TheSamba.com :: View topic - New guy needs help... Please? Model ID guide for Vanagons

Tue Jun 29, 2010 8:19 am

I have tried searching and not come up with what I am looking for. Is there a Model ID guide for Vanagons, more specifically 1985-1992 ?
I am trying to understand what model I am looking for.
I am on the hunt for a Vanagon with a pop top , no need for a kitchen , would like the table and rear cabinets, would like rear facing seats (if possible).
As far as transmission goes , does the Auto have any advantages over the manual as far as strength and longevity?

thanks to all !

Great Forum , keep up the great work!!

Tue Jun 29, 2010 8:24 am

Here's one place you can start.

http://gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=54

Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:06 am

It sounds like the description of a Wolfsburg Weekender (one rear facing seat) or a Westfalia Multivan (two rear facing seats).
Has Pop top , no kitchen , table and rear cabinets, usually one rear facing seat (sometimes two or second can be installed).
As far as Automatic vs. Manual, That would be a personal preference.

Try doing a search in the Classified section for, "Weekender", "vanagon weekender", "vanagon Multivan" or "vanagon wolfsburg", you will see photos of the interior of these types.

Good luck on your search for what your looking for.

Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:14 am

sounds like a Westy Weekender to me...

personally i prefer the manual - but it can be debateable which one is stronger - daryl at AA transaxle says the rebuilt manuals are built to about 150-165hp MAX!(so the more hp you have the shorter it will last) but if your running a stock rebuild and a rebuilt transaxle you should be good

just make sure to check all the stickies and all the preventative maintnence that is recommended - fuel lines, injectors, brake system, tires, ect....

and be prepared to potentially spend some $$ to get the van to last as long as possible. you have to remember that these vans are over 20yrs old so parts could be falling apart and there might be more to replace than first appears.

Tue Jun 29, 2010 10:06 am

I agree with all of the above. Its a 4 cylinder so I find a manual (standard) to perform better. IMHO only

Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:07 pm

'87 & later best - gray interiors

'86 next best - all above have the square headlights as stock
- '86 has the brown interior tri that I like the looks of better, but it crumbles to dust
- yellow vinyl panels on '86 are ugly IMHO

if you plan to replace the anemic motor then you may not care about the 2.1L engine improvements

there is wiki on these things also

Good Luck