My Syncro 16 Reimo Hightop eTDI

luVWagn · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 9:19 pm Post subject:

The hits just keep on coming! After getting my custom Passat dash mostly installed from the fine folks at Mule Expedition Outfitters, I was enroute to Fine Tuning to drop the van off for its next stay at another vehicle spa. Low and behold, the pops-out-of-4th is no longer an issue - I don't have 3rd or 4th anymore! Shocked

Was limping along switching between 3rd and 4th on I-5 north, and voila! No more 3rd/4th entirely. Awesome possum! Rolling Eyes

This plus my newly installed AHU is not doing well (smokes a bunch on start-up, down a quart of oil after 300mi, coolant slowly going missing), and I'm now pretty confident I've bought the lemon of all lemons, with virtually everything breaking that could break (and be expensive).

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'91 Syncro 16 Reimo Hightop Conversion, eTDI

lloydy · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:59 pm Post subject:

Stick with it, it'll be good in the end.
Hopefully gearbox issues will be something simple like linkage.
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16" syncro multivan pop top AHU TDI
“Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life.”

Steve M. · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 4:12 am Post subject:

This is very disheartening for the import market.
As Lloydy says stick with it because you have the base of a FANTASTIC Vehicle.

djkeev · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 5:08 am Post subject:

So sorry to read about yet another trouble..... though not completely unexpected!

Just hum Trumps Apprentice theme song as you go through your day?

Money money money money...........
It's a catchy little tune....... Wink

As mentioned, it looks like you've got a great unit to keep and enjoy. Used vehicles always come with unexpected surprises..... you just hit the jackpot!
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BavarianWrench · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 7:59 am Post subject:

Bummer Man! Bright Side, Everything will be done when you're done.

luVWagn · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 9:14 am Post subject:

lloydy · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 10:48 am Post subject:

Just the normal stuff then Smile

_________________
16" syncro multivan pop top AHU TDI
“Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life.”

BavarianWrench · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 11:00 am Post subject:

Funny Brian. I started writing a drawn out thing about how you probably were planning this build around all the cool bits figuring you had the basics covered. You will get past all heavy repair. This thread is truly an indicator of what buying a Syncro can be. It is tougher when purchasing from overseas. My Reimo, what I expected to be good was not as I planned. What I expected to be bad was way better then what I expected. I'm actually feeling fortunate. I add that to the response about purchasing across the pond. There is a lot that can get lost in translation.

Andrew

lloydy · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 11:03 am Post subject:

and if it makes you feel better....

and theres more...
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16" syncro multivan pop top AHU TDI
“Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life.”

TequilaSunSet · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 9:29 pm Post subject:

Hang tough Brian, you need to have this ready for Syncrofest Very Happy

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Don't harsh my mellow...
1985 Hightower Vanagon 1.8T- Gone
1972 Panel Bus- Gone
1967 Bug- Gone
1964 Euro Sunroof Bug- Gone
1969/72/63 Sunroof Bug- Gone
1975 Brazilian Bug in the Philippines 🇵🇭- New to me

Steve M. · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 10:01 pm Post subject:

None of us have x-ray vision to see what we get into.
We roll the dice, but even if you win the pot there's taxes to pay.
Yeah your taking hits, but you know...the stars only shine in the dark.

luVWagn · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 11:49 pm Post subject:

TequilaSunSet · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 8:29 am Post subject:

BavarianWrench · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:00 am Post subject:

Brian now you are killing me. I share your conflict. I have my Reimo not a 16 and I'm conflicted daily about building it to abuse some. I thought when I bought it I was getting a working drivetrain and probably a beat body. Turns out I had some drivetrain work to do but the body is pretty tight. I got into Syncros when you could buy a runner for $1000. I bought them to beat. I may sell the Reimo and build my GoWesty van that is full of body filler into my beater. I do not like worrying about damaging body. I think the Reimos are worth worrying about. I had a holy crap moment testing out the lockers the other night. Steep trail with fresh snow I couldn't believe I was getting up it. When traction was lost and forward progress stopped. I applied the brakes and downward progress began accelerating. Only damage a bumper cap. yours is an awesome rare rig. I certainly wouldn't beat it on an obstacle course. One other note when on trails it seems many are clear to about eight feet of height. As you approach nine feet you need to raise your awareness about bashing your top. Or fitting by at all.

luVWagn · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 9:39 pm Post subject:

luVWagn · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 10:41 am Post subject:

So in theory I get the van back on Friday. Which is my birthday. Which is ironic because I bought this van as a personal birthday gift one year ago. Alcohol was involved. Rolling Eyes

At this point, it will now have a new AHU block, new vnt17/22 turbo, refreshed transmission with newly added decoupler, transmission cooler, new intercooler pump, a lot of cleaned up wiring, fully functional Passat dash cluster, additional gauges, and a few other tidbits.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Or is that an oncoming train? Wink

Considering I'm bedridden with a 103 fever, I sure hope this is positive news on Friday...
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'91 Syncro 16 Reimo Hightop Conversion, eTDI

hans j · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 11:12 am Post subject:

The light is a campfire at the end of the trail, welcoming you home. It's definitely a struggle, and expensive struggle at that! But in the end, those trouble free trips make all the pain go away. I know, I've been there.

Just don't forget the pillows, phone charger, headlamps, or camera charger your first trip out after down time, like I just did...
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1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181

Phaedrus · Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 3:49 pm Post subject:

Happy B-day! Been following your thread. Plays out like a soap. >< I hope you'll get some resolution soon... I feel for you... How's the van doing? Didja get it back today?
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1986 WBX (Tin Top Camper)

luVWagn · Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 4:42 pm Post subject:

No van, I got pneumonia instead Crying or Very sad

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'91 Syncro 16 Reimo Hightop Conversion, eTDI

Phaedrus · Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 5:15 pm Post subject:

Jeeze... the hits just keep on coming, eh? Down for the count... Rest up, man! Here's to a speedy recovery for both you and your steed. Wink

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1986 WBX (Tin Top Camper)


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