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SyncroHead 
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2005
Posts: 1141
Location: Northern Nevada
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 Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 10:19 am Post subject: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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Greetings!
I've been playing around with creating replica new car window stickers (Monroney type) like came on our vans when they were on the dealer lot. I don't have one of these for either of my vans.
Now, thinking beyond my own interest in this, I'd like to gauge interest to see if other Vanagon owners might want a replica window sticker for their van too. These would be hand-customized to match your van with VIN, options, and other data known about your van.
If available, would you buy one?
What would you pay for a professionally sticker sent to you?
Sample:
Jim Davis
_________________
"A Vanagon? It's not a car or a van. It's a hobby!"
Check out:
www.VANAVATION.com
www.SyncroSafari.org and
www.Vanagons.org
| sphet wrote: |
| I have *no* idea what the previous owner carried in his Westy... angry donkeys? |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16863
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 11:13 am Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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i'd be interested and if it were a dead nuts 100% correct reproduction i'd pay 100-120 for one
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Mateo83
Samba Member
Joined: September 14, 2021
Posts: 600
Location: Lodi, CA
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| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 2:58 pm Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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are they historically accurate or just filling random info?
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SyncroHead
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2005
Posts: 1141
Location: Northern Nevada
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| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 6:18 pm Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| i'd be interested and if it were a dead nuts 100% correct reproduction i'd pay 100-120 for one |
I'm afraid they are not exactly "dead nuts". I'm not intending to make forgeries.
A few issues:
1. VW's font's changes slightly and I'll need to pick one and stick with it to produce each replica in a reasonable amount of time.
2. The paper VW used was quite thin dot-matrix computer paper that is not really available and if found would not go through a modern printer well. The paper I'd use is much better quality, but no one could pass off a replica as genuine since the paper will give it away. Not my intention to fool anyone, just provide a replica.
3. There's a few other differences, like the sticky glue strips that once held it to the window are printed onto the replica, not actual glue.
| Mateo83 wrote: |
| are they historically accurate or just filling random info? |
As accurate as practical. Some info may not be known like
"Port of Entry", "Sold To" and "Ship To" dealer info. Also, there's a few places around the actual sticker with random-seeming numbers. There's no telling what the source of these are, so they'd likely all be the same on the replicas.
From the window stickers I have (about 55 images and hard-copies total), I can find pretty much every option and how VW described it on their sticker for each year. Although there's several early years where I don't have a sticker (1980-83), so I could not make any replicas for those years at this time.
Each sticker replica would be modeled after that year's original sticker. One big change was mid-1990 where the entire size and layout of the sticker changed. I'd need to make an "early" / "late decision by VIN to guess which format a 1990 originally had.
See the picture of the replica sample I originally posted for an example of the look of the stickers. Pretty similar for 1985 through early 1991 and I'd use a template that's right for each year.
Jim Davis
_________________
"A Vanagon? It's not a car or a van. It's a hobby!"
Check out:
www.VANAVATION.com
www.SyncroSafari.org and
www.Vanagons.org
| sphet wrote: |
| I have *no* idea what the previous owner carried in his Westy... angry donkeys? |
Last edited by SyncroHead on Thu Jan 20, 2022 9:11 am; edited 1 time in total |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32584
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16501
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 6:50 am Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Interesting idea.
My struggle is with the unknowns,
For many of us who have examined the metal plate under the seat or have the paper dash sticker and tried to figure out everything noted on them...... we fail.
We get most of the codes deciphered but there seem to always be one or two that just defy all attempts at identification.
How can you make an accurate window sticker without knowing what options the unit was built with?
Even many "birth certificates" people purchase list some M codes as "unknown".
Dave |
I am sure he can make it as accurate as the information you give him. Unless his ESP is working really well that day....
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794 |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32584
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 7:05 am Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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| dobryan wrote: |
| djkeev wrote: |
Interesting idea.
My struggle is with the unknowns,
For many of us who have examined the metal plate under the seat or have the paper dash sticker and tried to figure out everything noted on them...... we fail.
We get most of the codes deciphered but there seem to always be one or two that just defy all attempts at identification.
How can you make an accurate window sticker without knowing what options the unit was built with?
Even many "birth certificates" people purchase list some M codes as "unknown".
Dave |
I am sure he can make it as accurate as the information you give him. Unless his ESP is working really well that day.... |
I agree, I'm sure he will make it the best possible, but my stumbling block is that it won't accurate.
