What did I just buy?

[hollisrover]

I bought a 1987 Westfalia today. Here is the cragislist ad from it:


Red 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Camper for sale: Owner upgrading to RV
160,000 miles, Original engine, 19 mpg
Original owner, All repair records available
Standard transmission
Pop-top model: two double beds
Fridge, stove, and sink (propane hook-up valve likely needs replacement)
Needs new exhaust system
New tires purchased in 2008

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/cto/1548354605.html
Pics are there. I'll upload some as that ad will likely be down shortly.

Eager to get going on it.
Issues:
1. Very dirty inside and out.
2. Slight rust behind driver side step.
3. Needs full exhaust
4. Rear bumper needs to be replaced (bent)
5. Stove/fridge etc need to be checked and repaired as he wasn't sure what worked.

It was originally in California before the East coast, so it doesn't have much rust at all. None at all under it. Not sure if that's a common issue on these or not.

Owner was very nice and was honest about it, so I bought it.

Seems pretty cool, but I don't know much about them. Just had to get something larger than a jetta due to having two kids and two very large dogs.

Do I get the stock exhaust (750!), or is there some aftermarket exhaust that might work? I'd rather have a quiet exhaust than a performance one that is loud.

Thanks,

Mark

[Carver Dude]

You bought a used VW!!! Congrats!!!
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83 Vanagon
69 Tin Top Camper
86 Vanagon
71 Westy
76 Tin Top Westy
70 Camper

[erdonline]

Congratulations on your new purchase. If the rust is minimal, I think you got a pretty good deal.

Did you get that price on the exhaust from Van-Cafe? I see that's what they're selling a complete kit, including the cat, gaskets, and hardware. That's not too bad. Sometimes you can get good prices from autohausaz.com, or even locally, but you have to order each piece separately.

There are quite a few posts here about aftermarket exhausts. You an get a stainless system from frankcondelli.com and probably others, but for me, it's not worth the added cost, but may be a worthwhile investment for some.

Good luck,
Ed in CT
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'85 Vanagon Westfalia
'84 Vanagon 7-passenger
'98 Mexican air-cooled Beetle

[peaceful warrior]

Looks like a nice Westfalia and a good buy. Congratulations.
Check out OEVEEDUB in Lake George, CO. Richard is a stand up retailer, has good quality parts and his prices are good. If he doesn't have it, he will attempt to get or direct you in the right direction.
http://www.oeveedub.com/
_________________
"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian

[camerahunter]

Welcome to the forum CHANGE YOUR FUEL LINES!

Is this your 1st Van?

David
_________________
1984 - Daily driver

[GWTWTLW]

WHAT? Are you nuts?!? Don't worry, we all are here!

Congrats! Don't forget about those fuel lines!
_________________
89 Syncro Westy - GW 2.5, now with a double knob job
@gwtwtlw

[seanjenn]

Is it the ENTIRE exhaust that's toast? Take a closer look, maybe you don't need all of it.
Besides those fuel lines make sure you have the correct tires on that sucker! A good brake inspection won't hurt either.

That's a good looking westy though, good luck with her.
_________________
1987 GL Sunroof
2.1 4 spd

[danfromsyr]

nah, it's never just the exhaust. then the bolts/studs break and you/your mechanic ends up drilling them out crooked and installing a 3/8" american stud/bolt in place.

congrats, we're all in up to our necks in here, thesamba support group.

Dan in NY
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[bjrogers86auto]

Yeah...but maybe...it IS just the exhaust!

Maybe it's the only vanagon in the world that won't need EVERYTHING else.

Maybe.

But hey...it's only money.

Congrats...and welcome to the chaos.

Brian.

[peaceful warrior]

[skaaudivw]

Nice, I was looking at that ad on CL a few days ago. Enjoy and that's a nice deal. Bet it'll buff up nice.

[vanjoe]

Congrats man! I am in the same boat you are. I just got one on Christmas Eve that had an engine fire from the gas lines leaking. Listen to the other member about changing the fuel lines. The guys on here are awesome and very passionate about these vans. They have helped me a lot so far and I am totally appricative of that. Hope to see future posts from you and Good luck.

[Raynor Shine]

We all started in a similar boat. Nice score for the price. Bentley, fuel lines, thesamba and money.. you'll be fine.

[Gauche1968]

Its's called a money pit.
_________________
1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[buildyourown]

Nice score.
Van Cafe has entire exhaust kits for way less than $750.
Or, you could pull yours apart and what is salvageable.
Though, the best way to pull a rusty exhaust may be with a sawzall.

Welcome to the asylum.

[kshbaja]

You got a good enough deal that the $700 or so shouldn't be worried over too long. Be careful with those exhaust studs.
_________________
1986 Westfalia

[syncrodoka]

You can buy most of the OG header pieces out of "dry" states here in the classifieds. A new muffler is the only way to go though.
Some vendors sell stainless steel exhaust kits for the vanagon if you want to go that route-
http://www.frankcondelli.com/exhaust.htm
http://www.smallcar.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29805
Good luck.

[rkymtnrider]

Hey Man Congrats! The van looks like it will clean up nicely and give you many good adventures.

Did anyone here tell you to change your fuel lines?

Welcome aboard!
_________________
1984 Westy 1.9 manual

Craig Kelly is my copilot

[walnutplanter]

All I have to say is nice!!!!!!!!!!! Have fun. And like the man said, replace the fuel lines.

[hollisrover]

First, thanks for the notes.
Second, I have to pick the van up and drive 90 miles to my house. Is it necessary to replace the lines prior to that, or can I make it home? Is there a visual check I can do prior to getting it home?

The owner has detailed maintenance records, so I'll double check them for fuel lines. He may know offhand.

I wasn't prepared for the reaction I got from my kids. My six year old got out the atlas, found Ben and Jerry's in VT, then found a campground 'dad, it's right next to Ben and Jerry's.'