Date:         Tue, 14 Apr 1998 16:16:21 EDT
Reply-To:     GMBulley <GMBulley@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         GMBulley <GMBulley@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Body stiffness in Bus/early vanagon/late vanagon
Comments: To: pdooley@GTE.NET, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 98-04-14 16:04:30 EDT, pdooley@GTE.NET writes:

<< hit a few hard bumps and it will, or twist the body jacking it.  Actually,
 these vans are pretty stiff, but you otta see the early watercooled VW's
 bend over a floor jack. >>

Mr.Bulley wants a 1980-91 Westy, and his lovely wife loves her 1976 Bus.

However one of the few things that I *DO* like about her bus is the thickness
of the metal/sturdiness of the body. It is a rock. The Westys we have driven
(1986-1990's) were comparably lacking in this department. "Tinny" when you
close the sliding door, rattly and creaky over bumps and twists.

Were the earlier air cooled westys sturdier/thicker metal? Any guidance would
be appreciated, as I want to make a purchase this summer, and need to focus on
what year models are appropriate for my desires/needs. The air cooled ones are
looking very attractive. Is this one more reason to consider?

gracias,

gmbulley
cary, nc
mostly cloudy, 62 degrees