Date:         Thu, 13 May 2010 09:51:31 -0700
Reply-To:     Peter DiFalco <peter.difalco@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Peter DiFalco <peter.difalco@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Need Reassurance on 82 Westy
In-Reply-To:  <COL121-W32168EFAB9E9F2EF232C75AAFC0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

The mechanic sounds like a rear end in a top hat, or else you purchased a
vehicle that has been abused and neglected and is thus in need of an engine,
a transmission and who knows what else to add up to $6500.  Get a second
opinion from someone; you can find mechanics that have been reviewed by
other VW folks at http://www.roadhaus.com/shops.php.

An air-cooled Vanagon will be better than your bus in many ways, but you
will find that parts are more expensive and harder to come by, sometimes.
Don't let that stop you. It's true that CA smog laws will prevent you from
doing some engine swaps and you'll have to make sure to carefully get things
tuned, leaks plugged, exhaust sorted, but it'll be worth it.

-Peter

On Thu, May 13, 2010 at 7:31 AM, cesar quiros <cesarquiros@hotmail.com>wrote:

> I just purchased a 82 (coming from my 72 Bus) figured air cooled was the
> way to go, less part to get screwed was my theory. I will be needing a new
> engine and was told by a reputable VW mechanic that I pretty much bought the
> worst years for the Vanagon. The air cooled ones are the worst and I should
> sell it and buy and watercooled. That he can do the rebuild but will cost
> about $6500 to get is squared away and even then dont expect the Vanagon to
> last long, plus the Cali smog is herendous.
>
>
>
> So I guess I dont really have a question, I just want to hear that it will
> all be ok, or is this guy right?!?! My 72 runs great and drive it camping
> everywhere, up and down hills no problems, cruises at 70 mph, and is teh
> same base engine as the 82 so dont know what to think. Figured I was finally
> able to afford my Popo Top and will be keeping it for life to take teh
> family camping, with a new baby I needed the room.
>
>
> Oh and does anyone know of any good places to go for a rebuilt engine that
> wont rip me off and do a good job in San Diego.
>
> Thanks for any thoughts.
>
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