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Outback Kampers
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2344
Location: Oregon Outback
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 Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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I'll bet the original molds were for a bay-window bus and modified slightly to 'fit' the Vanagon (if that's what one might call it. 
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Karl Mullendore
1990 Syncro 16" sunroof Reimo highroof conversion
1990 Westy Multivan 112i automatic
1992 LT31 Karmann Distance Wide 'La Tortuga'
2014 Touareg X TDI |
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GMByers
Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2008
Posts: 642
Location: Retired in NW PA
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| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 6:48 pm Post subject: |
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| BenT Syncro wrote: |
| ...it does not look like it was built for a Vanagon. The angle in front is too severe. And the backend looks like someone forgot to add part of it. BenT |
I agree with Ben. From the front and rear angles, it almost looks like it is on backwards.
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And then there were two...downsized to 83 Doka &
74 Thing. |
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joseph928
Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2011
Posts: 2114
Location: flagstaff az.
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| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 3:06 pm Post subject: high top |
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 Good for you, glad you had fun with it! I looked at both tops, yes the lines are different , you got a good price on it. That could be a deal maker. I liked the lines of the Canadian one better, but does cost 2 as much. But this one comes with windows and skylight . Good luck with your next endeavor. 
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1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug. |
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micklongley
Samba Member
Joined: February 10, 2009
Posts: 44
Location: Durango, CO
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| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 11:16 am Post subject: Stripes are fun! |
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Im stoked that my van has made a gal from Telluride very happy. I had many adventures in the "Can-O-Worms" and it suited me great while I was by myself. Now that I'm starting a family and preparing for a long-term trip to South America I need something a little larger.
If you've never had a vehicle you could spray paint I invite you to go for it! There is no freedom like knowing you can touch things up easily if you have to go through an overgrown trail in Baja or, for those less adventurous, get dinged in the parking lot. Having fun with paint is most of the fun of having a vehicle in my opinion! To each is own though...
Keep an eye out for more interesting VW stuff coming from me, I'm working on a page that documents Subaru motor swaps into Vanagons and into my 73 Smortsmobile Bay Window Bus.
http://www.boxerswaps.com
Mick
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Mick
www.boxerswaps.com ...your VW and Subaru motor swap lounge |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15395
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 7:34 pm Post subject: |
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he's offering to cover that up..
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| The paint job is pretty wild and not for most, but I will offer to repaint it white for the new owner if they like. |
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| Abscate wrote: |
| These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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Jedi
Samba Member
Joined: October 23, 2007
Posts: 734
Location: Cool California
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| Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 6:25 pm Post subject: |
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Yeah. glad he ruined the thing with spray can zebra stripes 
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1961 Westfalia SO23 Mango Green/Seagull grey
1961 Westfalia SO34 T/BW
1961 Westfalia SO34 SWR
1964 Westfalia SO33 pearl white
1965 Westfalia SO42 Velvet green
1986 Syncro Wolfram grey with black int GL
1986 Syncro Doka
1987 Syncro Sevana beige Adventurewagen
1987 syncro Sevana beige GL
1973 Pumpkin orange Thing
2 1963 Rag top bug's
1965 Manx
1970 Single cab
1971 combi
1990 Vanagon GL
2007 Audi A4 3.2L quattro |
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foodeater
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2007
Posts: 1318
Location: Newburgh, NY
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15395
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 12:49 pm Post subject: |
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1 Year after the 1st post and it's 4sale on the expedition portal & Craigslist.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/6370...12-000-obo
http://westslope.craigslist.org/cto/2526832941.html
GLWS
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I am putting my beloved 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia up for sale. I swapped a Subaru 2.2 Ltr motor in place of the original and it has been a fantastic runner for the past 2 years with nearly double the horsepower and great gas mileage. Other major upgrades have been the high roof (Fiberine high-top, not Adventurewagen, but similar) with a small safari rack, a small lift, larger tires (27x8x14 all-terrains) with two spares (Not a Syncro but it does very well offroad), a solar battery setup, and limo tint for privacy. Being a Westfalia it comes with the complete kitchen and cabinet setup with an operating cooler, stove top, and sink with running water and an upgraded faucet. This van has been incredible to me and I was planning to drive it to South America this coming winter, but a growing family makes it necessary to have a different vehicle - I will be sad to see it go!
