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Colonel_Brown Samba Member

Joined: May 25, 2010 Posts: 115 Location: Toronto, Ontario
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:02 am Post subject: Help me make a plan! |
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Hey all,
I’m trying to make a 1-2 year plan of attack for van. It’s an 84 with 180k miles. I did some engine small and large maintenance items including a new clutch, replaced the FI harness, and added fuel lines last year. Currently it works great. I’ve added 15” wheels, high-power headlight kit and second battery. It has very little rust, original interior, the fridge, stove, sink, heater all are fine. Really, I can’t complain. But I’m in my early twenties and want to take this van on some a longer (month+) roadtrips before I settle down.
…so lets talk upgrades and Mods.
I want your help to make a plan of attack for future projects. This will help me save up and schedule the bigger project (e.g. engine conversion or paint job). I’ve read through lots of posts and articles and websites on this stuff and it’s pretty overwhelming. I’m hoping you guys can give some advice to fit my situation. Money is obviously a consideration so lower cost/big return jobs will be at the top of my list. My van lives in an underground parking garage but I can get limited access to a better workspace for bigger projects.
Where do I start? What projects should I take on and, most importantly, in what order should I do them? _________________ '84 Vanagon GL (1.9L) - "Colonel Brown" |
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crazyvwvanman Samba Member

Joined: January 28, 2008 Posts: 10366 Location: Orbiting San Diego
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:15 am Post subject: Re: Help me make a plan! |
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Why not start by enjoying it more the way it is now. Take your long trips, enjoy life. Only fix up what really matters. You will learn more about life, places, and people by taking the trips than by spending a lot of time and money getting things perfect for a trip that never happens because money and time get too tight.
Mark
Colonel_Brown wrote: |
Hey all,
I’m trying to make a 1-2 year plan of attack for van. It’s an 84 with 180k miles. I did some engine small and large maintenance items including a new clutch, replaced the FI harness, and added fuel lines last year. Currently it works great. I’ve added 15” wheels, high-power headlight kit and second battery. It has very little rust, original interior, the fridge, stove, sink, heater all are fine. Really, I can’t complain. But I’m in my early twenties and want to take this van on some a longer (month+) roadtrips before I settle down.
…so lets talk upgrades and Mods...................... |
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chojinchef Samba Member

Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:23 am Post subject: |
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Why do you feel that 'settling down' will limit your roadtrips?
Most of what you are asking is a preference thing, a mechanical failure that requires action, or a preventative action.
I think you need to step back, and determine what your van NEEDS and what are your WANTS.
Take for example your already performed items: the van NEEDS fuel line updating, the van NEEDS adequate braking system and engine.
The aux battery kinda falls into the WANTS category. As you do not really need it to enjoy the van (IMHO), the upgraded lighting I think is a need as the stock is mediocre at best (safety thing)
Start with a list broken down into these two categories - then prioritize, keep it ongoing and get out and enjoy the van. Sure its fun to tinker, but the van will no doubtedly provide you with plenty of opportunity to do that.
Keep an eye on your maintenance items, keep spares in the van (with tools) and enjoy it. _________________ Its a mistress; an expensive, whiney, needy bitch of a mistress. She is a chunky, dirty girl with bad skin, little motivation and yet she always makes me smile. She sure has been around before shacking up with me. She has a direct line to my wallet, plays with my emotions, is consistantly jovial yet with a sarcastic and sardonic side, is consistant in her inconsistancy, and every once in a while gives me a great ride and a fantastic memory.
Last edited by chojinchef on Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:41 am; edited 1 time in total |
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PDXWesty Samba Member

