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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15144
Location: Syracuse, NY
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 Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 11:09 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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not so much a whine.. just that this is back out on the market..
with a different user log in? new owner?
old thread and conversation: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=641456
new ad: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1864834
| Quote: |
87 Custom Camper Westfalia interior Price: 12500
Here is a very long but detailed post about this Vanagon. If you're going to spend this much money, I figure you'll want to know the whole deal, so here it is. Read it through. It should answer all of your questions, but feel free to call or write. 
1987 Vanagon Full Camper, water cooled 2.1 liter, manual stick shift, cruise control that is solid mechanically and cosmetically. Home grown West Coast Vanagon with Westfalia interior, with no rust!! This adds tremendous value. This is not your typical Westfalia as you can see. It has the potential to "go big". The hard work as been done and it looks great. Here's the story...
Completing the conversion:
This is a very fine example of a nice Vanagon that can be enjoyed as it is or can be finished off with a poptop or turned into a high top camper. There are a number of choices if you wish to go that route. Westfalia, ASI, Country Homes, Joker, CanadianHighTops, and others offer a variety of choices. There is friend of mine who had an ASI Riviera top for sale here in Santa Barbara. He was selling it for $650 with the tent, but I believe that he sold it. There is another man in Seattle who for sure has an ASI top for sale with a brand new blue tent for $1000 and he said that he'd help mount it. . ..which is very easy to do. Almost anyone with some basic skills can do it. There's also a man in Texas that has an ASI Top. There are others as well. Finding Westfalia tops aren't that difficult. High Tops are readily available NEW from North American High Tops. Country Homes and Joker tops are out there as well.
Background
I purchased this Vanagon from a older man who kept it in his garage and didn't drive it all that much. Well, I sort of purchased it from him, he sold it to a guy that thought that he'd finish the conversion and didn't get too far. I bought it because it drove and rode so well. This coupled with the fact there was absolutely no body rust at all!! Rarely do you find a Vanagon with no rust on the body. There was no rust on the driver's side seam, no rust on the back quarter panels, and no rust under ANY of the windows. A rare feat indeed.
So I bought it and immediately left Portland and drove it down to Santa Barbara. It drove beautifully!! A true pleasure to drive and genuinely the best stock Vanagon that I've driven, and I've owned 5 and drove a 6th one regularly. One thing that made the drive fantastic was the Cruise Control. I have never driven one with the super rare Cruise Control before and I cannot overstate the luxury that this provides. It completely transforms and improves dramatically long distance driving. As you may know, driving these vehicles long distances is a decently comfortable experience, better than most cars, but the Cruise Control takes it to a whole new level. I drove it comfortably at 70mph and got over 19 MPG!!
Restoration:
It needed paint and some dings and scrapes removed and thus began the restoration. I wanted to give it a proper paint job, both inside and out. So I removed EVERYTHING on the outside including both front grills, both backside engine ventilation grills, both bumpers, both mirrors, side maker lenses, tail lights, and all turn signals, (and anything else that came off). I also had the forward Westy luggage rack removed and had it painted separately so its been painted, and the roof under it has been painted as well. But in addition on the interior, I removed the door panels, and whatever else I could. The door panels were needing some love so I bought new stock ones along with window cranks and other stuff. The mirrors don't move around in the wind (if you know Vanagons, this is a big plus) Back to the paint, I didn't want to go with the stock paint colors. I felt that if I was going to paint the entire car, inside and out, I might as well have it look like it was painted inside and out. I chose a dark midnight blue metallic. It's a very nice shade and I get compliments on it regularly. It kinda changes color depending on the angle and the sunlight. It looks beautiful.
The guy who started the camper conversion did a great job installing the Westfalia interior. It looks proper and the rear seat upholstery is in great shape as well, as is the back matching foam piece that goes over the engine bay in the "way back". Speaking of which, the metal back there was painted as well and the engine bay was painted black.
But as great a job as he did with the installation of the camper interior, he didn't do the best job cutting the hole that's needed in the roof to accommodate a poptop. So when it was in the shop, I had them square it off evenly and then had the headliner properly fitted so it looks professional. I added a canvas/vinyl sunroof to finish it off. I re-mounted all of the pieces that were removed and it looked great.