The paint job is pretty wild and not for most, but I will offer to repaint it white for the new owner if they like. The chassis has nearly 260,000 miles on it and the motor at around 110,000. I have a complete record of parts replaced for the motor and chassis since I've owned it - and I've done a lot of work! It recently received new tie rods, brake discs in the front, and front wheel bearings.
Shoot me an email, text, or call and I'd be happy to answer any questions or set up a time for inspection. Below are some pictures to show the condition of this amazing vehicle but I have a ton more - so just ask if you'd like to see them. I'll be updating with a full list of parts replaced and upgraded sometime soon so check back.
I can also point you to a video I have on youtube of the motor running - just let me know if you'd like to see it.
Thanks!
Mick
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| Abscate wrote: |
| These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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micklongley
Samba Member
Joined: February 10, 2009
Posts: 44
Location: Durango, CO
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| Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 10:52 pm Post subject: The interior is mostly finished... finally! |
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Hi guys, Its been a while since I've posted but I have finished the interior a bit - definitely a huge improvement over the ugly and unfinished fiberglass look. I'm going to post pictures soon, but I'll post them in the build thread located here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=430314&highlight=poor
It didn't take a whole lot of work, just patience and finding the will to glue wall paper in the Colorado winter temperatures. GOOD NEWS THOUGH - I am no longer unemployed! Keep your eye peeled for the pictures. They should be up by the middle of next week - Canyonlands is calling my name this weekend so y'all will have to wait.
Google fiberine for their contact info... pretty easy to find.
Ciao!
Mick
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Mick
www.boxerswaps.com ...your VW and Subaru motor swap lounge |
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nemobuscaptain
Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 3875
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 11:03 am Post subject: |
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Modifying such a huge mold is no small task. So they would have to create or find something to make a plug of. Plus what looks good to one pair of eyes may not be so good for some one else. I agree with others the interior needs to be finished better. Would you want to stare up at that? It does need some refinement. Not everybody has the time to DIY a whole lot. If it were smooth and white inside that would go a long way to making it nice. Remember that the eye buys and mine don't want to buy that interior look. Maybe a more refined version could be offered in addition to the basic. But whom am I to direct their efforts?
To me, such tops are an awfully good way to recycle plain window vans into something a lot more useful. I am thinking of all those who have regular Syncos and want a camper. Me included! (Although I have been not that keen to get a Syncro.)
Just a few thoughts......
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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BenT Syncro
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2005
Posts: 1088
Location: San Francisco
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| Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 5:03 am Post subject: |
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Great that you are happy with the top. It seems a good alternative for those who want a hightop and less concern about aesthetics.
IMHO, the biggest objection to Fiberine top is that it does not look like it was built for a Vanagon. The angle in front is too severe. And the backend looks like someone forgot to add part of it. My apologies in advance to those offended by my comments.
It would be great if Rico and company would redesign the top so the front slopes to match the contours of the van. Then extend the rear so it also follows the slant of the back hatch. The rest looks perfectly acceptable in my opinion.
I am familiar with the comments of a Vanagon List member after he installed his Fiberine shell. It was about $648 back then IIRC. There some complaint about the sides looking caved in slightly wavy. I have seen two Vanagons with this top in person. And vans with them are perennially being posted for sale or mistaken by the uninitiated as an Adventurewagen top. Frankly, I did not notice any of the imperfections that the original reviewer had mentioned. I just thought for there was a lack beaut'beauty in the execution. Please trust me when I say that is considered generous.
There is beauty in function and more importantly, availability. And for that I applaud Rico and company. Please redesign and make me your number one fan.
BenT |
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PIRATE
Samba Member
Joined: May 05, 2005
Posts: 253
Location: San clemente CA
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| Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 1:18 am Post subject: |
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after looking at photos of both tops i was wondering how tall it is in the upper bunk area on that fiber line top?
