Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:20:40 +0000
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Spring advice
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6nc6H2pCrw_SHXvEDrhyHehf0Rd3FUsGUskNcXdv+7Fcg@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I deleted "Z-Bed" and heavy seats when I built my own camper setup in my Tintop. Used lightweight plywood and foam and a few custom brackets. No heavy propane tank either in favor of a lightweight Butane stove which works inside or outside. Plastic Ice Chest, that's all I have needed. Seriously, I think my Vanagon is one of the lightest out there. With Subie EJ22 motor, I get 22.2 MPG all day long, but I don't run it hard.
On Monday, April 19, 2021, 9:09:53 AM PDT, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
The difference of height between a tintop and a camper version is due to the weight of the pop top, the cabinets and the sink. Even a weekender version (poptop, no cabinet) sits a bit lower than the tintop, not counting the tendency of leaning a bit on the driver side. I used to own an 85 tintop and an 85 weekender.
On Mon, Apr 19, 2021 at 9:00 AM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Ha-ha!! Mine is an '85 Tintop, totally stock. Made it to #3 on the list. Makes me feel "studly". The 16" GoWesty alloys and tires was a real game changer in terms of driving performance, I've got to admit. Even more "studly".
On Monday, April 19, 2021, 8:44:10 AM PDT, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
Since we own different versions of vanagon in the family, I can confirm the
following by order of highest suspension height (unmodified OEM equipment):
1. Syncro tintop
2. Syncro camper
3. 1985 tintop
4. 1985 camper
5. 1986 and later tintop GL
6. 1986 and later GL camper
7. 1986 and later Carat or multivan
btw, last year we put on my son's 1988 GL tintop a set of Schwenk springs
and Koni classic red shocks. He's very happy with it... comfort, ride
height and road handling. The set up brings his GL tintop a bit higher than
an 85 but lower than a Syncro tintop - maybe same as a Syncro camper.
On Mon, Apr 19, 2021 at 7:10 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> Hi Jeff,
>
> Just catching up to your messages. I wish I could get them to stop going
> to junk! I don’t consider your messages junk!
>
> I think I read in several places that the earlier vans were higher and 85
> the stock hight the highest. I would recommend not going any higher. Same
> hight or if trying to get into more garages easily even a bit lower.
>
> When my van came back with .5 inch higher wheels. Dennis careful
> drove it into my garage for a test fit. Last time I had a inch. This time
> new garage doors and seals and more hight on the van.
>
> It made it in but the foam seal kissed the van top as it went in!
>
> So, hight is ok but our 85’s are already tall!
>
> I ended up keeping my stock springs as they were in good shaped still
> doing a good job.
>
> With unlimited dollars I would have updated but in the end I could not be
> happier with ride and handling.
>
> I would have to speak highly for bigger wheels and though I thought 17
> was a bit much I’m happy I went with them.
>
> My second choice would have been 16 and as close to stock look as
> possible.
>
> Instead I apparently have bling.
>
> Eric Caron
>
| 
