Date:         Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:35:32 -0700
Reply-To:     Roland <syncronicity1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roland <syncronicity1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: FW: List of mods that keep the Vanagon stock
In-Reply-To:  <2840355301D23642BE0E800424DC148709374A65@CAWSTEXC31.ca.kworld.kpmg.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

James,

The main path I am aware of is the GoWesty parts:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3218.  They have both a left
and right side, can't recall all the different options they have.  Of course
there are certainly other solutions, perhaps some that people can do by
themselves for less dollars, just this is the only one I ever came across.

Roland


On Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 11:40 AM, Costello, James L <jlcostello@kpmg.ca>wrote:

>
>  Hey Roland,
>
> I have a question for you.  I recently purchased a new (hah) 1981
> Vanagon, and I would definitely like to see 3 point seat belts in the
> back.  How would you construct these and still have the functionality of
> the bed?
>
> Thanks!!!
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Roland
> Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 10:10 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: List of mods that keep the Vanagon stock
>
> 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
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