Date: Sat, 24 Oct 1998 09:09:32 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: Your Opinion: Vanagon or Late Model Bus Westy?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I've owned 12 different model years of VW vans from my first, a 66, to my
current 87 Syncro camper. I too have thought about which ones I would
consider owning again and it does seem like going back to simpler days would
be an improvement. For a 70's model I think that the 78 is the all around
best year. The hydraulic lifter type 4 is a sweet motor. I would rule out
anything before disc brakes so a 71 is ok if you must have a "bug" motor and
you like the round bumper look, but a 72 is a much better runner once you
take off the crappy "triple carb" setup and put on a set of small Webers or a
progressive.
The main thing that would keep me from going back is the air-cooled
heating system. It isn't just the lack of consistent heat( more up hills,
less down hills) that gets me. I hate the smell of burning oil and exhaust
fumes that are always coming through the heater vents. I know that by chasing
down all the oil leaks and putting in new heat exchangers, hoses, cables, and
control boxes this can be reduced but it is never gone. Other than that, a
70's model with a tuned up suspension would be a joy to own. Get the front
springs swapped side for side and the rear set back up to the proper height
and they ride pretty nice. Of course the steering box and brakes should be
gone through too. Come to think of it, if I could buy a new 78 or even a 77
or 76, I might just do it.
Mark Drillock
Marty Wallace wrote:
> Volks-
>
> I bought a 1984 Westy this year, and I think that it is a wonderful
> vehicle. I LOVE the (reasonably) powerful engine, the A/C, and the real
> heating system, but I can't help but yearn just a bit for a simpler (and
> cheaper!) air-cooled bus. I'm never in a hurry (especially when
> traveling), so I don't really care about the underpowered nature of a
> late model bus, but the lack of A/C and decent heating might get to me
> after awhile.
>
> Anyway, I'm finding myself actually considering selling my (just now
> getting into nice condition) 84 Westy and buying a restored (or
> restorable) 1970s era camper bus...
>
> What do you think? Would you trade the comfort and relative speediness
> of your Vanagon for the simplicity of a late model bus? Anyone feel like
> you would NEVER go back after owning a Vanagon? How about anyone with a
> bus who wouldn't own a Vanagon?
>
> I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts on this.
>
> Thanks,
> Marty Wallace, 1984 Westfalia "Heisenberg"
> (but, just maybe...a really fine example of a 1978 Westy someday...)
> Chico, California
>
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