Joined: April 11, 2006 Posts: 6344 Location: Portland OR
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:40 am Post subject: |
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Paint would be the very lowest priority on my list. Paint is an expensive project to make it look good. A bad or cheap paint job will actually detract from your van and lower the value. A well maintained original paint job is preferred in my opinion. Also, from looking at your pictures, your paint looks pretty decent. Remember these are utility vehicles and you want to be able to take them where you want. It would be a shame to put a $5k paint job on the van and you scratch it with brush the first time you take it down that dirt road to get to that remote spot on the beach. Spend $300 on a good professional exterior detail instead.
I would look at the following:
-New 12v fridge
-Good auxilliary battery set up with solar power
-Propane system upgrade with a Propex heater
-Suspension rebuild with all new springs, joints and bushings
-Possibly an onboard water heater with shower attachment
All these mods have been discussed in this forum. Check out the stickies (FAQ) at the top of the forum. Have fun!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=151300 _________________ 89 Westy 2.1 Auto |
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Ahwahnee Samba Member

Joined: June 05, 2010 Posts: 10214 Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 8:15 am Post subject: Re: Help me make a plan! |
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crazyvwvanman wrote: |
Why not start by enjoying it more the way it is now... |
X2. I took my 84 on long trips (24K miles in one case) with the only upgrade being the addition of an aux battery and lights over the bed.
The key thing for a long ride is, of course, reliability -- and it sounds like you're on top of that. |
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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: Thu Oct 06, 2011 8:23 am Post subject: |
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I know that van well. Good to hear that you are enjoying it. Like everyone says ENJOY IT MORE. I believe it is the original wbx but perhaps you are thinking of an upgrade.? Take it out on the road and use it. Oh and when you think you want to settle down, find someone who'll enjoy vanagonitis.  _________________ '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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trailnewt Samba Member

Joined: February 17, 2008 Posts: 248 Location: Northern California
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 8:31 am Post subject: Re: Help me make a plan! |
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crazyvwvanman wrote: |
Why not start by enjoying it more the way it is now. Take your long trips, enjoy life. Only fix up what really matters. You will learn more about life, places, and people by taking the trips than by spending a lot of time and money getting things perfect for a trip that never happens because money and time get too tight.
Mark
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I agree with Mark.
Also the best way to decide what changes to make to the van is to go on the road with it and discover what mods YOU really want. Each of us uses our van differently. Each of us discovers different things we would like to change. Surfers want showers and roof racks. Couch potatoes want flip-down TV screens. Cyclocross racers want mud-resistant floor coverings and seat covers. People in Arizona want better refrigerators. People in Minnesota want heaters...
Brent _________________ '87 Syncro Westy TDI
Too many bicycles
Maybe an old unicycle around here somewhere |
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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: Thu Oct 06, 2011 11:56 am Post subject: |
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I've been thinking on your subject. An excellent way to learn about what you can do and to get lots of varied info AND to enjoy yourself, why not go to a few big gatherings of Vanagons and Buses. There are several in the area, all within 5 hrs. It's a GREAT place to learn, look and listen and plan. There may still be some this fall but they all start again in the spring. Some even have them in the winter. You would enjoy yourself and widen your horizons. Bikes, dogs, kids are all in evidence too. _________________ '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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IdahoDoug Samba Member

Joined: June 12, 2010 Posts: 10355 Location: N. Idaho
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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Crazyvwvanman's got it to a T. A plan to travel 2 years from now is too far out, btw. Bet most of the old hands here will nod their heads in agreement when I say "that won't happen..." I can't fully explain that statement - it's wound up in human nature and a lifetime of adventure travel. Keep driving it and stay in touch with its needs so you know what needs attention on a regular basis, and have an ear for developing issues - like the growing sound of a water pump going, hard starts from a weak fuel pump, etc. Then when you see time for a trip coming, take care of weak stuff and head out.
Far better to pull out of the driveway with a mediocre looking van carrying a bike and loaded with gear, than to have a snappy looking van in the garage.
DougM _________________ 1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1993 Toyota LandCruiser, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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randywebb Samba Member

