Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:35:39 -0700
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      1985 syncro spotted and examined
Comments: cc: Syncro@yahoogroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi,

I don't know if the owner of this syncro is on the list(s), and I don't think he will mind me posting a quick note of our meeting. He lives just down the road from me and we met today and looked at his van. It is am '85 syncro, yes, not a typo, bought from David Marshall. So it is a private import and quite interesting. 

To me, it looks like a basic model converted (mosaik kit) to a pop top. It was very interesting to see the mosaik upper bunk arrangement - the raised hinge and two part folding out section. It has a 1.9 T diesel in upright position, a raised rear bed and the Riemo(?) modified hinges to allow the lower bunk to unfold to a height equal to the raised rear. No sliding windows and late model rear windows installed (still has functioning front door vents so the rear windows are not original).

Has locking front diff. Fuse panel is old style (ceramic fuses), had at one time the Webasto engine/compartment heater, no power steering, big old plain steering wheel, 16" steelies with big assed Fulda tires. Factory skid plate instead of spare clamshell. Headlight levelling adjustment knob on dash (not confirmed if headlight buckets have the adjusters).

Body needs a little work, but overall not bad. 

It is a very cool vanagon, lots to learn from it.

alistair