Date: Sat, 22 May 2010 22:16:34 -0700
Reply-To: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: All engines have issues...
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTilUnj1JvfwrzI1PDd0U2ID7wGRMK0q1whqnF0ik@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
dear newbie
speculating from my couch while looking at an internet picture i suggest
several things
1. unless you are a really skilled unemotional buyer who can look at all
issues of a new to you used vehicle in the cold light of economic reality
... hire someone to help you shop
2. there appears to be lots of fresh paint on the vehicle you sent the link
for but not over the whole vehicle ... what was repaired ... why and how
well ..
3. motor is only part of the equation ... cooling system ... electrics ...
steering ... interior heater ... upholstery... interior trim ... seals on
transmission and cv joints ... rubber on pop... top luggage rack ... windows
... doors
4. how well can you keep a vehicle ...
note there are shops who will not work on a vanagon that has undergone an
engine conversion ... even if it is a vw engine ... and there are shops who
love to work on them ...
5. always keep in mind that you are purchasing a vehicle that is well past
the "best years" according to the people who like to make us feel inadequate
with page after page of new car advertisements in the local news ...
that purchase will cause you to be reaching into your pocket for repairs or
getting into the coveralls to do stuff often ...and one should always be
ready to either learn or pay to have it doen ... a combination often wors
best
good luck
yours
On Sat, May 22, 2010 at 11:18 AM, Peter K <bybike@gmail.com> wrote:
> I read that line in the Frydae thread about what every vanagon owner should
> know (the Truth About...) and wanted to explore the idea. Please correct
> anything I have wrong (remember, I'm a total newbie who's looking to take
> that first leap off the cliff) and offer you're opinions/comments/thoughts.
>
> I know the common alternatives to original engines are either Subaru (I
> gather there are a few different models) or the Ford Zetec (with Bostic
> being "the" conversion kit of choice for the Zetec). And I can see the
> merits of a newer, more powerful engine. I also see the costs, I'm hoping
> to
> avoid that for a year-one project... so I've been looking for good sturdy
> bodies that have also been cared for mechanically.
>
> One that I came across (and will visit on Monday) is an '83 wasserboxer
> that
> has had a 1.8L Golf engine put in. The current owner is the mechanic who
> owned/ran Lorne Park Car Centre here in Toronto until he retired after 33
> years. He has had the Westy for 11 years, so I would expect the Golf engine
> to be around 98-99 and probably from a Mk3 version of the Golf. I would
> also
> think he knows enough to keep his own vehicle reasonably well : )
>
> Obvious body etc are top of the list, I'm curious if a bus with this engine
> is a good candidate or if it puts me on the fast-path to replacing it?
>
> http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-minivans-vans-1983-Volkswagon-Westfalia-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ201230065
>
>
> --
> /Peter K
> > You can find me at http://studiofstop.com
>
--
roger w
From Proverbs:
Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a
servant who becomes king ...
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