Buy or Walk? |
Buy |
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52% |
[ 18 ] |
Walk |
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47% |
[ 16 ] |
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Total Votes : 34 |
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raoul mitgong Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2009 Posts: 1338 Location: Denver, CO
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:16 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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Quote: |
but what everyone else is saying.. is true.. that will be a $25k syncro with no return on your time and resources vs a $25k syncro.. if you are better at giving years of your life away from family, events, friends vs $$ then go for it.. |
A lot of truth to that statement. But also, if I broke down in the middle of nowhere, I'd want to be the guy (or with the guy) who rebuilt a $25,000 Syncro than simply bought a $25,000 Syncro and added an awning and stereo.
-d _________________ 84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim)) |
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Love My Westy Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 1839
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:20 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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At 71 years old, I would have to vote no. I would much rather be spending my time and money out camping in my rust free, original owner 2WD '86 Weekender.
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0to60in6min Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: OR & CA (Oregon/California)
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:39 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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no price given but supposed to be $4k (before OP's edit) I'd get it if I have $20 to $25K more to invest in it.. or using the parts to convert a 2WD...
as the saying "time is money..." and since I have neither both, then it's OP's call depending on what in his pocket and how skilled is he... |
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raoul mitgong Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2009 Posts: 1338 Location: Denver, CO
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:54 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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Even with 3 vans, I probably spend a fraction of the time on them than most people spend watching professional sports. It is all about where you want to spend your time and money. _________________ 84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim)) |
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bobbyblack Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015 Posts: 4351 Location: United States, Iowa
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 10:21 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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I have a somewhat unique situation where I could store that pile of rust for a dozen years. You'd want to keep it dry, so it would slow the pace, but that would be the extent of what I would suggest as a strategy for this particular beast. I would not imagine being able to tackle the project myself, but that is mostly because I have too many right now. For an investment, I would guess you could do better in the stock market, too, but that wouldn't be as fun.
I've had plenty of old Volks, and they have been a pretty solid investment. Recently sold a super rusty split double cab for 100 times what I paid for it. Held onto it for 28 years tho. _________________ '87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:02 pm Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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syncrodoka wrote: |
Trans cases are probably rotten too.
Even if it is bought as a donor EVERYTHING will need to be gone through to take care of rot.
You are going to spend a lot of time/money/effort on this van if you are going to attempt to make it nice, even more than you think. |
EXACTLY!
We do not "DO" rusty stuff well in So Cal and you WILL fight every fastener.
So, as above, you will have to redo EVERYTHING.
There is a reason why some cost more than others...... _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:07 pm Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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Love My Westy wrote: |
At 71 years old, I would have to vote no. I would much rather be spending my time and money out camping in my rust free, original owner 2WD '86 Weekender.
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At most ages, just buy the best van you can and go from there.
Even if you spend more than you really want to, just get a good one.
I have spent decades on and off on various projects and the above is my conclusion.
I steward only two old vehicles. My van and my vintage Mercedes (1982 - 2005 resto, ugh!)
Life is too short to constantly work on stuff...... _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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0cean Samba Member
Joined: February 29, 2012 Posts: 1149 Location: California
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alaskadan Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2013 Posts: 1858 Location: anchor pt. alaska
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 9:26 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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People who say walk away due to all the work are right in that respect. But I think that mentality comes from remembering the days of cheap syncros being available if you want one. Which wasn't that long ago. I've only been on the syncro scene for 5 years and it has changed a lot in that time. In 5 more or ten maybe I bet people will be tripping over themselves to buy a complete syncro at that price. I'm amazed at European posts of " Look at this splitty I pulled out of the woods to restore." and the bottom 6" is missing from rust. A bay window in this condition wouldn't get as many may sayers telling you to walk. Sure it will need all new fasteners and everything rebuilt ask me how I know, mine was way worse. Besides projects like these are what I like to do. I know a number of guys who finish a project like this and the next thing you know they haul another one home. It was already stated earlier that those who have done this really know their vehicles too. |
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vanagonjr Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010 Posts: 3431 Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 11:10 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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Love My Westy wrote: |
At 71 years old, I would have to vote no. I would much rather be spending my time and money out camping in my rust free, original owner 2WD '86 Weekender. |
I'm getting to this point, especially since I have no shop.