To finish it off, I bought brand new black bumpers from GoWesty for the front and rear complete with the plastic endcaps. I also then bought and installed a safari basket and rack system which can easily be accessed through the sunroof, as the forward luggage rack can be as well. Quite honestly, if you haul big things around like surfboards, standup paddle boards (SUP), kayaks, skis, snowboards, lumber, etc having access through the sunroof is a massive help. Furthermore, if you are a water sports type, being able to stand up through the sunroof is really nice if you want to change into a wetsuit.
Insulation, stereo, and interior:
While the door panels were off, we added insulating material to quiet the ride. I like the look of the stock panels without larger speakers sticking out and I didn't want to cut holes in the bottom of the doors. So I mounted speakers from the back side of the door that play through the stock speaker grills without seeing them. They are high quality 6" speakers and sound great. I also installed a stereo that has a USB, an Auxiliary port, and plays Pandora, etc through your phone. Kind of handy. This has a really great heater and one advantage of the 1987's and newer is that the heat doesn't just come out by your feet or the windshield as a defroster. These models allow for heat by your feet, windshield, and vents simultaneously. The addition of the heat through the dash vents that can be aimed at your hands or body is a big plus on chilly days. It has the cut out to add a rear heater as well under the bench seat.
Mechanically:
It runs great. It has 69,xxx miles on it!! Find one as fresh as that!! It has some new items on it as well including a Bosche OEM fuel pump. This particular year has different front spindles than the earlier models which allows for the desirable "South African Big Brake kit" to be installed. Apparently it makes for a huge improvement. I haven't installed one before, but of the other 4 that I've owned, none of them had that as an available option for consideration since they didn't have the larger spindles that this one has. It also has the preferred manual stick shift which really helps with acceleration. The automatics just really fall short on power, especially up hills. This vehicle has the favored 2.1 water cooled engine. The most powerful engine that was put into Vanagons. It's far superior to the 1.9 waterboxer, the aircooled, or the anemic diesel.
Tires and wheels:
I bought a set of 16" alloy wheels (5x112 bolt pattern) to replace the squirrelly 14" steel wheels. I fitted them with brand new tires, just like the ones GoWesty sells. Although they haven't been installed, I'd be happy to include them for the full price or sell them separately. The current tires look good and it has stock chrome hubcaps on it now.
Camper interior:
This has the full Westfalia camper interior. If you don't know, that means that it has a 2-burner stove, a sink, a water tank, a refrigerator (that was wisely designed to run on battery, electricity, and on propane gas). Although I personally haven't tried it, when I asked the previous owner if it ran on the propane, he said yes of course, and looked at me weird as if to say, why wouldn't it. It has an auxiliary propane tank in addition to the stock externally mounted tank. And added the additional battery connections for an auxiliary battery are installed as well. It has a ton of cabinets and lots of fun "Hide-y spaces" if for some reason you need to smuggle diamonds or something. There is a ton of storage under the rear bench seat which folds into a very comfortable bed for two. It's extra nice with the sunroof as you can lay in bed and watch the meteor shower. Speaking of showers, a solar shower fits very nicely in the forward roof luggage rack or you can mount a flat tank inside the back safari basket and still have plenty of extra room.
Why should you buy this one?
It has only 69k miles, it runs well, rides really nicely. Most importantly, it's not rusted. Look under the windows on the back and sides of others that are for sale and often they have rust that's a real pain to repair and expensive. None of that with this one! I have pics that I took before the new paint job of all of the common rust area to show that none was present or even starting. The interior and exterior look really nice. It's had a long history of great care. It's hasn't been in any major wrecks. It's a good rig. And has spent it's life either garaged up north or in Southern California. It's a great investment.
What do you need to consider:
Like ALL of these in this price range, it's not perfect but in my mind, the only issues it has are things that I could live with and there was no rush in fixing. It has good bones and could be turned into a rockstar Vanagon worth literally twice what you'd pay. You''d for SURE make money on this when you sell it even if you don't do anything to it and hold on to it for a couple of years given the way they are going up in value. The mechanical stuff is solid, and cosmetically it looks awesome. If you want to double your money, finish the poptop. You could flip this and be way ahead.
Details about buying it:
I'm selling it because I have a son that is going back to college at a well respected, but expensive school. I would LOVE to keep it but I love him more. He's a great kid worth far more than this Vanagon to me. I can delay the replacement of this van, but I can't replace this opportunity for him to go to college.
I'm willing to deliver it anywhere as long as you cover my expenses and pay for it first.
