Buy an '81? Need advice from the best - you guys!

AndyO812

Very new to Vanagon realm but find the possibilty of owning very appealing. Of course in my first few days of looking I somehow came across this 80s model for sale. He said 81 in person and 83 in the post and Im still waiting on the VIN information. Either way i went and checked out the vehicle. Interior appears to have been modified in a fairly clean matter. It ran fairly strong in around 40 degrees F temps last night. Brakes are very mushy and need to be pumped repeatedly to come close to stopping. We drove and got up to 65 or 70 and felt fairly stable. The guy selling bought it loally and due to relocating is selling. Unfortunately he doesnt have a lot of additional info or records. A fuel pump was recently installed but thats about all I got. Due to fear of missing out, I put down a reasonable deposit with him to have him hold it for me for a few days. That said, Im hoping to get yor advice and opinions before making a decision. Cost is $4,500. My aspirations would be to have a solid camping and road trip vehicle and hopefully stay within the confinds of $5k additional cost.

Thanks for the review and time to anyone who responds, it is much appreciated.

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

Abscate · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 2:53 am Post subject:

I think those curtains should get you lots of points on the random police stop thread....

Very Happy

_________________
.ssS!

Volks Wagen · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 3:21 am Post subject:

You need to look under the vehicle and check the 4 corners from beneath for rust (in front and behind the wheels. Bring a magnet with you and run it down the sides where the black paint is, and check these areas from underneath. Check the cross member at the back from beneath and around the edges of the windscreen. Look under the carpet if you can. Looks good, but check it as much as poss. Good luck.
_________________
1973 1303 with AB-motor - sporadic
reconstruction as time permits, 1986 ex-Bundeswehr Doka - on the road again.

I'm definitely, probably, the worlds greatest lover.

Aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eile.

djkeev · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 3:52 am Post subject:

First things first...... WELCOME!

You are correct it does indeed look quite clean and very well done in a minimalistic way.

Not a lot of cabinetry but that leaves the pallet clean so you can do as you wish.

It is NOT an 83, the metal intake grills for engine air are stamped into the body, a 1980 feature that may have slid into early 81 as well.

It is an air cooled unit. This means that once you leave the Plains and encounter any serious hills you will not be ascending them rapidly. Can you deal with that lack of power?

Being in the Snow Belt, I see no serious rust. Is this because the body has been well cared or is it because some serious restoration work took place, although if it did I'm guessing it was awhile back.

There are rust hot spots on these units to check out. These are well documented if you go to the FAQ /Stickies link found at the beginning of the Vanagon section.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798

The rear lid opening maroon stripe makes me wonder...... Why?
The exterior is White, the Engine area is White, the Interior is White......... What is the explaination for the Maroon?

Did the unit start as a pop top camper or was it added on?

Overall it looks nice. The price is a tad high for an old air cooled but if it is truly solid and well cared for it may be worth it.
An extra $5000 for repairs is reasonable providing you don't shoot for an engine conversion.

You mentioned that the brakes are spongy, a simple rebuild will cure that. Most often all rubber bits should be replaced upon purchase brakes, fuel, tires, maybe even suspension. Window and door seals should get a serious examination too.

Really my biggest red flag because I don't know you or your age is the very real limitation of the Air Cooled engine pushing around a Brick. It is a very different driving technique and experience.

Best wishes!
Choose wisely.

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

AndyO812 · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 4:05 am Post subject:

Thanks for the reaponses thus far, I appreciate it.

To answer Daves question, Im 27. I would still have a daily driver and store the van over winter.

My biggest trepidation at this point is the air cooled engine. I believe i could get used to it, but may need to just keep looking for a later model. At 166k and limited information available, i feel like i need to almost plan on a rebuild if I go ahead with this.

Thanks again all. Please keep the opinions coming. Ill let everyone know what ends up happening, that way maybe someone else could always snatch it up.

Cheers

djkeev · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 4:16 am Post subject:

I only mention age for the young often tend to want Modern speed and power. Something an Air Cooled will not be providing.

That being said, many have converted old Air Cooled bodies to powerful modern water cooled engines. But most often done at a great cost.

If this body is solid you will have achieved step one towards your dream ride.

Solid Van Bodies in the Rust Belts are hard to come by without importing them from the SouthWest.

If it is solid buy it, fix what needs to be done to make it road worthy and safe.
Save your pennies for a future conversion and slowly gather the needed bits as you enjoy motoring as your grand fathers did.

Once you have the supplies/cash to convert, do it. Offer the old Air Cooled engine and bits to those who covet the AC breed to have as a back up unit or to get someone on the road again.

Don't walk away just yet. You Are young, the future is in your hands.
You Have the advantage of time! Something we old farts covet!

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

dustinwor · Banned Joined: April 28, 2014 Posts: 147 Location: antigo

Just wanted to inform you the seller baught that van a few weeks ago for $1100 and is looking to flip it i know it wasent running when he got it and talked to the original seller on it

AndyO812 · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 6:46 am Post subject:

Wow, interesting.

I cant PM since ive only been a member for less than a day. I'd love to discuss if you can contact me.

VWinVT · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 8:40 am Post subject:

AndyO812 · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 8:46 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the notes. I decided to pass on this one. It has already been reposted on Craigslist.

I also have a feeling that the odomoter is inaccurate or not working as the car was registered in the late 90s with 155k miles. I find it hard to believe it only has 10k since based on the annual registrations that were made.

Ill find one someday. Thanks for the input, what a great community you have here.

Cheers all

Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

Air cooled?

Caveat Emptor.

Here's what you'll need;
A bunch of mechanical applitude,
A bunch of the right tools, or a good air cooled mechanic on retainer.
And a bunch or $$$ to keep it running.

Other than that, you're good to go.

Don't let the stars in your eyes blind you on this unit.
_________________
T.K.

termuehlen · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 9:13 am Post subject:

Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

Just for an instance to verify what overall condition this kiddie car is in--

Look in the R/H side drip molding--

Seems the pop top seal needs some obvious attention.

If this is any indication of what condition the rest of this vehicle is in--run like hell.

Pass me by if you're only passing through.
_________________
T.K.

dobryan · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 9:29 am Post subject:

Folks, he already passed....

Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

Smart Move.
_________________
T.K.

kamzcab86 · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 10:25 am Post subject:

dhaavers · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 11:03 am Post subject:

^^^ Indeed. Maroon was not offered in 1981...

Methinks it's a PO's idea for interior accent color: rear sill, slider opening,
curtain rails, table hardware, trim @ bench seat bottom board, headliner
panel @ rear of top bed opening, interior walls (look by curtains behind
driver seat), even a couple "test" oversprays near the rear hatch struts.

I rather like it - ties in nicely with the colors in the vinyl flooring.

For that price, it should have a newer/rebuilt engine - then it's ready to
conquer the hills of Nebraska...

Oh well... Wink

_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

Merian · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 11:28 am Post subject:

for that price buy a decent WBX Vanagon

Only 2 things would get me to buy an air cooled:

1. good cond. & under $1000
2. good body & interior and I am going to transplant a spare Porsche 911 motor into it

VWinVT · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 4:17 pm Post subject:


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Vanagon	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1