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Bub
Samba Member
Joined: June 10, 2004
Posts: 1302
Location: Central Washington
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 Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 9:24 am Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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This Van is something else you guys. I've known this Van since Dan imported it.
It is absolutely one of a kind, there is nothing like this thing anywhere else on earth. The price is what it is, but make no mistake it could be twice that and you'd find it hard to argue about.
Don't know what else to say, if you're "in the market" for something like this and your budget is even remotely close..THIS IS IT.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2754110
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| hitest wrote: |
| Had a girlfriend once who shall we say, nearly arrived at the mere sight of a semaphore in action- easy to please she was... |
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campism
Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007
Posts: 4676
Location: Richmond VA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/695138010101129
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'87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic, tragically crushed by a falling hickory tree in my own driveway and now gone, leaving me Vanagonless and with no plans to replace it, alas. |
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mtnhome 
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Joined: July 17, 2010
Posts: 614
Location: Summit County, CO
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bobhill8
Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2017
Posts: 784
Location: MA
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campism
Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007
Posts: 4676
Location: Richmond VA
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| Posted: Tue May 06, 2025 3:10 am Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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Can't believe this is still available after 12 weeks. If I planned to replace my squashed Westy I'd buy this.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/605748102236096
*edit*
The main thing keeping me away is knowing I'd have to modify my garage door to get inside; plenty of interior height but a 7' high opening.
_________________
'87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic, tragically crushed by a falling hickory tree in my own driveway and now gone, leaving me Vanagonless and with no plans to replace it, alas. |
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BigPapaV
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Joined: February 05, 2023
Posts: 74
Location: Long Beach, CA
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Gnarlodious
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Joined: September 28, 2013
Posts: 2404
Location: Bonners Ferry Idaho
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blue72beetle
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Joined: April 23, 2008
Posts: 893
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
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Mckinleyvillian
Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2021
Posts: 596
Location: Bristol County, MA
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| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2025 5:44 pm Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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That looked like a really nice deal. That thing could have been otr for less than 2grand
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so many roads i know
all i want is one to take me home
85 Vanagon GL 1.9 stick |
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mtnhome
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Joined: July 17, 2010
Posts: 614
Location: Summit County, CO
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xflyer
Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2006
Posts: 314
Location: SOCAL
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| Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2025 5:06 pm Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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The AC system on the 86 camper is usually unsatisfactory for most people even when in top OE condition. It has a smaller evaporator than the 87-91 models hence a lower airflow with less temperature drop. To get it functioning it will need all new hoses, new compressor, filter/drier, and flush-vacuum-and recharge. There are plenty of threads here on The Samba of people that have overhauled these systems. Usual price for parts is about $2K.
If you are not familiar with Vanagon campers, there is no cooled/AC air out of the dash. It only comes out of the rear evaporator above the back seat. Small Car in Washington state has an in dash unit, but note it is not cheap. Price starts at $2K for the kit plus installation and any needed repairs to the existing AC.
The OE cruise control worked fine when new, but likely there are worn out parts now. Most of the parts are NLA as new, so used ones are the only source and often the parts that fail are hard to find as lots of people want them.
A solution is to get an aftermarket Rostra kit. That will need a skilled and experienced person to install it correctly.
The weak point on the 2.1 L Vanagon engine is the connecting rod bolts. They tend to stretch and then the nut comes off. The rod then starts colliding with other engine parts making it all scrap metal. Only solution is to overhaul the engine and either replace the bolts/rebuild the rods or use better rods. The Vanagons seldom break or "drop" valves.
Be concerned about the brakes: Likely need new hoses and rebuild or replace the calipers and rear wheel cylinders.
Steering may also be a problem. Did not notice if the van has power steering. Most of the Vanagons sold in North America after mid 1985 had it. The rack and or the pump may be worn and needing replacement. Also there are rubber discs in the steering linkage/column. Those are also likely deteriorated and needing replacement.
Whatever van you are thinking about buying have an experienced shop check it first. Expect to pay $150-200 which is cheap if you avoid problems or can get the van for a lower price due to needed repairs.
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1989 Campmobile, 1984 7 passenger beater Vanagon
Both with cool A/C |
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virusdoc
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2018
Posts: 643
Location: Alton, IL, USA
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| Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2025 6:54 pm Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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That’s something.
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1976 Convertible Super Beetle, "June Bug".