I'm willing to consider your vehicle with your cash as a partial trade. If that's something that you'd like to consider, send me pics and what you are willing to take for the vehicle you have. Not my preferred way, but I'd consider it if it's with enough cash.
You're responsible for registration and any sort of emissions or inspections that are required where you live.
DON'T contact me unless you are REALLY serious and have the cash and are ready to buy.
International buyers, I'm willing to ship it internationally but only through a qualified exchange purchase program with verified funds and a significant waiting period. Something like an auction site would make things easier.
Scammers: I'm a really smart guy and you're not going to fool me so don't waste your time.
Everyone smiles while driving a Vanagon. |
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BlueGrasser
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2014
Posts: 562
Location: Sacramento
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 11:41 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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Well, he wanted to know what it was worth. I guess he's about to find out. 
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Going to where the grass is bluer...
1985 Vanagon Westfalia Camper with 1.8T |
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levi
Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2005
Posts: 5522
Location: Las Vegas
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 12:02 pm Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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I'd guess it's the same guy.
Both use the same style of user name ending with a santa barbara zip code.
_________________
One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way
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raoul mitgong
Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2009
Posts: 1338
Location: Denver, CO
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 1:07 pm Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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| levi wrote: |
I'd guess it's the same guy.
Both use the same style of user name ending with a santa barbara zip code. |
According to the rules, doesn't this result in a ban? Guy is likely trying to separate the add from that not so favorable thread.
-d
_________________
84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim)) |
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BlueGrasser
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2014
Posts: 562
Location: Sacramento
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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| raoul mitgong wrote: |
| levi wrote: |
I'd guess it's the same guy.
Both use the same style of user name ending with a santa barbara zip code. |
According to the rules, doesn't this result in a ban? Guy is likely trying to separate the add from that not so favorable thread.
-d |
He is absolutely trying to separate it from that thread. He started his own thread talking about how trashed and dented it was and that it was going to the junk yard until he slapped some paint on it and straightened out the hole that some yokel cut freehand with a sawzall. I don't get any of that from the novel that is the ad. Goodness, can you get any more wordy
I can't see this thing selling for anywhere near his asking, even in this crazy rabid market. I guess there is a sucker born every day though.
_________________
Going to where the grass is bluer...
1985 Vanagon Westfalia Camper with 1.8T |
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raoul mitgong
Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2009
Posts: 1338
Location: Denver, CO
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 4:08 pm Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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Proof that I read the rules Dave asked us all to review.
| Quote: |
DON'T create more than one account for any reason. If you have multiple accounts:
Please request to have older accounts consolidated
We will combine your duplicate accounts into one account
Violating this rule may lead to a ban of all your accounts and removcal of your Classified Ads |
I feel like such a tattle tale. Hate to see someone get duped into buying that POS without full disclosure though.
-d
_________________
84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim)) |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7756
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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Reported.
His other ads have the same phone number...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1856140
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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EverettB 
Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000
Posts: 69809
Location: Phoenix Metro
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 5:43 pm Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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| raoul mitgong wrote: |
| levi wrote: |
I'd guess it's the same guy.
Both use the same style of user name ending with a santa barbara zip code. |
According to the rules, doesn't this result in a ban? Guy is likely trying to separate the add from that not so favorable thread.
-d |
"may lead to a ban"
No on the automatic ban unless you are doing something shady but I do contact you and ask which one you want to use and combine the accounts together.
"We only allow each user on TheSamba.com to have one account to prevent confusion and other issues, let me know which one you want to use."
I contacted this guy as someone reported it me earlier today - thank you to the guy who caught that.
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How to Post Photos
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DwarfVader
Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2015
Posts: 646
Location: Missoula, MT
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| Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2015 7:06 pm Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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This has got to be a typo right?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1861855
75k for this questionable non-syncro:
He has to mean 7500$ right? (and even then...  )
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- oderint dum metuant -
I'll find my van someday, or it will find me. |
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randiego
Samba Member
Joined: October 13, 2008
Posts: 75
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 11:23 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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LOL... how much do I love this thread 
It's actually a valuble service - sanity check 
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'85 GL, 1.9, 4spd (Sold, we'll miss it)
'89 Carat, Bordeaux Red, 4spd 2.1 |
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raoul mitgong
Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2009
Posts: 1338
Location: Denver, CO
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 10:10 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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Note the dog bed in the picture. He likes to leave all the doors and windows open because of the wet dog smell. At least pop a hubcap off the other side for the picture. Just a tip to anyone selling a car, I for one am turned off when I see a dog hanging out in the vehicle or evidence of one.
