Good deals on Nice Vans

[4Gears4Tires]

The catch is that $46k is a lot of money.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition

[dobryan]

[4Gears4Tires]

There's no denying that. If you get out what you put in and you've used it in the mean time, you're coming out ahead.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition

[MsTaboo]

Appears to be a tin-top conversion.
So a lot depends on the quality of the work.
Why no pictures of the undercarriage or engine?

It does present well and money has been spent, but not the same value as an original factory Westy.
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Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
Defend Ukrainian democracy & autonomy.
Resist Kleptocratic Oligarchy (and Idiocracy)!

[space]

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2648897

Looks like a decent deal for a Syncro
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82 westy
w:
2.5 JDM Subie
Rear discs

[MsTaboo]

[virusdoc]

Hello all. I am a frequent flyer on the Super Beetle forums her, but I am looking for a bus for camping. Saw this ad here and wondered if you all could provide some insight on how to evaluate this Vanagon when I go to look at it. Seems quite stock and I like that it has the full kitchen. Is this a reasonable price? Total newbie at evaluating these. Personally I prefer the bay window Westy's, but they are hard to find in good shape unless you are way out west. Thanks for your thoughts!

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2715504
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1976 Convertible Super Beetle, "June Bug".
FI-->34PICT3 carb conversion-->now dual 40 IDFs
Self-rebuilt 1904 (after totally botching a 1641 rebuild, cussing a lot, and throwing lots of cash in the fire)

[4Gears4Tires]

Yeah, that's a really good deal. Honestly, that kind of a deal makes me a bit discouraged on my Westy. I should have just bought that.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition

[mikemtnbike]

[virusdoc]

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.
_________________
1976 Convertible Super Beetle, "June Bug".
FI-->34PICT3 carb conversion-->now dual 40 IDFs
Self-rebuilt 1904 (after totally botching a 1641 rebuild, cussing a lot, and throwing lots of cash in the fire)

[mottoguzzi]

The Westy looks good for the price , but what the heck type of transmission does it have?? The ad is short of complete info.

[virusdoc]

[virusdoc]

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".
FI-->34PICT3 carb conversion-->now dual 40 IDFs
Self-rebuilt 1904 (after totally botching a 1641 rebuild, cussing a lot, and throwing lots of cash in the fire)

[Mckinleyvillian]

[virusdoc]

[Gnarlodious]

ttps://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/d/gardner-vanagon-converted-westie/7827868719.html
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Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit

[vanis13]

[virusdoc]

That’s something.
_________________
1976 Convertible Super Beetle, "June Bug".
FI-->34PICT3 carb conversion-->now dual 40 IDFs
Self-rebuilt 1904 (after totally botching a 1641 rebuild, cussing a lot, and throwing lots of cash in the fire)

[xflyer]

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

[mtnhome]

This seems like it could be a good deal for someone willing to do some work.
https://www.facebook.com/share/199mxEzYdX/
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'84 Westy, '93 Subaru ej22 and Subarugears 5speed
Build thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=763098&highlight=