Date:         Mon, 5 Oct 1998 12:49:52 -0500
Reply-To:     David Chasteen <dchaz@GTE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         David Chasteen <dchaz@GTE.NET>
Subject:      '85 Vanagon tips
Comments: To: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I am looking at a 1985 Vanagon Westy, approx. 98k miles.  Body is in good
shape with only one ding on the rear hatch and a missing cover for the
outside power plug.  Everything seems to be in good order with the exception
of the sink faucet. (CO replaced a broken one with a sink spray nozzle and a
switch)  No tell-tale signs of leaking antifreeze, but when I looked at it,
the coolant overflow tank was dry.  Engine is really dirty, but this is West
Texas and dust is our thing.  Interior is in great shape, and the A/C blows
cold.  I haven't had time to test drive it yet.

Is there anything special I need to know about the 85's?  I read all the
posts about leaking heads, etc. and I am a little gun-shy about a
water-cooled.  Too many years driving air-cooled VW's I guess.  I would
really love to "upgrade" to a newer Vanagon with heat and A/C, but I'm
concerned about the cost of repairs.

The guy (2nd owner) is only asking $4k for it.  What should I look for?

TIA for the help.

Chaz
'82 Westy Peewee
Brownfield, Texas