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Wed Jan 13, 2021 11:10 pm

I have done my best to research this and I can't really find a définitive guide although I'm sure one exists somewhere on Samba.

Engine related equipment aside, because both of the vans I'm contemplating already have Sub conversion (84 EJ25, 86 EJ22), I can't really find anywhere that lists significant model changes between the years.

The 84 Wolfs has PS and upgraded interior, same level as the 86. Are there mechanical improvements between the years? Brakes or steering or anything like that of importance?

Both vans have been well looked after mechanically & priced the same. the 84 has a better kept body but the 86 has lots of addons (propex heater, aux batt w/ solar & roof racks). So really that all comes out equal in the wash; well maybe the body work is more important but neither are rust buckets.

so my question is: is there a reason to choose an 86 GL over an 84 Wolfsburg?

Thu Jan 14, 2021 1:32 am

There are differences/improvements between the 1986 and the 1984, but they may not be significant enough to rule out the 1984. Here are the major differences I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure others will think of others.

Engine: The 1984 has a 1.9 with 82 hp and the 1986 has a 2.1 with 95 hp. The 1.9 is a surprisingly willing motor in a tin-top, but it's definitely more taxed in a heavy Westy.

Fuel injection: The 1984 has Digi-jet and the 1986 has Digifant. They both have their shortcomings, but some of the parts for the earlier Digijet system are harder to find.

Front brakes: The 1984 has thinner discs and smaller brake pads. The 1986 brakes are still not really up to the task of repeated stops with a heavy van, but they are better than the early brakes. Also, if you choose to upgrade to a big brake kit, it's desirable to have a 1986 or newer van, because the big brake kits are designed to work with those uprights. To upgrade an earlier van, you need to source the later uprights.

Sliding door: The sliding door was redesigned for 1985 and it has a much better roller bearing and track system and a more durable exterior handle. The earlier door works fine, but you have to keep the guides lubed. I've always thought the later one operates significantly better.

Wiring system: The 1986 has a version of the VW Central Electric I wiring system that was shared with their Jettas, Cabriolets, Sciroccos from the same time period. It's a good system with a well designed fuse box. The earlier vans use a more primitive wiring system that is an evolution of the system used in 1970s Bay Window VW vans.

Those are the main differences I can think of. I've always liked those 1984 Wolfsburg Edition campers. Even with the improvements offered by the newer van, I'd certainly still consider the 1984 if it's a good one. You can't really go wrong with either one.

Thu Jan 14, 2021 4:40 am

drive them both, one will jump at you.
how is the interior condition on the vans.
does the better bodywork matter to you, do the upgrades out weigh the better body.
at this stage, wiring and brakes are the differences in the base vehicles, wiring, if everything is doing it's thing, sweet, ignore it.
the brakes, it's a bolt on upgrade.
i look after several '84 wolfies, power steering came standard on them, they were the same spec as my 85 westy.
is the 84 two tone, given the choice, personally l prefer two tone paint, over a single color.

Thu Jan 14, 2021 8:22 am

NorthOf50 wrote: ...the 84 has a better kept body but the 86 has lots of addons (propex heater, aux batt w/ solar & roof racks)...

I can easily add a heater, aux battery & roof rack -- I cannot do quality body work. For me the choice would be easy.

PS - I also like round headlights.

Thu Jan 14, 2021 8:34 am

I own an early and late camper. I too prefer the early van to the later van. Round headlights, chrome bumpers, contrasting interior etc.

Probably more important is the documentation of the engine conversion. Sooner or later either one won't start or quits and someone is going to need to fix it. Without documentation of the wiring etc. it will be triple difficult to figure out.

Thu Jan 14, 2021 9:19 am

NorthOf50 wrote: I have done my best to research this and I can't really find a définitive guide although I'm sure one exists somewhere... <snip>

... I can't really find anywhere that lists significant model changes between the years.

This site was made for your questions about model variations...
www.Vanagons.org

Jim Davis

Thu Jan 14, 2021 9:24 am

hands down i would buy the one with a cleaner body...you can add all of your gingerbread crap later...to your specifications and not go around wondering what the p/o did.

nothing worse than chasing rust