I could make a replacement paper dash sticker to replace the long ago vanished one for my 86 ....... but it won't be accurate.
It may be just me...... but knowing the window sticker is but a copy, a good but not perfect copy, would bother me.
Others would be thrilled to have one I'm sure.
I'm just expressing my reservations.
Anyway...... To answer the question?
No, I'm not a potential customer.
Dave
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Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32584
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 7:17 am Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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My info.
Can you fill in all the blanks?
I've done most of them.
Some of the identified ones are ambiguous, like the radio.... which radio? The interior color...... what color? Package codes? What is in those packages?
If you can...... I'll change my mind.
***********
Edit, paper M Plate just found 12/26/2021
4980 - control #
30-4-0376 - 30th week, 4th day of week….. German calendar July 27,1989
0376 - # unit assembled that day
409 - ?
9 - ?
UW - US port of entry Washington DC
WV2Y89254LH002623 - chassis #
255 - Vanagon LHD
4C3 - US spec Vanagon
MV - motor 2.1
NK - auto trans
LC3Y - Bordeaux red
HH - Interior
RFD - Radio type
U22 - ?
U25 - 025 trip odometer?
W90 - unit specific info, package code?
W93 - unit specific info, package code?
573 - Air Conditioning
685 - Center 2 seat bench seat, folding backrest
950 - Wheel trims (253-256)
998 - Exterior mirror (Convex), heated and electric operated (passenger side) Exterior Mirror (Flat), heated and elec operated (drivers side)
This plate has many codes not identified......
On the in board side of the inner drivers seat frame I found the ID plate.
It gives me some basic information such as color........
9082 = LC3Y = Bordeaux Red Pearl
058 = Bumper & Spoiler like Carat model
526 = Luxury Version Caravelle
30 = AM/FM Stereo Cassette, Auto Reverse, 4 speakers
002 623 = chassis #
LH = ?? Left hand drive ???
5 = ?
4 = ?
2554 = ?
C3 = ?
GR = ?
HH = ?? Interior trim
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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SyncroHead
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2005
Posts: 1141
Location: Northern Nevada
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 9:10 am Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Interesting idea.
How can you make an accurate window sticker without knowing what options the unit was built with?
Dave |
First, this is limited to USA vans only. The replica customer would need to provide info letting me know what options the van has that they believe were original. Color, fabrics, power windows, etc. Also, their VIN of course.
From that, I could make a replica window sticker that depicts how this would appear on an original window sticker, modeled after other of the same year.
I might get requests for a 1985 replica where the owner says it has a 2.1L engine and alloy wheels and of course it was not originally produced that way. I'd would intend to filter out the things that a certain year or model could not have had.
The option code stickers include a lot of items that are not on a window sticker. This includes things like "Left hand drive", "Speedometer unit in Miles and MPH", "USA EPA Emissions Certs", "3-point seat Belts". There are a lot of details that go into constructing the car to a particular spec, that just don't appear on a window sticker, and I wouldn't need to be concerned with details that are not relevant to the window sticker. The window sticker does not contain any option "codes", just the description of how the van was equipped.
Some items may not be known by the owner like the owner like the original dealer. We can pick one the owner might think most likely and use that info. Again, this is not meant to be a window sticker forgery, but more of a fun-to-have accessory.
Hope this is of interest to some.
Jim Davis
_________________
"A Vanagon? It's not a car or a van. It's a hobby!"
Check out:
www.VANAVATION.com
www.SyncroSafari.org and
www.Vanagons.org
| sphet wrote: |
| I have *no* idea what the previous owner carried in his Westy... angry donkeys? |
Last edited by SyncroHead on Thu Jan 20, 2022 10:08 am; edited 1 time in total |
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crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9923
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 9:15 am Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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The LH is part of the chassis number.
L = 1990 model year
H = Hannover Factory
Mark
| djkeev wrote: |
My info.
Can you fill in all the blanks?
I've done most of them.
......
On the in board side of the inner drivers seat frame I found the ID plate.
It gives me some basic information such as color........
002 623 = chassis #
LH = ?? Left hand drive ???
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Red Ryder
Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2021
Posts: 951
Location: Northern California
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 10:26 am Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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Great idea, Jim. I would suggest a standardized “information form” that we could use to provide as many useable data points for that year’s window sticker as possible.