Joined: February 15, 2005 Posts: 3815 Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 1:14 pm Post subject: |
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the one critical safety maintenance item you did not mention is to replace all the rubber brake lines
next, get it back on all of its long-term maintenance
build a fund to pay for major items which will happen in the future
only then, do upgrades & base them on what really matters to the way you use the van & projected future uses
Generally - this is the order to do things in:
1. Critical safety items
2. Mechanical things that can strand you in the boonies.
3. Mechanical things that will cost a lot more if not addressed now
4. Other mechanical
5. Interior - incl. noise issues & stereo
6. making the exterior look nice
I have a yearly budget on what I am willing to spend on mine & am now down to doing the interior, tho I had some dent removal done. _________________ 1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans. |
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Volksaholic Samba Member

Joined: December 26, 2005 Posts: 1771 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:14 pm Post subject: |
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Make a "wish list" of mods you've seen that you like and critical things that all old Vanagons need. I don't find (or take) a ton of time to just tinker on mods that are on my list. There are some things that I just get into my head that I really "need now" and they go on my "things to do today" list. Most things are just on the wish list and get visited if I'm working in the area or on the system, or I tack them onto the prep list for a particular camping trip.
For example, before my wife and I did a trip in August of 2011, in addition to whatever necessary prep the van needed I made a rear hatch prop and screen so we could leave the rear hatch cracked when we were sleeping. Prior to a trip this Spring I bought a memory foam mattress pad and cut it to fit the bed, as well as the Spring oil change. Before my daughter and I lit out for California in June I installed a couple of cigarette lighter sockets in back so we had more places to recharge phones, camera batteries, etc. I expect I'll have everything on my wish list done by the end of the 2021 camping season! That's assuming more ideas don't creep onto the list between now and then.
pd _________________ 1988 Wolfsburg Edition, 2001 Subaru EJ251 |
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crazyvwvanman Samba Member

Joined: January 28, 2008 Posts: 10366 Location: Orbiting San Diego
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:15 pm Post subject: |
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Assuming that you will be traveling with another person I would first concern myself with adding, fixing, modifying those things that would make the other person more comfortable during the trips. Take some trips together and stop to think and analyze what is going wrong, or what is missing that would be appreciated if present. Little things can add up over time and make a real difference. A faucet that doesn't always work or that must be fiddled with is an example. Install a ShurFlo if you have a typical POS stock faucet. Add a better light and a mirror, if such would be used. I like to put a mirror on the bottom side of one of the hinged lids under the table. A fridge that sometimes doesn't seem to work and then makes you worry about the food safety is a big one for many people. Whatever your personal concerns are, address those, inside the van, where you will live together. If you just keep the outside van stuff safe and reliable that will be far more valued than some ego upgrade that takes up a lot of your time and energy and then must be fiddled with or worried about wherever you go. Focus on the people inside the van.
Mark and Anne
23 years of Vanagon travels and camping together |
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Colonel_Brown Samba Member

Joined: May 25, 2010 Posts: 115 Location: Toronto, Ontario
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 10:54 am Post subject: |
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Thanks everyone, there's a lot of good advice here for me to mull over. You guys seem to all be recommending various systems to prioritize fixes/upgrades more than a "plan". I guess seeing how everyone else figures out what they're going to work on next helps me figure out what I should do. Now to figure out my own way to prioritize my work!!!
I think Randywebb put it really well here:
Quote: |
1. Critical safety items
2. Mechanical things that can strand you in the boonies.
3. Mechanical things that will cost a lot more if not addressed now
4. Other mechanical
5. Interior - incl. noise issues & stereo
6. making the exterior look nice
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Keep it coming if any of you have more thoughts and Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving all! _________________ '84 Vanagon GL (1.9L) - "Colonel Brown" |
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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: Fri Oct 07, 2011 11:59 am Post subject: |
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What everyone says is very valid, use, use, use. But I know it's not really answering your request. Knowing your van in the past may I suggest taking a good look at the radiator (perhaps its the original), the cooling system hoses. Someone else suggested all brake lines, think you said you did or are going to do ALL fuel lines and parts. Perhaps you might like to drop your fuel tank and check it all out. I believe it was a west coast (WA and BC) van (but was briefly in PA) but look for rust anyway, especially behind fridge. Staying on top of it is easier than letting it get a hold on the metal. Perhaps you should pull all the carpeting up and out and take a good look at the floor, also a good opportunity to pressure wash the carpeting to freshen up its look and smell
But seriously if you are keeping up the maintenance and using it a lot then basically you just stay on top of it all. But don't let it sit around. It was Krowned 2-3 years ago so you might want to consider that again whether you drive it in winter or not. There is always residual dried salt around in spring until many good rain storms, especially in Toronto area. Drop the clam shell, check the spare tire and the underneath of the van that the clam shell hides. When I get Scooby Krowned in the next few weeks, I will remove the clam shell and spare. hint hint
Hope you are enjoying it!!! I'm not getting any turkey this year!! _________________ '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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Larry Davick Samba Member

