Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:06:39 -0700
Reply-To: Daniel Rotblatt <d.rotblatt@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Daniel Rotblatt <d.rotblatt@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: Buying a Van - New Question
In-Reply-To: <2796452C-8EEC-400C-A534-1ED0DD41F9F6@verizon.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
The '85 that I looked at has a pretty good tub, interior, etc. The
main problem is that the stick shift bushing is deteriorating so it's
loose at the bottom of the stick shift (under the rubber boot). As a
result, it's nearly impossible to shift - they guy says that Go Westy
has a bushing kit for about $100 - which is fine, I can replace the
bushing. Problem is there is no way to tell if the transmission is
good...when I drove it, I could get it into 1st and 2nd, but not 3rd
or 4th (he could though). There was a slight gear grind as it went
into one of the two each time - I don't thing a loose bushing would
cause this. I would think that as long as the clutch is in it should
slip in and out of gear smoothly regardless of the play in the stick
shift. I want to be able to travel this summer, don't want to be
switching out a tranny - which I figure would cost about $1000.
In addition, the car is missing the air conditioning compressor - just
the two disconnected lines sitting on top of the engine.
He has reduced the price to $4000. I could probably get him to sell
for $3500. Thoughts?
Thanks for the input -
Dan
L.A.
Pre-Vanagon owner
P.S. - FYI, the '82 with jetta engine was a real project, lots of
surface beach rust - didn't want to touch it.
On Apr 13, 2011, at 8:55 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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