Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:12:09 -0400
Reply-To: Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: List of mods that keep the Vanagon stock
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
- Mudflaps all around
- Synco 4WD conversion
- Add power steering
- Add power mirrors
- Add power doorlocks
- Add power windows
- Add rear wiper/ washer
- Add rear hatch deflector
- Add pop-top assist
- Add roof/ canoe rack
- Add rear spare-tire carrier
- Add bully-bars front and rear
- Add alarm system
- Add auto-start
- Add additional propane tank
- Add gray-water tank
- Porta-potty
- Add rear hatch tent with sun shower
- Add propane heater vented to outside
- Add canopy/ awning
- Add door window screens
- Add air conditioning
- Add auxiliary battery/ relay
- Add LED lighting
- Add passenger door map pocket
- Add laptop front table
- Add rear view camera
- Add large inverter hard-wired to aux battery
- Add memory-foam mattress topper
- Add BZ shelf
- Add stove grill
- Add fog-lights
- Add extra/ louder horns
- Add solar
- Add canvas rainfly
- Add skylight vent fan
- Add rear hatch-lock extender
Anything I've missed?
Mike B.
----- Original Message -----
From: Roland
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 12:10 PM
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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