Joined: August 31, 2011 Posts: 75 Location: Fremont, California U.S.A.
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 12:58 pm Post subject: |
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To my way of thinking tires, brakes, and bearings are first. I want to be able to roll and stop if all else goes bad. Then safety - fuel lines and attention to the electrical system - no fires. Then reliability - engine mechanicals, electrical, fuel injection, and cooling. Finally the fun stuff, interior, paint, bling.
For the brakes on Sleeping Beauty I'm about to replace the master cylinder, brake cylinders, calipers, and all soft lines. If I see any rust come out of the old brake fluid I might replace the hard lines with PolyArmour as well.
All rubber fuel lines will be replaced, but you say you've already done this - good on ya!
I have the old-type fuses, but they don't seem to show any heat issues or warping, so I'll just monitor the fuse panel and take a close look at all the rest of the wiring.
Once that's done, and she runs, then we're just going places. We'll fix the mechanical stuff as needed, tune-ups and oil changes of course, but I'd wager that you'll better figure out what you want once you get down the road!
This is what I'm doing to wake up this long sleeping girl. _________________ 1981 Westy Automatic
Sleeping Beauty |
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randywebb Samba Member

Joined: February 15, 2005 Posts: 3815 Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 1:33 pm Post subject: |
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oh yeh - the tires! I forgot to say that the tires should have a date code on them and if they don't you need new ones
if they are > 5years old, you'd better get new ones NO MATTER WHAT THE MILEAGE ON THEM
rubber continues to self-vulcanize over time, even if stored in a dark garage, or under nitrogen or argon, etc. -- that means they get hard and will skid when you really really need adhesion to the road surface
old tires also have a nasty habit of falling apart while being used
re rust - "look" means get under there and poke a screwdriver into the surface with some force
I'd pressure wash the entire underside (in fact, I did that just after buying mine) and then inspect very carefully; if no rust, just take some pics for future orientation, and touch up any areas where the undercoating is missing - after you pressure wash, some will be missing
do NOT pressure wash near the engine or anything electrical - baby clean those areas
GoWesty has a pretty good long term maintenance list and articles on why each thing is mentioned
Good Luck _________________ 1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans. |
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wenholzm Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2010 Posts: 140
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 1:46 pm Post subject: |
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I agree with many above, enjoy it now. How does it handle on the road? One of my upgrades were better tires to handle the road and bilstien shocks/ I felt much better on the road after these improvements.
Most important is to use it and have fun, and promise yourself that you will continue to have fun even when you are my age...., I am not telling my age, but lets just say I got kids your age.....
Have fun NOW, go out for the week end. |
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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: Fri Oct 07, 2011 2:44 pm Post subject: |
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sorry double post _________________ '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)
Last edited by DAIZEE on Fri Oct 07, 2011 2:49 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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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: Fri Oct 07, 2011 2:46 pm Post subject: |
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I believe the OP has owned this van for slightly more than 2 years so he must have some insight into it already either by his own efforts or a good mechanic. I also believe that it was well taken care of by previous owners BUT that yes as all have mentionned there are things that need attention. Updating and upgrading is certainly to be considered.
What he/her plans for work will be dependant on his plans for how long he will keep it and long distance travelling, etc.... Only the OP can ascertain that. _________________ '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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