Self-rebuilt 1904
1976 Campmobile 2.0L FI, "Kermit" |
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vanis13
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Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4421
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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Gnarlodious
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Joined: September 28, 2013
Posts: 2404
Location: Bonners Ferry Idaho
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virusdoc
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2018
Posts: 643
Location: Alton, IL, USA
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| Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2025 6:15 pm Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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| Mckinleyvillian wrote: |
i'm not expert, and, i've lived on both the west coast in a van heavy area and now the east coast in a not so van heavy area during my time owning and looking at vanagons.
$23,000 is way too much dough for an all original van. Clean interior can be like putting lipstick on a pig, man. cleaning for a sale is easy, man. The WBX has never been removed, meaning, more than likely the waterjackets are original. that's gonna need work. The cruise and AC are disabled, why? for $23000 smackers, I want that up to snuff. some rust at the winows? that's only what you're seeing. there could well be more under the window gaskets. it likes to spread there. Rear heater lines are leaking? that's an easy fix that the dude who currently owns it should have taken care of. if he can't navigate, or isn't willing to navigate that sort of easy fix, what else is being neglected?
on top of that, unless you've got the know how and space, a new, rebuilt, or engine conversion could well run you at least half the current price of the van.
Just saying that 23k for a stock westy in 2025 is high as f==k. I saw a clean, running 86 westy near me in Massachusetts go for $6500 a few months back. If I didn't just buy a house, I'd have bought that van in a heartbeat. Now that van i mentioned may be an anomaly, but there's equally nice or nicer vans out there than this one in NC going for a better ticket. If you put in the time to search, you will find something.
I'd be buying the cheapest, running van with a straight body if you're planning to do an engine swap to make it more modern and safe anyways. Y'all drive like menances down there in NC, you're going to want the HP of a subaru imho if you're on the freeway. Say you spend $10k on a van, then you can take that other $13k and put in a very nice engine swap.
Westymotorwerks in Asheville currently has an 87 syncro (4x4) vanagon with a subaru swap already completed for $25k asking price. |
I appreciate this thoughtful reply. I don't think I did a very good job on some of what I reported above. By "clean", I don't just mean the guy cleaned out the inside. The entire interior looked almost unused. No stains, scuffs, tears, wear, or deformed foam anywhere in the seating areas or the engine compartment cover or the Westfalia cabinets.
And the problems this guy had, that I mention above, he all had professionally repaired. Other than the canvas, it needs nothing to be fully functional. Well--cruise and AC being disabled is, I agree, questionable. He said they were disabled when he got it 10 years ago. I assume the AC had a leak and the PO didn't use it much in hot weather, so cut the belt. I don't know how error prone the cruise controls are.
The engine is a big unknown, and I agree it is likely near end of life. I would probably put a GW 2700 in it once it needed a replacement, but if it is driving fine and it passes a compression and leak down test, both of which I can do, I would run it until it blows a head gasket or drops a valve.
I really don't know how to value these at all. I think it is a fantastic drivable project, but I would of course love to pay half what he's asking for it if that is fair.
_________________
1976 Convertible Super Beetle, "June Bug".
Self-rebuilt 1904
1976 Campmobile 2.0L FI, "Kermit" |
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Mckinleyvillian
Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2021
Posts: 596
Location: Bristol County, MA
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| Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2025 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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| virusdoc wrote: |
This Vanagon is in pretty damn good shape. Raised suspension, essentially rust free above and below. Small rust spots forming at the bottom corners of the rear window. Interior is nearly mint, with clean velour and spotless carpet/rear vinyl floor. All factory except the upgraded bumpers. Factory AC and cruise, but both disabled at the engine, unsure why. New LP tank and lines. Original dometic fridge still works. The water boxer has never been out of the vehicle, but starts easily and seems to run smoothly. At 106k mi I assume it is due for a major rebuild soon. Transmission shifts smoothly. He's also added the roof rack kit and awning, but "can't find" the awning. The paint on this thing is in amazing shape. I don't know if it was ever clear coat from the factory, but it is a nice smooth and uniform matte copper color that I love, with no peeling or sun bleaching even on the front. The only problems he's had in 10 years of ownership have been leaking coolant lines, mostly around the rear heater. Oh, it needs a canvas, which is no big deal.
I'm torn--I really am drawn to the aesthetics of the bay window westy's, but this is a much more modern and safe vehicle and is fully functional as a camper. And although it is a cultural orphan in the VW family, and I love the simplicity of the air-cooled engines, this is also adorable is an ugly-duckling way. I might have to drive it home tomorrow.
If I pull the trigger, thoughts on whether to negotiate the price down from $23 because it is likely to need an engine in the near term, or is it still a bargain even with that looming? The guy clearly loves it, knows its history well, and I have no desire to lowball him. |
i'm not expert, and, i've lived on both the west coast in a van heavy area and now the east coast in a not so van heavy area during my time owning and looking at vanagons.
