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Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:59 pm

I thought I would start a thread for these rather rare Syncros so there would be a place to ask tech questions, post photos, and comments.

A little background on these:
http://www.vanagon.com/syncros/syncro16/index.htm
http://busman.be/pagina24.html
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl...ein_syncro
They came as Vans, Dokas, Sinkas and ambulances. Mostly for the military, but also for the construction trades, and a few as civilian toys.

My van is running good and everything is pretty solid for now, but of course there will come a time when I'll be needing replacement parts.
As far as I know, the different parts are the front disk brake rotor, caliper, pads, rear brake drum, shoes, and cylinders. Cv's and axles.
The bearings front and rear are the same as a 14" Syncro.
Different shocks (but OME's work)((?))
Anything else I'm missing?

So, 16" Syncro owners, got any pic's, tips, and info to share?
My first question, is there a front disk brake mod for vented rotors?

edit:added link to Vanagon.com

Mon Feb 11, 2013 11:02 pm

There is a syncro 16 yahoo group in case you aren't aware.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro16/

The mod there Bennie Boi T and others have offered options for upgraded brakes.

Mon Feb 11, 2013 11:58 pm

Limey as was..

Currently under going major surgery

MG

Tue Feb 12, 2013 12:18 am

i have one too, a westfalia multivan

just a couple things, pads and calipers are the same as the 14". Bearings are the same, but bearing housings are different. Any shock that fits a 14" will fit a 16" But the bus will feel nicer with stiffer shocks.
As i have just found out the girling 60 upgrade works fine on a 16" (thanks benT) and you can use a 303mm vented disc! But the stock 16 steels might not fit, guess I'll find out when I try to fit them :lol:
How'd you get on with the front locker?
Cheers, lloyd

Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:48 am

MsTaboo wrote:
So, 16" Syncro owners, got any pic's, tips, and info to share?
My first question, is there a front disk brake mod for vented rotors?

Kirk Meeks at NorthWesty makes a 312mm, vented bolt-on solution for the 16". I'm very happy with it about a year later.

Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:14 am

Can aftermarket and custom 16" parts be posted in this thread or should it stay stock?

I ask as I do not own a factory 16, but have purchased parts and built 16" vans.

OP, let me know.

Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:36 am

I'd be interested to know all options, stock or not.

Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:59 am

Thanks for the replies and tips on the vented brakes!
Ghia, I've been following your build thread, great stuff.
lloydy, very nice van, love the rear insulated window. Does that open?

I started this thread for anything that's 16" related. The more the better 8)
All mods, repairs, part supplies, history,varieties, and ideas welcome.

Tue Feb 12, 2013 10:19 am

Yes, the window slides open. Very nice thing to have, you can get some good airflow though the van with it open. Took about a year to find one! The van originally came with glass, prefer the double glazing for camping though.

Tue Feb 12, 2013 10:21 am

lloydy wrote: Yes, the window slides open. Very nice thing to have, you can get some good airflow though the van with it open. Took about a year to find one! The van originally came with glass, prefer the double glazing for camping though.

Any hints on where to find one? Or was it ebay?

Tue Feb 12, 2013 10:38 am

I got mine from eBay.uk from a vanagon specialist, it was not cheap. They might come up on eBay.de more often. I looked for a year, the one I bought was the only one I saw in that time. If your set on getting one, make sure it comes with the window rubber, they are specific for that window. The window is just about useless without it. Good luck! :D
You can also ask on all the euro forums, you might get lucky

Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:24 pm

This is my 1991 westy syncro 16". I bought it in Finland in 2008. Flew in and drove it home to Holland. Originally it was a 1.6 turbodiesel but I converted it to a 1.9 mtdi. Front and rear difflocks, decoupler, power steering, twin spare wheel carriers, bullbar, warn winch, solar panels, outside safari shower. Full euro westy with eberspacher night heater on diesel. I bought this syncro for overland travel. Most fun vehicle I've ever owned. Cheers, Rob.

Thu Feb 21, 2013 2:14 pm

Very nice ride my74ghia, tip top condition!

What type of tire carriers are those? And the front brush guard, what type and do you have any front photos to share?

Thu Feb 21, 2013 2:16 pm

lloydy wrote: I got mine from eBay.uk from a vanagon specialist, it was not cheap. They might come up on eBay.de more often. I looked for a year, the one I bought was the only one I saw in that time. If your set on getting one, make sure it comes with the window rubber, they are specific for that window. The window is just about useless without it. Good luck! :D
You can also ask on all the euro forums, you might get lucky

Any part numbers available for that window and seal?

Thu Feb 21, 2013 2:33 pm

Go Westy has the rear sliding windows:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23422&category_id=&category_parent_id=

Thu Feb 21, 2013 2:42 pm

Read the install tips, i have heard from several people that they don't fit.
Someone actually refused to sell me a set because of the fit.

Thu Feb 21, 2013 3:16 pm

No sorry, I don't know the part numbers(if there is one?) it's a westfalia part though

Thu Feb 21, 2013 3:34 pm

FrankenSubySyncro wrote: Go Westy has the rear sliding windows:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23422&category_id=&category_parent_id=

Thanks for the tip, unfortunately that is not the window we're talking about here.
I'm referring to the plastic double insulated window shown on lloydy's van above.

Thanks anyway lloydy.

Thu Feb 21, 2013 4:06 pm

They refer to those as double glazed windows, might help with a ebay.uk search.
I have rarely found them on ebay.de but they usually are unwilling to ship overseas.

Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:30 pm

my74ghia wrote:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1020667.jpg
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1025307.jpg

This is my 1991 westy syncro 16". I bought it in Finland in 2008. Flew in and drove it home to Holland. Originally it was a 1.6 turbodiesel but I converted it to a 1.9 mtdi. Front and rear difflocks, decoupler, power steering, twin spare wheel carriers, bullbar, warn winch, solar panels, outside safari shower. Full euro westy with eberspacher night heater on diesel. I bought this syncro for overland travel. Most fun vehicle I've ever owned. Cheers, Rob.

Are those stock steel wheels? They look different than the ones I've seen thus far.