Vanagon Design Deficiencies

[randywebb]

I'm starting this so only Syncro specific things will go in the other thread.

magazine articles were quite laudatory when the Vanagon was first introduced, prasing the road feel, handling, and luxurious nature (compared to domestic full size vans - min-vas did not exist then)

one problem noted was that suspension articulation was worse than the older Bus

another was that it was very underpowered since it used the Bus motor but weighed more

the Vanagon also seems to have a lot of wind noise (and that is noted on the comparison thread with the Toyota van)
_________________
1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[D Clymer]

Overall, the Vanagon is an amazing piece of engineering. It still stands out that way 33 years after its debut. I don't consider things like the wind noise to be a design deficiency because if you want the kind of interior volume a Vanagon has in a 179.9" long vehicle it has to be upright, and that means a flat front that displaces a lot of air.

Even though I love the vehicle, I can think of many design details that were less than brilliant though.

1. The brittle plastic fuel spigot positioned perfectly over the starter and battery cable.

2. The battery box cover made from conductive steel that sits only a few millimeters from the two battery posts and relies on the plastic battery safety cover and the black paint on the lid to insulate things.

3. The wasserboxer water jacket seal design that is extremely prone to contact corrosion.

4. The many feet of panel joints/seams throughout the body that become rust prone on salt belt vans.


There are others, but I'll stop and let others share theirs. I do think at some point it will be time for a "Vanagon Design Successes" thread because these vans really do represent an incredible piece of engineering. There wouldn't be so many of us driving them as daily drivers 30 years later if that wasn't the case.

David

[90Doka_Guy]

Its incredibly non-intuitive heating and fresh air controls.
_________________
-'87 Westy
-'90 Tintop
-'90 DOKA

[syncrodoka]

Hidden windshield wiper fluid container, non-lit headlight switch, underpowered, not offering Escorial green in later models, putting the heater fan in a inacessable area.

[Syncroincity]

[Rocky Mountain Westy]

[danfromsyr]

my light switch is illuminated.
underpowered? well to todays 75+ MPH highways.
as designed for a 55mph highway they do quite well. and at decent MPGs.

all I'd say is that they shoulda skipped the aircooled option, but admittedly weren't ready with the manufacturing. and IMO shoulda gone the Inline 4 (and Inline 5) route as watercooled vans.

as for the heater fan, man I hear alot of whining on that topic here all the time. but I can assure you you do NOT want to have to R&R anything from the 85+ models in VW or any other MFG.

[syncrodoka]

[turbotransporter]

[Rocky Mountain Westy]

[Love My Westy]

It seems there are a lot of people judging the Vanagon by today's standards.
Those of us who love our mid-'80s Vanagons for what they are, are still happy with them. Remember that at the time, the heaters were a vast improvement over the old air-cooled heaters, the defrosters actually worked, and even the windshield wipers worked better than any of the old VW wipers.

The biggest complaint I had back when mine was new was the suspension that allowed me to get blown all over the road when I had a canoe on top. I fixed it at the time with KYB shocks, heavy duty sway bars from JC Whitney, and 27 8.50 14 Bridgstone Duellers.

A Toyota it's not. If I had wanted a Toyota Van I would have bought one, but in 1985 the Toyota was tiny, and you had to move the front seat to get to the engine, and mid 80's Toyotas rusted every bit as bad as any Vanagon.

[turbotransporter]

[Team WorldTour]

The suspension and tire size are my only gripes. Oh, and heater controls, but not so much. In 1985, my mother sold her '73 bay window, and got a brand new tin-top Vanagon. Grey, with a sunroof. In 1992, I learned how to drive in that van! In 1996, she traded it in for a '91 GL. The last one made. We still have it. We love it. I love my '85 Westy. The ONLY reson I'm doing an engine swap is for better fuel economy in these high fuel price days.

Power? Speed? Glory?
A Jedi craves none of these.....
_________________
1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
Click to view image
H6 Subaru Engine Swap Thread
WV2ZZZ25ZFH094138(x)/ WV2YB0257LH057308(x)/ WV2ZZZ25ZLG113270/
"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!

[Syncroincity]

[Inlet]

Its a very simple machine, and would be better enjoyed if it was smog exempt.

[Team WorldTour]

[Jteerlink]

For as much as I loved my past two bay windows, I will never go back! Maybe only for the looks, but it ends there. IMO VW finally addressed many issues that were lacking in the bus generations.

But, I would have to say that the captain seat swivel base should have been standard and pop-out side windows in the rear could have easily been done.

[thummmper]

vw hung it out to make the vanagon happen--they didnt even have an engine when it got approved in 79-- they werent going to use the same pancake engine if they could help it--and emissions just wouldnt let them--the chrysler caravan was debuted in 83 with the k car. so they had a 3 year jump in a niche market. they used the same style brakes as on the type 3 and karmann ghia, when fords and chevys had vented power discs since 1971.
our vannys predate cell phones too. only kirk had one. I likje mikes stance on this one, but the upper front bushings are still junk. [and the fuel tank seal system]
comparing her to a bay will help--

[plummerdesign]

Our first 1984 Vanagon Westfalia was worlds apart from the 1977 Type 2 Westfalia it replaced. There was HEAT and so the kids did not turn blue in the winter. The steering and stability was a vast improvement. The engine was so much easier to work on (look Ma, no tin shrouding!) and the WBX power was so welcomed.
Comfort was so good in fact that it was BECAUSE of how nice the Vanagon was that we did extensive family travels. Never would have done that in the old Bay window.
.
DISLIKES?
Why does the driver’s door have to slam to shut? Who forgot to design a fill tube for the overflow tank behind the rear license plate? On the Camper: Why do I have to swivel the seat and move it back to get at the battery? And I have never liked the hook up flaps because it prevents using the car wash..
.
Technology and expectations have changed the auto industry since the Vanagon left North America. The Windstar drives way nicer and oh so quiet. Yet nothing can compare to the “feel” of the Vanagon Westfalia Camper. It makes me want to escape!
.
For videos of that Westy, click the you tube link below.
Cheers,
Jeffery
_________________
It is old and green and it makes me grin.
1984 Westfalia 1.9

[Wildthings]