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“Scarlett” — 1990 Vanagon Carat Wolfsburg Edition
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7916
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 12:16 pm Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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| djkeev wrote: |
30-4-0376 - 30th week, 4th day of week….. German calendar July 27,1989
255 - Vanagon LHD
4C3 - US spec Vanagon
This plate has many codes not identified......
30 = AM/FM Stereo Cassette, Auto Reverse, 4 speakers
4 = ?
2554 = ?
C3 = ? |
Look more closely, Dave, and you'll see that the metal and paper "tags" have the same data, just not in the same exact format.
PKN, aka build date: 30 4 0376
Type: 255 4C3
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1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
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SyncroHead
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2005
Posts: 1141
Location: Northern Nevada
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 3:11 pm Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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| Red Ryder wrote: |
| Great idea, Jim. I would suggest a standardized “information form” that we could use to provide as many useable data points for that year’s window sticker as possible. |
Thanks Red!
Yes, I'd need to come up with an easy, standardized way for owners to describe the information on their van that would go on the replica window sticker.
Jim Davis
_________________
"A Vanagon? It's not a car or a van. It's a hobby!"
Check out:
www.VANAVATION.com
www.SyncroSafari.org and
www.Vanagons.org
| sphet wrote: |
| I have *no* idea what the previous owner carried in his Westy... angry donkeys? |
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SyncroHead
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2005
Posts: 1141
Location: Northern Nevada
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 3:21 pm Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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Generally, no one needs to know how all the codes pertain to build specs in order to create a replica window sticker.
If someone tells me it's 1986, brown, tan interior, tachometer, has power mirrors, etc. - that's the info I'd need to complete the standard equipment, options, and pricing sections of the replica.
This leaves the seemingly random numbers across the bottom (that I presume few would care about), and the delivery information, like port of entry and dealer info at the top. If an owner didn't know these, and would be satisfied with reasonable guesses for these the whole replica would be very close, but not a "forgery". I'm not hoping to create a historical document, just a fun "accessory".
Jim Davis
_________________
"A Vanagon? It's not a car or a van. It's a hobby!"
Check out:
www.VANAVATION.com
www.SyncroSafari.org and
www.Vanagons.org
| sphet wrote: |
| I have *no* idea what the previous owner carried in his Westy... angry donkeys? |
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syncrodoka
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005
Posts: 12005
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 6:25 pm Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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I have the original monroney sticker from a couple of my vans, literally never look at them  |
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Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76902
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 6:32 pm Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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Careful, VWoA has sued many for copyright and intellectual property infringement in the past.
At one time they stopped vendors from selling reproduction hubcaps with the VW logo on them.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
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SyncroHead
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2005
Posts: 1141
Location: Northern Nevada
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 6:45 pm Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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| syncrodoka wrote: |
| I have the original monroney sticker from a couple of my vans, literally never look at them |
I'd love to borrow them, scan them and return them.
The images would join the rest of the collection online at www.Vanagons.org
I've borrowed in the past and always faithfully returned them 100%.
Jim Davis
_________________
"A Vanagon? It's not a car or a van. It's a hobby!"
Check out:
www.VANAVATION.com
www.SyncroSafari.org and
www.Vanagons.org
| sphet wrote: |
| I have *no* idea what the previous owner carried in his Westy... angry donkeys? |
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DuncanS
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013
Posts: 4583
Location: New Hampshire
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 9:38 pm Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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Guess I'm not a customer, because:
I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Although it got cropped, the VIN is a match. Note Fahrvergnugen is free. They may think so, but I've found it's far from free.
Duncan |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22640
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2022 1:41 am Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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I’ll guess the price point on these would be about $15, just enough for you to buy a couple of URO rubber parts that fail OBQ
Kudos for market research before venture , smart
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16501
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2022 7:34 am Post subject: Re: Interest in Vanagon Window Sticker Replicas? |
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| Abscate wrote: |
I’ll guess the price point on these would be about $15, just enough for you to buy a couple of URO rubber parts that fail OBQ
Kudos for market research before venture , smart |
Thread hijack.... sorry.
Actually URO rubber parts have come leaps and bounds up in quality over the recent past. They are very active with their customers and are constantly improving what they offer. I am impressed the way they actively participate in the Pelican Porsche forums and address customer comments. Kudos to them for being able to take criticism and improve. I'll likely order my targa front seal from them because they are the only ones who are changing their dies to make the special shape required. The Porsche part is NLA and Porsche directs customers to cut and modify a newer gasket (ugh!).
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794 |
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