$23,000 is way too much dough for an all original van. Clean interior can be like putting lipstick on a pig, man. cleaning for a sale is easy, man. The WBX has never been removed, meaning, more than likely the waterjackets are original. that's gonna need work. The cruise and AC are disabled, why? for $23000 smackers, I want that up to snuff. some rust at the winows? that's only what you're seeing. there could well be more under the window gaskets. it likes to spread there. Rear heater lines are leaking? that's an easy fix that the dude who currently owns it should have taken care of. if he can't navigate, or isn't willing to navigate that sort of easy fix, what else is being neglected?
on top of that, unless you've got the know how and space, a new, rebuilt, or engine conversion could well run you at least half the current price of the van.
Just saying that 23k for a stock westy in 2025 is high as f==k. I saw a clean, running 86 westy near me in Massachusetts go for $6500 a few months back. If I didn't just buy a house, I'd have bought that van in a heartbeat. Now that van i mentioned may be an anomaly, but there's equally nice or nicer vans out there than this one in NC going for a better ticket. If you put in the time to search, you will find something.
I'd be buying the cheapest, running van with a straight body if you're planning to do an engine swap to make it more modern and safe anyways. Y'all drive like menances down there in NC, you're going to want the HP of a subaru imho if you're on the freeway. Say you spend $10k on a van, then you can take that other $13k and put in a very nice engine swap.
Westymotorwerks in Asheville currently has an 87 syncro (4x4) vanagon with a subaru swap already completed for $25k asking price.
_________________
so many roads i know
all i want is one to take me home
85 Vanagon GL 1.9 stick |
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virusdoc
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2018
Posts: 643
Location: Alton, IL, USA
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| Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2025 4:51 am Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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This Vanagon is in pretty damn good shape. Raised suspension, essentially rust free above and below. Small rust spots forming at the bottom corners of the rear window. Interior is nearly mint, with clean velour and spotless carpet/rear vinyl floor. All factory except the upgraded bumpers. Factory AC and cruise, but both disabled at the engine, unsure why. New LP tank and lines. Original dometic fridge still works. The water boxer has never been out of the vehicle, but starts easily and seems to run smoothly. At 106k mi I assume it is due for a major rebuild soon. Transmission shifts smoothly. He's also added the roof rack kit and awning, but "can't find" the awning. The paint on this thing is in amazing shape. I don't know if it was ever clear coat from the factory, but it is a nice smooth and uniform matte copper color that I love, with no peeling or sun bleaching even on the front. The only problems he's had in 10 years of ownership have been leaking coolant lines, mostly around the rear heater. Oh, it needs a canvas, which is no big deal.
I'm torn--I really am drawn to the aesthetics of the bay window westy's, but this is a much more modern and safe vehicle and is fully functional as a camper. And although it is a cultural orphan in the VW family, and I love the simplicity of the air-cooled engines, this is also adorable is an ugly-duckling way. I might have to drive it home tomorrow.
If I pull the trigger, thoughts on whether to negotiate the price down from $23 because it is likely to need an engine in the near term, or is it still a bargain even with that looming? The guy clearly loves it, knows its history well, and I have no desire to lowball him.
_________________
1976 Convertible Super Beetle, "June Bug".
Self-rebuilt 1904
1976 Campmobile 2.0L FI, "Kermit" |
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virusdoc
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2018
Posts: 643
Location: Alton, IL, USA
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| Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2025 11:45 am Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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| mottoguzzi wrote: |
| The Westy looks good for the price , but what the heck type of transmission does it have?? The ad is short of complete info. |
It’s a manual. Going to see it tomorrow morning. And yes the ad is lean on details!
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1976 Convertible Super Beetle, "June Bug".
Self-rebuilt 1904
1976 Campmobile 2.0L FI, "Kermit" |
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mottoguzzi
Samba Member
Joined: October 21, 2012
Posts: 22
Location: 10,000 lakes
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| Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2025 11:20 am Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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| The Westy looks good for the price , but what the heck type of transmission does it have?? The ad is short of complete info. |
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virusdoc
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2018
Posts: 643
Location: Alton, IL, USA
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| Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 7:37 pm Post subject: Re: Good deals on Nice Vans |
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Thank you both for the replies! There is another VW shop in Durham, Hicks, that is solid on the mechanical side. When I lived there I frequented their parts desk. But I hadn’t heard of Phaeton.
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1976 Convertible Super Beetle, "June Bug".
Self-rebuilt 1904
1976 Campmobile 2.0L FI, "Kermit" |
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