At the risk of being flamed, if I decide I need an off-road travel vehicle, a Toyota (or other) pickup with a 4WheelCamper, Flip-Pac, Tall cap, roof top tent on a shell or rack, etc. will fit the bill. Yes, vans make the most convenient camper, but the pickup with shell/camper is a damn close 2nd (IMHO).
Heck lately, I'm think traveling in a sports car or GT with a tent is a good option! _________________ John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798 |
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Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5391 Location: PNW
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 11:33 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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I didn't read all of the posts here so I may be echoing someone else's opinion, but here goes - I say, it depends on your expectations.
If you intend to just buy it and drive it mostly as-is, it's probably not a wise move.
If you intend to buy it knowing that you could easily (and when I say easily, I mean REALLY easily) dump 10-15K into it just making it roadworthy and you aren't too worried about the body and such being perfect, then I say it's a good buy.
If the plan is to buy it and do nearly a full restoration, you can do most of the work yourself, and you aren't worried about breaking even or possibly losing a little, then it's probably a good candidate.
Anything outside of that and it's probably best to pass on it.
If it were me, I would buy it, fix what needs fixing, treat it to slow down the progression of rust, love it for what it is, and use it the way it was intended without too much worry for the way it looks. However, I would be prepared to dump a fair amount of money into it bringing the mechanicals up to snuff. _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15144 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 11:52 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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many of the national parks have wonderful lodges..
and saving $yncro money can go for alot of great night in a lodge _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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Merian Samba Member
Joined: January 04, 2014 Posts: 5212 Location: Orygun
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 11:57 am Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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Lots of different camping setups for the Toy P/U's
one is no longer made but it had a pop-top tent and an elevated bed platform - guy I saw at Yos. NP had it and loved it
4x4 Toy will be more off-road capable than a Syncro also _________________ .... |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5078 Location: denver
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 12:08 pm Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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Christopher Schimke wrote: |
I didn't read all of the posts here so I may be echoing someone else's opinion, but here goes - I say, it depends on your expectations.
If you intend to just buy it and drive it mostly as-is, it's probably not a wise move.
If you intend to buy it knowing that you could easily (and when I say easily, I mean REALLY easily) dump 10-15K into it just making it roadworthy and you aren't too worried about the body and such being perfect, then I say it's a good buy.
If the plan is to buy it and do nearly a full restoration, you can do most of the work yourself, and you aren't worried about breaking even or possibly losing a little, then it's probably a good candidate.
Anything outside of that and it's probably best to pass on it.
If it were me, I would buy it, fix what needs fixing, treat it to slow down the progression of rust, love it for what it is, and use it the way it was intended without too much worry for the way it looks. However, I would be prepared to dump a fair amount of money into it bringing the mechanicals up to snuff. |
Thread winner right there. _________________ Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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E1 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013 Posts: 6572 Location: Westfalia, Earth
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 1:41 pm Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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I would not buy it if intending to make it nice, instead buy one at the expense of someone else's parts-buying bath.
If me, I'd buy it, remove and and restore all the Syncro goods, and install them into a clean or restorable (not-so-rusty) Westy.
I'd personally kill -- or at least, maim -- to have that chance for ours. _________________ ‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5078 Location: denver
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Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 1:18 pm Post subject: Re: Would you walk from a Syncro that looks like this? |
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It turns out that according to Ebay, it was worth $3500:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1987-Volkswagen-Bus-Vanag...1438.l2649 _________________ Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16508 Location: Brookeville, MD
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