Date:         Fri, 14 May 2010 15:12:04 -0400
Reply-To:     Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Advise on Syncro purchase
Comments: To: colorworks@gci.net
In-Reply-To:  <7D774D22991640F084F930724295A426@troyb5bff49d63>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Sounds like you have a pretty nice van already (I like the Subie -- I've got
an I4 in the back of my 84 Westy). Rust is a killer -- gotta ask yourself if
a Syncro is a 'got to have' or 'be nice to have'. And are you willing to
take on another project (including an eventual engine conversion) or do you
want to enjoy driving and camping in the van you have??

Cheers,
Doug

On Fri, May 14, 2010 at 12:54 PM, Troy <colorworks@gci.net> wrote:

> Hi folks:
>
> I'm contemplating the purchase of an 87 syncro Westy. Interior is super
> clean, mechanically in pretty decent shape, but has some body damage and
> rust. The biggest culprit is the utility panel or panel that has the utility
> hookups. I'm sure it will need to be replaced, but I have a replacement
> panel. I know that I can buy new rear quarter panels, and this van also
> needs a rear panel. Underbody is decent, no wheel well rot or sliding door
> rust at the base. Price is about $11,000 and the van is basically stock, not
> even a second auxiliary battery. So, I'm torn. I have an 89 with a Subaru
> conversion (2wd) and also have the Peloquin torque biasing differential. I
> still need to do a little bit of work on my interior panels, replace the pop
> top canvas and would like to upgrade my coolant lines, but she's almost
> done. I say that because I have a pretty good feel for what these vans take
> at this point to get them running and reliable.
>
> I have not delved that much into bodywork, although I have done some in the
> past. I can operate a Mig welder and have compressors, grinders,
> sanders,etc. So, just looking for advice from the list if I should grab this
> syncro or wait for something else. They are few and far between in really
> good condition, and typically start about 20,000 for good ones. I generally
> would tell people to stay away from anything with rust as anything
> mechanical can be fixed. Rust has a nasty tendency of showing up later, even
> once repared. I know my 89 is starting to show seam rust (previously
> repaired).
>
> What's your take?
>
> Troy
>



--
http://www.dougalcock.com