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Sat Dec 04, 2010 3:27 pm

I am about to buy an 85 vanagon gl Westphalia for 500 bucks interior is great exterior has some dings and dents but that's ok I can live with that. It's been sitting for 2 yrs ran when parked. I have been doing alot of research and I still want it. I am traveling nurse in Nebraska and work alot in NE, IA, SD, MN I plan on getting it road worthy. What should I look for when I get this home. I do most of my own work on my cars as I have a old Supra. How are these vans do I need to worry about certain things? How do they drive in the WINTER. I know it depends on the tires. Thanks for your help.

Sat Dec 04, 2010 4:27 pm

westyhusker wrote: I am about to buy an 85 vanagon gl Westphalia for 500 bucks interior is great...

Well, if it doesn't work out you can probably sell the interior and get your 500 back.

westyhusker wrote: I have been doing alot of research and I still want it...

I like your attitude.

As I'm sure you have noted in your research, you should consider replacement of fuel lines as this can be a weakness in the engine.

Since you're living and driving in a wintry world you will want to confirm the presence and quality of antifreeze -- easiest was to do that is to replace what's in there unless it is quite fresh.

Other fluids too (oil, gearbox, hydraulics [brakes & clutch]) can also benefit from a replacement.

Tires and brakes should be confirmed good for safe driving.

I actually thought the Westy did pretty good in the snow when I lived in the Midwest -- don't recall ever getting stuck -- chains are available (I still carry them inn the mountains in the winter) but maybe that is more of a Western thing.

Sat Dec 04, 2010 6:00 pm

Pimp that thing out with a Propex heater and you'll be golden. I spent many an off shift in my 85' Westy in the hosptial parking, get in good with the hosptial security guards and pocket that housing allowance!

Sat Dec 04, 2010 6:48 pm

Welcome aboard
First replace any fuel lines that look questionable. Replace the fuel filter.
Replace transmission fluids and check the diff. lube.
Look at all of the coolant hoses and clamps, replace if there is any doubt.
Replace the alt / waterpump belt reguardless.
check under the motor for any coolant leaks, look where the heads meet the cylinders.
That will most likly get you a reliable ride for under $100.
once running check how the brakes feel, look for any play in the steering.
My feeling is if someone sold a running van for $500, there's something major wrong with it, but don't get discouraged. Even if you have to put another $500 into it, it's worth it. Anything running is worth $1000.
Once up and running take it to a shop , just to get it up on the lift and have a look.

Good Luck
Steve

Sat Dec 04, 2010 6:55 pm

Sounds like a fun project. If you change your mind, let me know where its at. :)

Mon Dec 06, 2010 1:33 pm

So did you buy it?

Mon Dec 06, 2010 4:40 pm

yes I did I am in the process of checking it out, I work at a gas station part time so I am going to stick it on the rack sometime this week and check everything out. I am for sure going to check the fuel lines and cooling system. It has 199k on it so I am going to check everything out and give it a tune up change everything plugs, wires etc.

Mon Dec 06, 2010 4:44 pm

oh thought you were a nurse. Between jobs?

Mon Dec 06, 2010 5:04 pm

yes I am still a nurse it's my grandpa's gas station I work there on my days off.

Mon Dec 06, 2010 5:11 pm

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=442766&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

dude give up. :roll:

Mon Dec 06, 2010 5:46 pm

yes this is tough F***** forum I am sorry that I brought it up the subject of the oil additive. I am not this charles lehnerd. Yes I am suprahusker cause I own two 82 toyota supra's and now I just bought a 85 vw vanagon gl. I like the vw forum cause of the useful information on here. Now I am starting if it's worth it, but I know there are others on this forum that will help me if I need it and not continue this bs on my 2nd post.

Mon Dec 06, 2010 8:06 pm

Hello,

Don't worry about the haters that post occasionally, you'll find them any and everywhere. Just make sure you have a Bentley book, do a search first to see if your questions have been posted elsewhere on the list and ask away if they haven't. Welcome to the forum, and don't forget to post pics of both your bus and your progress on getting it where you want it to go. Inspiration and sweat go hand and hand in these vehicles sometimes. :-)

In short words welcome to the madhouse. Population many, and always room for one more. ;-)

Dennis

Tue Dec 07, 2010 8:11 am

Or... do like I do throw out a few random posts then silently haunt the forums for a few years and glean all the information that you can. Rinse and repeat as necessary. If is possible it has most likely happened to some one else and been posted.

Mon May 23, 2011 6:31 pm

It's been a while since my last post. Going through a separation and divorce so I haven't had time to work on it. Now that I have time starting on my Westy tue. I just got my GoWesty tune up kit. Now that I have free time I am going to get it up and running. I will get pics up here soon on my progress and what she looks like. Can anyone tell me what the original fuel lines look like? I got also have 2 fuel filters in my gowesty kit, the original and a secondary. If it doesn't have a secondary filter on it where is the best place to install it. Thanks in Advance

Mon May 23, 2011 6:44 pm

Finally someone else in Nebraska :)

Mon May 23, 2011 7:14 pm

Canister goes after the fuel pump; round, large.

Box goes between the tank and the fuel pump; small, square.

Use 'em both until you know what the inside of the tank looks like.

Best,

B.

Mon May 23, 2011 8:15 pm

Yea I figured as much with fuel filters I have the same set up with my supra. What do the old fuel lines look like? it's got 199k so I imagine it's been done or it would be toast. THanks

Mon May 23, 2011 9:31 pm

The original fuel lines will look good right up to the point they burst. Don't assume they have been changed out already at this point, very small chance of that.

Mon May 23, 2011 9:37 pm

The small fuel line is 8mm; the big is 12mm. Can get it from Van Cafe or other vendors.

I went to VW dealer last week to see if I could get 12mm hose (the FLAPS around here all carry US sizes) but:

The dealer had to order 5 meters, @ $53 p/meter. Ouch.

You'll need several meters at least for the whole van. Don't forget the engine compartment ~ fuel hose to the injectors, and so on.

Best,

B.

Mon May 23, 2011 9:57 pm

Van cafe sells a complete fuel line kit. Takes all the guess work out of it, clamps are correct and all. Welcome to the Forum!