Roland <syncronicity1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roland <syncronicity1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      List of mods that keep the Vanagon stock
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hello folks, kind of Frydey thing.  Earlier this week I saw a comment that
suggested that the highest value resale cars, including Vanagons, are those
which are stock, clean, everything works, and no visible or functional signs
of wear or damage.

So, I figured I'd surface a list of modifications or enhancements to a stock
Vanagon that are desirable, may even increase it's value, yet retain a view
by the buyer that it is a stock vehicle (in good repair, everything works,
etc.).  Yes, limited to the GLs, the same list of Westys might be way
different and longer.
- Vanagon syndrome dongle
- 15" wheels or larger with superior and qualified tires.
- Brighter headlights
- Transmission 3/4 slider repaired with new part
- New stereo / speakers.
- Tinted windows
- Steering wheel cover
- 3 point seat belts for the rear seat
- Cup holders in the rear
- Grab handle on drivers side
- WBX upgrade like GoWesty's

A couple of possibly controversial ones:
- jump seats in place of the middle seats.
- peace sign on rear window :)

Notice that engine conversion are absolutely not on the list, I think that
the buyer who will pay a premium for a stock Vanagon will see any engine
converion as a risk that reduces the price of the vehicle.

So, again, the purpose of the email is to see what is missing, what other
upgades from bone stock will retain the "stock" nature of a used Vanagon?
All comments welcome, I probably missed a few dozen items, hope to see some
good answers!

Roland