80 Vanagon Westy?

peaceful warrior · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 4:46 pm Post subject: 80 Vanagon Westy?

Hey all,
I have just purchased a 1980 Vanagon Westy for dirt cheap. The interior is VG condition and mechanically it is sound. The body has some surface rust and two small rust spots on both rockers, but other than that it is pretty clean. I actually enjoy driving it more than my 78 Westy, but everyone I know says to get rid of it, the motor will go much sooner...blah...blah..blah.
So, I am looking for some feedback on this year and model.
Thanks,
Brian
_________________
"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian

Randy in Maine · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:54 pm Post subject:

Might want to consider intstalling a temp gauge......

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=...prd347.htm

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bdub16 · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 7:28 pm Post subject:

Congrats on the 80 westy!

I have an 80 westy as well. Mine sounds similar to yours. I had a 1978 and also enjoyed it but I like the increased space in the 1980.

I am a big fan of the airs. I agree with Randy, temp gauge is critical.

I have no (okay some) complaints with it so far. The main thing is to avoid overheating and keep up on regular maintennance. I always say that a sound body is of prime importance - the rest can be fixed.

When they are this old, make sure you look at the critical stuff that doesn't hold up well with time - like rubber fuel hoses and some of the exposed wiring.

Good luck!!
_________________
1978 Bus - (previously owned)
1980 Westy
1989 Westy

peaceful warrior · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 8:15 pm Post subject: Head Temp Sensor

Thanks Randy & bdub16 (sorry don't know your name).
I checked out the link and will be ordering the head temp sensor/gauge and the oil temp sensor/gauge. Question for you Randy, where is the best location for the head temp sensor, near the #3 cylinder?
Brian
_________________
"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian

DrDarby · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 8:36 pm Post subject:

I'm just wondering why your friends reccomend getting rid of the vanagon because the engine will go so much sooner when it is the same engine your '78 has ?
_________________
Midwest Autosavers, Inc. Woodstock, IL

peaceful warrior · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 8:50 pm Post subject: Because

Because my friends are Split Window snobs........or at least that is what I tell them Laughing

. I just like VW's. My mechanic also told me the engine will only last 90,000 miles and that is what it has on it now, and it is the original engine. I bought it from a 78 year lady, who couldn't handle driving it anymore. I don't really care what they think, I will be enjoying it anyhow.
Brian
_________________
"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian

scottcollins72 · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 9:05 pm Post subject:

OK, let me tell you right now that the mileage your mechanic gave you is a load of shit. I have a westy right now that went through 180,000KM (around 111,000 miles) and it was treated like shit. I figure (as does my mechanic) if I baby it (change filters regularly and get a temp sensor) and run the synthetic oil I've got in it, The rebuild he did should last me at least another 200,000KM ( ~ 125,000 miles) So let those split window snobs (jerks Wink

) say what they want, an aircooled is an aircooled and it all depends on how you take care of it!

cnskate · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:20 pm Post subject:

I think 125k is the outside edge for these motors. The biggest problem is dropped valve seats. I have heard that the bottom ends are pretty bullet proof, so you could probably get away with a good top end rebuild in the near future.
_________________
"Wherever you go, there you are."

Randy in Maine · Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 5:06 am Post subject: Re: Head Temp Sensor

scottcollins72 · Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 7:27 am Post subject:

Hey randy.... How'd you keep your head temp sensor connected to your computer while still monitoring #3? Just use the original temp sensor or did you add a different one?

Randy in Maine · Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 8:15 am Post subject:

If you buy the Dakota one, call them and tell them you want the 18' long sender with the 14mm spark plug ring. It is different than the VDO set up.

Twinkeeler · Samba Member Joined: April 01, 2005 Posts: 46

We got a 1981 Westy with 235,000 miles on the original engine. They keep going, and going, and going...... Smile

lovedavdubs · Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 1:53 pm Post subject:

wookie · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 11:53 am Post subject:

My 80 Westy is a beast..... yeah she is slow as shit ...... but i'm well over 165k miles ......... so if you picked it up cheap.... just baby it for a while till you know what it will do ...... that's what i did...... every long trip was just a little bit further
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Squirrels and mini light sabers don't mix

lovedavdubs · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 5:43 pm Post subject:

gratefulbus · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 9:52 pm Post subject:

I bought my 80 weekender with a broken odom. reading 195,000. I've put on at LEAST 50,000 since I got it and she's just now starting to get a little tired. I just don't treat her like a sports car and all's cool.
_________________
Some are born crappy, some achieve crappiness, and some have crappiness flung at them.


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