Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:09:37 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Buying a Van
In-Reply-To: <2796452C-8EEC-400C-A534-1ED0DD41F9F6@verizon.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
My opinion - stay out of the aircooled versions, unless you like
projects or are willing to upgrade to a modern water cooled engine. I
don't dislike the aircooled versions, it's just the engines are such old
technology. Lots of better stuff around these days. Same vehicle, just
newer engines, not so problematic.
John
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com
On 4/13/2011 10:55 PM, Daniel Rotblatt wrote:
> Hi all. I'm new here, just now shopping for a vanagon westfalia. I
> was wondering if I could get some input on some vans available in the
> area that I'm interested in. I'll be looking at them this coming week
> and wanted to get some input as to what to look for. I'll modify any
> info I get with the condition of the car as i see it - especially
> rust (which I know is a real issue). I've done a lot of reading and
> I am mechanically inclined - I've just finished rebuilding a 1966
> triumph spitfire, and I had a '67 split window van (with the mini-pop
> top) back in the day. $5k is my top dollar or i would go for an
> '86-91 model.
>
> The first van is a 1982 diesel with a gas jetta engine from the
> nineties (1.8 or 1.9 liter I believe). I know to look to see if the
> transaxle (or is it a transmission in these?) is from a later model
> cause the diesel ones are geared differently and the 1980-83
> transaxle aren't very good. Second I will check the compression on
> the engine and look at the plugs to see how worn it is. The
> advantage of this van is that the engine is more powerful and there
> is no smog check (I'm in california - smog checks are a b**ch). They
> want $5k.
>
> The second is a '85, some body dents in front and a few dings, 1.9
> water cooled engine. Also $5K. It's a westy top and weekender
> inside, which I like (wider bed, dont need the stove - I set up a
> table with a stove when I camp - fridge might be nice). Advantage to
> this one is that he has a second 1.9 engine which he says is in
> running shape. Also, his other car broke down the other day and he's
> using it as a daily driver - which I think indicates some level of
> reliability.
>
> Anything else specific to look for when I look at them?
>
> Thanks all, I appreciate any input. I'm leaning towards the '82 - I
> like the idea of no smog.
>
> Dan
> Los Angeles, CA
>
>
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