----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2000 =
9:13 PM
Subject: 87 and 86 Westy Buying =
advice?
I'm new to the VW Vanagon experience, =
but
completely hooked. Wife and I are ready to move up from tent camping =
and have
no desire for full size (ford/chevy) conversions. My wife is German =
and I
admire German engineering (being an engineer myself). I have looked at =
a
couple of Westys and know that is what I am looking for. Currently I =
have an
86 and 87 Westy (2WD) that I am going to have to drive 300 miles =
to
inspect. I am told everything works and the engines are in working =
order. They
are both at about the 100K mark.
Any major items I should =
watch out for
with these years? Should I find a local shop to give me a compression =
and leak
down test (possibly a cooling system check also?) Is rust a major =
concern?
Where should I look?Should I consider a blown engine van a do a =
rebuild or a
different (Subaru?) engine? Is there a way to check clutch or
tranny?
I realize this is a lot to ask, =
but I
know this group consists of the experts, and I want to be as =
educated as
possible before purchase. Thanks in advance for =
advice.
Also, any experience pulling a =
1000 pound
trailer with a Vanagon?