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thirstycactus Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2014 Posts: 4
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Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 2:55 pm Post subject: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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Good day. I'm looking at buying an 82 Vanagon Bus with a sunroof. 2.0l air cooled engine. I have no experience or mechanical ability (although i know it can be learned) and I live in a small northern town with very limited resources. The winters are bad and I have no garage so I'd have to keep it covered. Am I doomed or destined for adventure? Body looks to be in great shape, very little rust as it's come from California. Any advice is welcome. |
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leecat Samba Member
Joined: September 13, 2012 Posts: 773 Location: Regina
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Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:19 pm Post subject: Re: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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Welcome! The air-cooled vans are pretty fun...with the caveat that the whole vehicle is forty years old and unless someone has loved it, it likely needs everything. If you're not scared to learn, they're a super fun vehicle - if you get frustrated easily and/or have to pay someone to work on them (IF you can even find someone competent willing to touch it), be aware that they can be a real black-hole money pit!
Overall tho, if you buy it, I'd say you're doomed for adventure!!! ;p
The sunroof bus, btw, can be made into a faux Westfalia pretty easily...if you really wanted a mechanical adventure. |
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brickster Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2004 Posts: 503 Location: CO, USA
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Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:44 pm Post subject: Re: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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Sounds like a cool project. Please share photos if possible. What is the vehicle’s service history? |
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thirstycactus Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2014 Posts: 4
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Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:06 pm Post subject: Re: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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Not sure the history. The ad says "Fully serviced and ready to go. Brand new twin weber style carbs." Body looks to be in good shape. License plate is from California and now in Canada. Not a lot of vans come up for sale around here. Can't see it in person which is troublesome but I wouldn't really know what I'd be looking for anyway lol
Thanks for the replies. |
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leecat Samba Member
Joined: September 13, 2012 Posts: 773 Location: Regina
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Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:55 pm Post subject: Re: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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'Can't see it in person'?? That would raise HUGE red flags for me... |
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thirstycactus Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2014 Posts: 4
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Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 7:13 am Post subject: Re: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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No I can but it's a ten hour drive for me. I live in a small northern town 8 hours away from the nearest city. |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10347 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 1:15 pm Post subject: Re: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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thirstycactus wrote: |
The winters are bad and I have no garage so I'd have to keep it covered. ....
Not sure the history. ..... License plate is from California and now in Canada. |
Make sure it has been, and can be, registered in your province. In BC, imported vehicles have to pass an inspection before they can be insured.
I think the sunroof is very cool. But, search here for info on typical failure points in the sunroof and if replacement parts for it are available or can be made, printed, kludged. LOL.
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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Alan Brase Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2004 Posts: 4532 Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
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Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 3:14 pm Post subject: Re: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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If you are careful winding it in and out and never try to close it on foreign material, the
Golde sunroof can be almost trouble free.
Tehy are not made to be waterproof by the seals, instead the water is caught by a tray which drains to the underside of the Vanagon thru 4 tubes. These tubes can get plugged, especially by spruce or pine needles.
The sunroof is huge and makes the car a joy in the summertime at lower speeds. At highway speeds you will want it nearly closed.
I lived with one for 20 years. _________________ Al Brase
Projects: 67 sunroof bug, 67 Porsche 912 Targa, 70 Westy
Dec 1955 Single Cab pickup WANT 15" BUS RIMS dated 8/55, thru 12/55
To New owners: 1969 doublecab, 1971 Dormobile
Vanagons:
80 P27 Westy JUL 1979, 3rd oldest known US
83 1.6TD Vanagon, 87 Wolfie Westy daily driver, swap meet home |
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thirstycactus Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2014 Posts: 4
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Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 3:33 pm Post subject: Re: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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Is it easy to unplugg those channels?
Anyone have any tips for installing a car seat for my toddler? I have a sneaky suspicion there are no anchors. Lol That wasn't even a consideration back then. |
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Alan Brase Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2004 Posts: 4532 Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
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Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:44 pm Post subject: Re: Advice! 82 Vanagon Bus Sunroof |
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I just used air hose with extension. I suppose one COULD pressurize so much the plastic hoses come off the metal nipples at each end. So, I was not real agressive with air pressure.
If the drain hose plug, you will get the most alarming cold shower on the back of your neck first time you stop. a couple pints of water will pool in there. _________________ Al Brase
Projects: 67 sunroof bug, 67 Porsche 912 Targa, 70 Westy
Dec 1955 Single Cab pickup WANT 15" BUS RIMS dated 8/55, thru 12/55
To New owners: 1969 doublecab, 1971 Dormobile
Vanagons:
80 P27 Westy JUL 1979, 3rd oldest known US
83 1.6TD Vanagon, 87 Wolfie Westy daily driver, swap meet home |
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