Wait for a 90-91 Weekender - Or settle for an 85-89

sammyman · Samba Member Joined: May 18, 2004 Posts: 195

Hey guys. I've been looking for the right weekender. I really want a 90-91 model. From what I understand the only differences are the better upholstery, and two removable seats vs one permanent seat.

Are there any other differences in weekenders? Should I go with a clean 85-89 if I can't find the right 90-91? Or should I hold out and find the right 90-91?

tiicosyncro · Samba Member Joined: June 11, 2012 Posts: 93

Never settle, always go with your first choice

malibu · Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 9:21 pm Post subject:

I like the 85 better, storage under the seat. With two jump seats you need to take one out for a cooler anyway.

With a newer one you do have better wiring and a 2.1 though.
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whynotvw · Samba Member Joined: May 04, 2004 Posts: 1322

Nachtfalter · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 2:11 am Post subject:

All the years (1984-91) are cool, all are old cars at this point, and all the years have slow motors. Buy the nicest one you can find/afford. I wanted a weekender but ended up with a full westy only because it came up first. I wish I had the extra space of a weekender and wasnt dragging that silly kitchen everywhere I go, but oh well.

djkeev · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 4:22 am Post subject:

Upholstery is a "bolt on item".
Silly really to choose your vehicle based on eye candy.

Find a good unit with zero rust and well maintained?
Buy it....... Change out the upholstery to suit your tastes.

On a practical side......... VW is known for their "progressive improvements", changing things as the need arises, not at model years only. In theory...... Newer is better but in actuality....... On an antique, MAINTAINED is better.

Dave
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insyncro · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 4:33 am Post subject:

Wait for the Multivan, they are one of my favorites and have all the factory goodies stock.

djkeev · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 5:26 am Post subject:

beteljuze · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 7:14 am Post subject:

I, too was looking for a newer weekender, ending up buying an 87 with the stationary seat behind the driver. What everyone else said is true-I love the extra storage space under that seat. Plus my dogs love it. When I open the driver's window, my dog will jump up on that seat behind me and stick his head out the window.
As was said, buy the best Van you can buy no matter what year. You'll totally be happy with it.

insyncro · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 7:25 am Post subject:

r39o · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 7:36 am Post subject:

What Mr. Insyncro means is to wait for the later one cause they come loaded.

My ONLY dislike of the earlier ones is the interior color.

I like the boring light grey color.

The side cladding is a who cares.

Mechanicals are not worth mentioning.

I like the earlier jump seat box but the seat size is so so.

I am hacking up another seat to make a storage box set up.

My passenger side jump seat is never used and I keep a fridge in that spot.

Both early and late are just fine.

Choose your color and deal with the rest.
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djkeev · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 8:03 am Post subject:

There is always confusion about the "weekender" unit.

To me the term means poptop camper with fold down seat but no kitchen setup.

Is not the "Weekender" in actuality a Multivan?

The older Multivans had a storage cabinet in the left rear but was shorter than the full campe allowing for a full width bench seat.

The newer (at what year I do not know) multi vans haven't a rear storage cabinet.

Is not the term "weekender" used for the Vanagon a GoWesty term that has become widely accepted?

Was not weekender used by VW for the Eurovan marketing?

Or am I all wet and full of false information?

Interesting read........
http://www.vanagon.com/info/years/index.htm

Dave
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insyncro · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 8:59 am Post subject:

Loaded with a 4 speed in Orly Blue is how I like'm Wink

Only found in 90 & 91.

Wildthings · Samba Member Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50337

Weekender is kind of a catchall term. It pretty much means anything that is less than a full camper. It can be a hard top with a Camper interior, or a pop top without a camper interior. The OP need to better describe what he really wants.

1971BugGuy · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 11:10 am Post subject:

Storage under the rear-facing jump seat wins my vote. I don't know what I'd do without it in my '86 Weekender. Surprisingly holds a lot of stuff.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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sammyman · Samba Member Joined: May 18, 2004 Posts: 195

whynotvw · Samba Member Joined: May 04, 2004 Posts: 1322

As a option you can always install the older one seat in a newer Multivan.

Plus when I lay down I use the jump seat to lay my feet.

kamzcab86 · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 11:36 am Post subject:

lloydy · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 11:38 am Post subject:

mines what you all class as a weekender, it's '92 reg but build date is '90
it did come with two fold up lift out jump seats, i removed the one by the table and fitted what you class as the earlier storage seat with the same colour/material. Did you not get this seat in the US?
i very rarely use the jump seat by the sliding door, i use the space for my kitchen pod
couple of pics

Uploaded with ImageShack.us
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insyncro · Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 12:03 pm Post subject:

Think of a Multivan as a Carat with a pop top and a few cabinets.

Same suspension as the Carat.

The earlier Weekender vans were taller, usually did not have any of the fiberglass effects and came in all the earthy colors.

A Syncro Weekend came in one year only for USDM.

The ultimate layout for me with conversions has been to combine a Syncro, Carat, add a poptop, H6 power and update the wheels, suspension and brakes.
Lighter than a full Syncro Westy, more interior room, rear facing seats that easily pull out and of course all of the factory power features.

Once you know what it is you want...build it.


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Wait for a 90-91 Weekender - Or settle for an 85-89
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