Single Cab Advice?

[Spitty1974]

I'm looking to buy a Vanagon Single Cab. That said, I don't know jack about them!

Originally, I was going to buy a splitwindow SC, but now I have decided I want a newer Vanagon version. I already own a 1966 split bus, currently in the middle of a restoration.

I really like the bed style with the fold down gates, and find the design to be quite utilitarian. Also, I think the Vanagon will just be a bit safer than a splitwindow, and possibly less trouble mechanically.

The truck will be used mostly around town for material pick-ups for home improvement projects. That said, I'm not looking for a beater, I want something that is solid mechanically and aesthetically.

I'm just looking to buy a standard, not a Syncro version.

My Questions are:

Any pros/cons of certain years and or models? Engines?

I live in California, will I have any luck finding a standard in the states, or should I consider looking for one in Europe? I did find a few in Europe, but shipping is around $1,500-$2,000, and there are probably more hidden fees.

What are common areas of failure on the body? Mechanically what should I look for?

What is a realistic amount I can expect to pay for a running, non rust-bucket truck?

Is there anyone willing to allow me to PM them through Samba with any trucks I find for sale, so I can inquire if it is a good deal on the asking price?

Thank you for any and all responses.

[dkoesyncro]

Big Nate made a single cab with the rear window from a 61' split if memory serves me correctly. The build has to be in the internet somewhere. He used an 84-85 vanagon, it turned out beautiful.

You may be able to build one cheaper than finding an original. In my split days the truck gates were rare, I'd imagine same thing for the vanagon.

[dkoesyncro]

Big Nate from wagenswest in Salem Oregon!

[WestyBob]

You can check with Jeff Schwaia at Autostadt West who imports sinkas, dokas, panels, etc. from Euro.

You can begin doing for sale searches in Canada and the US using google, ebay, the samba and craigslist.

The production years reflect that of the vanagon bus in terms of engines and etc. 1986 and later had the stock 2.1L with some exceptions.

The vanagons as a whole didn't rust quite as quickly as the air-coolers of yore but specimens from certain regions both in NA and Euro can be quite rusty where they used a lot of road salt.

Body design and issues are similar to that on the Bay and Splittie sinkas. Payloads are the same. The vanagon, by virtue of being newer, simply has a few more comforts plus a waterboxer engine with more hp. The suspension is dramatically different (better) from that in a splittie.

The vanagon is safer, mechanical trouble depends on the care and upkeep of previous owners. The engine and electronic components are more complex than on the splitties but not a huge learning curve.

Value is always hard to nail down. You may be looking at $10k-$15k for a clean 2wd one. Again ask Jeff (above) what's out there and the going rates. The popularity of vanagon sinkas in the US has grown considerably in the past ten years.

[MsTaboo]

The biggest problem to look for is rust anywhere around the bed of either the crew cab or single cab.
These trucks were never sold in America and getting replacement tin for the bed is difficult, and very tough to replace. Rust seems to plague these bodies.

Remember that you are not buying a run of the mill truck. These are collector/hobbyist vehicles.

Because these came from the european market you will find many are diesel. The older diesels are pretty slow, newer ones will be a 1.6t which is still fairly meek, but many have been replaced with the stronger AAZ turbo engines.

I used to own a double cab, I loved the layout of the VW truck with it's drop side gates and the locked tool storage (treasure chest). A very neat setup and rare, you will get lots of looks and attention.
Detroit was very afraid of the success VW was having with the early versions of these trucks and got their pet politicians to pass the "chicken tax" (look it up), that's why VW stopped importing/selling these in America.
Good luck.
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'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

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[SteveMc]

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-voiture-collection/laval-ri...nFlag=true
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1986 Transporter Single Cab Syncro

[pedrokrusher]

[Spitty1974]

Hey Guys,
Thank you to everyone who posted for all of the responses, information, and advice.

Man...I had to go searching for this thread, you guys in the Vanagon forum are active!

I contacted Jeff and I'm waiting to hear back if he knows of anyone selling or has any available.

I also have communicated with Busman in Belgium. He seems very knowledgeable and has provided to me good information. He comes recommended by Samba members. Ideally, I would rather not import one from Europe, but they do seem plentiful there. Also, the prices are much cheaper, but once you factor in all of the costs to get one here to the USA, it might be the same as buying one here in N. America.

The red one in Canada looks good. Any idea of my costs to import it into the USA, minus the freight charges? I'm talking import taxes and all the other hidden fees. I've never imported a car to the USA from another country.

I also came across another one in Canada that looks clean, so I'm interested in knowing if anyone has bought from Canada.

I have a dump question about the red truck in Canada. Did the owner just put plywood over the bed and gates on the inside? That wood could be removed and the corrugated metal on the bed and gates would still be present?

Also, I figured out the early models of these were aircooled. Does anyone know the first year it was watercooled?

I looked at one yesterday and was talking to Busman about it and he told me that the 1980 was aircooled, so I definitely want to stay away from AC versions....My apologies, I''m a total novice and don't know much about these trucks.

Thanks for the help.

[crazyvwvanman]

Watercooling became an option in late 81 model year vehicles when diesel engines were offered. Aircooled was still in the mix until mid 83 model year. After mid 83 all were watercooled, gas and diesel. In Europe sellers generally use the calendar year produced in rather than the model year that VW assigns it.

Mark

[dsdunbar]

I do not know anything about the vehicle listed or if this is a value, but reading the recent remarks in the other single cab thread (in which the purchaser had to pay the 25% chicken tax (to import from Canada), compared to the 2.5% tax they were expecting) maybe this falls into a good deal category.

Anyways, here's the ad in Olalla WA, $19.5k asking price:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/5638674936.html
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'89 2WD Westy "Grey Goose" - Manual 4spd
Crozet VA
Vanaru EJ25, Peloquin

[RainierSyncro]

The Olalla, WA Sinka was $27.5k a few months ago. Quite the price drop. Probably still too high.

[Zeitgeist 13]

That would be a sweet $15k truck. I've been drooling over it for the last several months it's been on CL
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[foodeater]

[hans j]

Samba user syncrozilla might still have a single cab for sale in california? Good price too as i remember.
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1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181

[jimf909]

Not a Sinka but fancy...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1944883
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- Jim

[weisswurst]

I had to go to California for mine where I was told it was imported and spent it's life on a frenchman's farm in Cali right up to the year he traded it to a AC guy who sold it to me.
It's a 1.6 diesel (slooooow)
best of luck to your search!