Man....I sure am tempted....'80 AC Westy....Deal or no Deal?

[SteveVanB]

Any input on whether or not this is a fair price? They're askin' $1800. I've managed to lose sleep over this one



1980 VW Vanagon - 300m on rebuild
Date: 2009-11-17, 8:08PM

Copy and paste in browser to see photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/44743325@N05/?saved=1
I am relisting this bus for $500 less than the previous asking price and I just spent $250 replacing the starter and ignition switch. This bus is a must for anyone looking for a project that runs great or a reliable work van. Engine has under 300 miles on the rebuild. This bus runs great: gears shift smoothly, braking is good, steering is great and the thing has never let me down on the road. Mechanically It has new tires, some new upholstery, newer battery and been cleaned inside and out.
I have to find a new home for this by the end of next so any reasonable offers will be taken
Problems that need to be addressed if you are looking to fix her up:
-Speedometer cable needs to be replaced - $17
-Needs a new pump for the sink
-Driver side view mirror needs to be replaced
-Has rust but almost all is surface - there are a few spots with small holes. The floor and frame are in great shape
-Left front brake squeaks but the brakes work well
-Needs new canvas. Pop top works perfect and fabric up top is in great shape
-Other minor things that go along with a 30 year old
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91 CARAT

[Vedublican]

[reluctantartist]

Those pictures are 3 years old...a lot can happen in 3 years. I wouldn't touch any rusty vanagon but that is me (much easier to repair parts than to deal with rust). I would suspect a couple of extra thousand will be needed to get this reliable. CV boots need to be checked the steering couplings...and even though he says the shifting is fine you still need to check it ...very few have complete bushings. The window rubber probably needs to be replaced judging from the current condition....a rebuilt engine doesn't mean replaced vacuum hoses etc. Realize when you get into this price range you have to turn around and put some work into it...do not expect to have a reliable working vehicle.....I do like air-cooleds a lot as others here know...but I would give this advice on any westy. Also if you have not owned an antique car before realize you will have to be innovative on coming up with some replacement parts etc. It is not for the faint of heart. I love my westy and like the fact that my hobby passion benefits the whole family since they get to enjoy the fruits of my endeavors and have found it to be the most versatile vehicle we own...can haul stuff from lumber to sheep with it and go camping. The air-cooled engine is super easy to work on compared to our modern cars with software controlled transmissions and the like. So if you want a project and the rust really is surface only (I very much doubt that...if it is on the driver side below the camping inlets then you have major work to do; cutting and welding) then go for it.

Good luck
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1982 Westy, 1974 412 Variant... Yes, Aircooled's are great! Oh and I do have modern computer controlled vehicles too, but I just don't care about them.

[FNGRUVN]

Here's an example of what you can get in that price range:www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=871477 There's also an '84 Westy in Plant City, Fl. in the samba classifieds for a little more money.

You've got to ask yourself, do I want an aircooled van with no A/C when I live in Florida?
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"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

[carterzest]

Great van. Fair price. Take it in for a prepurchase. I sold my 80 for 4k less than a year ago. It had over 8k in reciepts. Great van. I just wanted a wasser with heat and working a/c (have yet to use the a/c!).
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Happiness=Portland, Oregon in the rearview mirror!

[Vedublican]

[SteveVanB]

Thanks for the input. You all brought to light some points that I would have overlooked. Fortunately(unfortunately) this won't be my daily driver. I'm definately not afraid of a little work. I've had Bay Westy's in the past so I'm a little familiar with the motor and parts hunts. The van is over in the Tampa area, so not to far from me. It would actually give me an excuse to visit some friends! The no a/c thing isn't that big of a deal to me either as I own a landscape co. and am quite used to the heat. The fact that it has been for sale for a little while is a red flag though. I also didn't notice the date on the pics....I guess I need to get some more recent pics and/or take a trip over to St. Pete!
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91 CARAT