Date:         Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:42:55 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Hi and newby question
Comments: To: "Peters, David Gerard" <dgp6@PITT.EDU>
In-Reply-To:  <53EB31D4-C1C9-4DE2-86DC-AA41010236C3@pitt.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

  Dave, Welcome aboard!!

Not to knock the aircooled vehicles, but ALL the Vanagons are getting
quite old, and the aircooled engines were superceded byt the newer WBX,
and although they haven't been wonderful exactly, you would be miles
ahead( imho) to get a vehicle with the WBX - preferably the 2.1L. Having
the watercooled engine gives you a leg up from the getgo should you
decide in the fullness of time to upgrade to a late model engine - ie
one of the TDI types or a Suburu engine or a Zetec. Tring to go from air
cooled to one of these is a serious challenge. I'm sure some of those
with Westy's or who have done conversions can/will weigh in here and
provide specifics.

Again, welcome aboard.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com


On 7/26/2010 2:44 PM, Peters, David Gerard wrote:
> Hi All
>
> Just discovered this list.  Excellent stuff!!
>
> I am a newby to Vanagons.  Being a Brit I have owned Land Rovers and unreliable English sports cars (all rough).
>
> I am now living in Pittsburgh and have been looking endlessly for a Westy nearby.  I was hoping for a late model full camper with a 2.1 engine but have seen a 1983 model nearby.  It is described as being in good condition and has had replacement engine and clutch although neither went in recently (50k miles ago).
>
> Can anybody advise as to a sensible price range?  What should I be looking out for when I view it?
>
> Thanks
>
> Dave
>