Date:         Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:57:35 -0700
Reply-To:     Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Advice request; 1986 Vanagon automatic
Comments: To: Art <awa0330@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <C14AC218F89D4FADABEE4F68837C02C5@Artwin>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

On Nov 25, 2011, at 5:12 PM, Art wrote:

> Hi all,
> 
> I’m not an experienced Vanagon owner...yet.  I’m investigating a 1986 Vanagon with 108,000 miles on it.  If I buy it, I’ll probably replace the fridge with an electric model from GoWesty. This unit has the built in stove and fridge.  My plan is to take a couple of months and simply travel around.  I have 3 questions that I’d love some help with;
> 
> It’s an automatic.  should I run like hell?  I haven’t found any serious warning signs on bogs or in research so far.
> 
> Many recommend upgrading from 14” wheels & tires to larger.  It’s a heck of an expense.  Any thoughts?
> 
> AC has been disconnected because it is barely adequate anyhow.  I seem to see that this is a condition of these units.  any solutions other than simply dealing with the lack of AC that makes sense?
> 
> Thanks in advance for your help!
> 
> Art.

I liked my '91 Westy w/automatic. Had it for 4years, '98 to '02. I live in mountainous region and learned to use the auto shifter to perform like a 4-speed. Great van. The A/C worked well so I kept it maintained. 

Makes summer traveling a lot more tolerable, with a lot less wind noise than the windows-down method of A/C. The tranny's are more robust than the manuals and much easier/simpler to take apart and repair.
You will probably notice a bigger power hit (deficit) with larger diameter wheels/tires, unless you just get 15" rims, with a tire that doesn't increase the overall diameter, like a Hakkapeliitta CS 205/65-15. The
VERY noticeable advantage of that is the dramatic improvement in overall stability ... corners, highway driving. If the van has reasonable shocks, the larger rims and much better tires will be worth the $$$
investment in my opinion. Much bigger tire selection when you to from 14" to either 15/16".

bob