Date:         Tue, 31 Aug 1999 15:29:11 -0700
Reply-To:     Christopher Fryer <cfryer@ADOBE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Christopher Fryer <cfryer@ADOBE.COM>
Subject:      Front end body repair for '83 and 1/2 Westy
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi,

I have a 83 and 1/2 Westy that I drove into the back of a Chevy conversion
van - specifically, the spare tire mounted on the rear doors.  The van nose
has the imprint of the tire, but did not break the windshield or the lights
(although they are now angled towards the sky).  The front end was pushed
in enough to where the shifter touches the dash (which is bent) while in
1st and 3rd, but does not limit the ability to shift.  The van still can be
driven.

The van has been sitting for a year now - I finally feel flush$ enough to
consider any repairs.  Does anyone have any advice concerning getting the
front nose replaced?  Should I use it for a parts van and purchase a Westy
that has a bad engine?

Brief history on the van.  New within the past 30k miles (all from prev
owner).  Clutch, heads, coolant hoses, brakes, water pump, cv joints,
alternator, tires...

It seems like it should be repairable, but one of the local VW dealerships
considered the van totaled (although I never recieved a written estimate).
If anyone has any experience with this or knows of any good VW bodyshops
within the Seattle limits please let me know.

Chris
83 Westy