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2003 jetta wagon
1987 westfalia 2wd
1987 Syncro GL
1964 vespa vbb 150
1973 vespa sprint
2005 toyota tacoma Ole reliable |
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PIRATE
Samba Member
Joined: May 05, 2005
Posts: 253
Location: San clemente CA
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| Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 12:28 am Post subject: |
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that top is so rad and it sounds like its way cheaper than the other hgh tops from canada and it looks a little more low profile. Plus i live an hour from LA i need to order one for my syncro tomorrow!!
whats there contact info?[/u]
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2003 jetta wagon
1987 westfalia 2wd
1987 Syncro GL
1964 vespa vbb 150
1973 vespa sprint
2005 toyota tacoma Ole reliable |
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micklongley
Samba Member
Joined: February 10, 2009
Posts: 44
Location: Durango, CO
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 5:56 pm Post subject: |
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This is a very good point about the galvanization compound. Please be careful if you decide to use this material and wear eye protection as well as a HEPA type mask. This will block even the finest particles of the galvanized material from reaching your lungs.
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Mick
www.boxerswaps.com ...your VW and Subaru motor swap lounge |
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?Waldo?
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2006
Posts: 10086
Location: Where?
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 11:03 am Post subject: Re: No progress yet... ugh |
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| micklongley wrote: |
| EMT is a great material to use for a rack. Its super light weight, strong, and can be bent easily. The only draw back would be the noxious galvanized coating that must be physically removed before you try to weld. If you went without removing the galvanizing you will lose some brain cells. |
Bear in mind that the galvanized coating contains lead. If you grind it off and inhale any of the dust (even in extremely small quantities) it can cause a whole slew of very serious gastric and nervous system disorders.
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I am a high-functioning autistic into VW diesels and Vanagons along with other things that are unrelated to this site. |
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micklongley
Samba Member
Joined: February 10, 2009
Posts: 44
Location: Durango, CO
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| Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 6:38 pm Post subject: Started a new topic! |
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Hi All, I started a new topic detailing my build, as this topic was intended to be a review of the hightop itself.
Here is my build topic: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4811234#4811234
Daizee, The rack is made of very lightweight EMT conduit and weighs less than 10lbs. The solar weighs less than 5lbs. The bridging ladders are the beasts, and they weigh in at around 15lbs each. The method I'm using to finish the interior will also hopefully be lightweight, using salvaged 1X2's, fiberglass insulation, and wall paper (or some other light covering).
I have noticed a bit of body roll in heavy wind and when screaming around corners, but I attribute this too the weight of the top mostly. Also keep in mind that I'm on big squishy tires on 14" wheels and have a bit of lift.
I hope that answers some questions. If you wouldn't mind, post to the new topic regarding my build process.
Thanks!
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Mick
www.boxerswaps.com ...your VW and Subaru motor swap lounge |
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DAIZEE
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010
Posts: 7552
Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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| Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2010 10:11 pm Post subject: |
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Hi. Reading how you intend to finish the inside top. I'm wondering if that's not a lot of weight plus the rack, plus the solar?. Does that make you top heavy or does it balance out the bottom.? I don't know, I'm asking
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'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold) |
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micklongley
Samba Member
Joined: February 10, 2009
Posts: 44
Location: Durango, CO
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| Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 9:38 pm Post subject: No progress yet... ugh |
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Well no progress on the top, but I did replace axles and my sink faucet!
EMT is a great material to use for a rack. Its super light weight, strong, and can be bent easily. The only draw back would be the noxious galvanized coating that must be physically removed before you try to weld. If you went without removing the galvanizing you will lose some brain cells.
I hope to be installing windows this weekend, then insulating and finishing the interior by next week. I'll keep y'all updated.
Mick
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Mick
www.boxerswaps.com ...your VW and Subaru motor swap lounge |
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VanWilder
Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2009
Posts: 1349
Location: PDX-Weird Town, USA
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| Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 1:21 pm Post subject: |
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Nice job, I really like the rack. I was going to make one out of EMT and felt that it would have been way heavy for the size I was thinking...
Nice solar....
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VW
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"83.5" Vanagon GL Air cooled "VanWilder"
VanWilder has given back to me more then I could ever put into it September 22, 2010
Malama Ka `Aina—"Respect the Land" |
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