-d
_________________
84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim)) |
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DwarfVader
Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2015
Posts: 646
Location: Missoula, MT
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 10:15 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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Oh I agree... Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, but that knocks a grand or two off any price (depending) I see just on pet ownership principle.
_________________
- oderint dum metuant -
I'll find my van someday, or it will find me. |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15144
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2015 8:14 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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Whooo hoo boy.. over $100 large and this is the final fit & finish..
not to mention, well they mention $60k into a new engine/driveline and yet no images or talk/specs regarding said engine..
seems they 're born yesterday.. well member since yesterday anyways..
edit: sorry forgot to include the link
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1868014
| Quote: |
1988 Westaflia Vanagon with $60,000 in engine Price: 24000
Selling my 1988 VW Vanagon Westfalia (Type II Van). It has been expertly cared for over it’s entire life with me by the best VW mechanic/specialist in NC - Sean Fraser at Transporter Werks in Raleigh, NC.
I bought the van at the end of 2005 and at the start of 2006 put in roughly $60,000 into her via a new engine, new transmission, and re doing all the wiring. Since then she’s travelled all across the United States and never let me down once. Since then i’ve also only put 54,021 miles on her as well. On that engine, on that transmission, on all roughly $100,000 I put into this van I have only driven her 54,021 miles.
Asking $24,000 for a loss on what i’ve put over $100,000 into.
Some additional features
- propane heater properly vented to outside for use in winter
- thermostat for above next to bed
- stereo with iPhone hookup
- oh lots more |
pigeon alert edition driving lights
Central heater.. low rent remodel install
the standard long distance spotty light shot
| Quote: |
Advertiser: SoupLoops
Name: Stephen "Soup"Williamson
Phone: 9196241512
Member since: Yesterday |
_________________
| Abscate wrote: |
| These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
Last edited by danfromsyr on Thu Dec 03, 2015 2:00 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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RainierSyncro
Samba Member
Joined: February 26, 2013
Posts: 806
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2015 11:25 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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The $100k Westy - ????!! $60k in the motor??!! The seller mentions the shop that did the motor work & wiring. Not sure if that shop wants its name out there for charging what looks like $6k+ a year for the ten years of ownership. Either the seller has more discretionary income than knows what to do with it, or the seller rubber stamped every shop recommendation without a thought.
At $24k, this should be rock solid and a nice runner inside and out. At $60k, this should have rolled off of GoWesty's parking lot after they did their restoration. At $100k, it should have a Steve McQueen tie in even though he's been dead for 8 year before this van was made. Wow, just wow...... |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2015 11:33 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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| I know Sean's work, and that looks like none of it. |
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Signalocity
Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2012
Posts: 573
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| Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2015 11:51 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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| The custom heater box is a nice touch though. |
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DwarfVader
Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2015
Posts: 646
Location: Missoula, MT
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| Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2015 2:38 pm Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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| RainierSyncro wrote: |
The $100k Westy - ????!! $60k in the motor??!! The seller mentions the shop that did the motor work & wiring. Not sure if that shop wants its name out there for charging what looks like $6k+ a year for the ten years of ownership. Either the seller has more discretionary income than knows what to do with it, or the seller rubber stamped every shop recommendation without a thought.
At $24k, this should be rock solid and a nice runner inside and out. At $60k, this should have rolled off of GoWesty's parking lot after they did their restoration. At $100k, it should have a Steve McQueen tie in even though he's been dead for 8 year before this van was made. Wow, just wow...... |
For 100k, that van not only should look brand new, but it had better come with a woman dressed like Steve McQueen wearing the tactalneck from Bullitt, and super excited about showing me all of my newly rebuilt westy...
And maybe a 24k gold shift knob?
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- oderint dum metuant -
I'll find my van someday, or it will find me. |
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thasty07
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2014
Posts: 310
Location: Bend, OR
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| Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 12:45 am Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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| When you say you have put $100k into it, does that mean when you went camping you started your fires with hundred dollar bills? |
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raoul mitgong
Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2009
Posts: 1338
Location: Denver, CO
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| Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:54 pm Post subject: Re: Official whine about Vanagon vans and parts for sale |
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Maybe he is counting all the gas that has ever been pumped into it over its life.
-d
_________________
84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim)) |
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RainierSyncro
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Joined: February 26, 2013
Posts: 806
Location: Seattle
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