Worth the buy and suggestions on fixes? Starting issue and rust

[Benkel]

There's a full camper late model van for sale in my area. From photos there seems to be some minor to medium level rust to be fixed along at least three seams. Otherwise, I am told there is a starting issue. When I asked about it, I was told there is no power to the engine, and that they had put power to the starter and the engine turns. I have yet to go see it, but as far as I know there are no other issues.

I'm looking for thoughts on whether this is something worth getting into, and what you would suggest to keep in mind in regards to repairing the rust and any ideas on the starting issue? Price seems low for a Vanagon, but of course that is all relative to it's condition.

Thx all for your always helpful insights!

[elizer]

Do you have any pictures or more information?
Asking price?

[bobbyblack]

I am guessing that one of the three seams that you are talking about is the horizontal seam above the LP tank, about 8 inches up. That one is a BIG issue. I've got all the replacement metal ready to fix that issue on mine. You will be looking at removing the entire kitchen and water tank, etc. Perhaps even the rear closet. The problem with that seam is by the time you see the rust on the outside, the inside has been gone for a dozen years or more. Behind the fridge, you will see that the floor is just a heap of rust toward the outside of the body. The area there was built to accommodate a left side sliding door, so you will be looking at replacing that metal, in addition to the skin around it. There are more than a few threads showing kitchen seam rot. I'd guess at $1000 (us) in materials, and then time to get that one seam dealt with. Perhaps $4000 at a shop.

Next, is the poptop canvas needing to be replaced? If it is original, or more than 20 years old, the answer is almost certainly yes. A decent canvas will be like $300 or more depending on what you want.

Next, are there any indication of rodents in, on or around the van? I have had too many rigs that I thought were not invaded by rodents, only to turn on the heater and have their nets and shit blow out all over myself and kids. They build nests in the fan housings, behind the kitchen, in the closets, and behind the side panels. Once there has been a mouse, other mice will easily know how to get into your van, they lay a scent trail.

The issues you are talking about regarding the power to the engine are probably the least of the issues you can look forward to having to deal with, really. If I was to guess, the reason there is no power is that the wires have been chewed up.
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch

[Benkel]

Thx for your thoughts! Really good to hear about what to be aware and wary of and potential cost

I'll have to look at whether there was rodent damage when I go to see it, and the pop top as well tho that looks fine from the photos.

They're asking for $5000 CAD OBO.

These are the photos of the rust spots for more context.

[bobbyblack]

Scream, run.

You are looking at a minimum of 200 hours hands on yourself, just dealing with the rust you show. A shop asked to fix just the rust shown would be apt say no. Or, many many dollars up front.

$1000 Cn would be a bit much for a van with that rot. But, if you are willing, and going to spend the next 3 years tearing it apart, and restoring it, ya, it would be worth $5000 Cn after that.

I'd just say no. Or take $500 Cn cash with, and tell them about the issues you've found out.

Good Skill beats Good Luck hands down.

-bobby
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch

[Ahwahnee]

That's a tough one - a nice Westy but with the worst sort of problems one can ask for.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-rv-motorhome/moncton/1987-...nFlag=true

Certainly not priced right - but even at a lower price you have to ask yourself what sort of van you want to end up with and what that will really cost.

For the right price and for the right person a case could be made to enjoy it 'as is'.

[?Waldo?]

"Medium rust" - I guess it is medium if the two extremes are pristine and a pile of red dust. I'd call that extreme rust.

[MarkWard]

The rust has been repaired at least once before. As far as rust is concerned, the areas you see are not the critical ones. You need to be sure the underside is solid especially where the suspension attaches. You could use that van for years if you don't care about the cosmetics.

The other problem is the no start. If you can't start it and drive it, it is really a crap shoot. If it was simple and cheap, the seller would be nuts not to have had the work done prior to listing.

At that price, you need to be able to drive it and stop it. I listed an 86 weekender that I rescued from a field near buy. I fixed all that was needed to get it running and safe to operate. I listed it here for $4500 I believe. It needed some of the same rust repair, but the underside was solid. I could have sold it 20 times from the calls I got.

So, as others have suggested, the price is too high. I would expand your search and if that is your price range, find one you can at least test drive. Otherwise, its just a boat anchor or lawn ornament.

[elizer]

I do wonder if some people really think rust like that isn't bad?

[Wildthings]

A rusty non runner is worth whatever the wrecking yard will give you when they tow it off for you, which may be nothing. Call a local yard and ask them what they will pay you for a Vanagon at the seller's location if they do the hauling, that is all the seller can realistically expect to get out of it.

One of my rules in buying older vehicles is that if you can't drive it, assume the engine, tranny, brakes, and suspension are all bad, no matter if the seller says he only drove it last month.

[Bulli Klinik]

Don't bother.
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PM me about quality metal-work on your vehicle.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs

[davevickery]

x10 on not worth trying to get it back on the road.

But it is a full Westy with what looks like a clean interior. Parts value is $2500 for someone that wants to convert their tintop to a camper. And they could probably recoup most of the $2500 by parting out the rest of it.

[bobbyblack]

[Spey Caster]

Welcome to the Westy dilemma;

You have rust in all the usual places. It brings the value down, assuming all else is good. If you repair the rust, and do it properly you will have a great vehicle to drive (assuming engine etc. is good). The down side is you will not recover the costs of fixing the rust properly.

If you are just looking at the rocker panels for instance, you will be paying out about what you paid for the vehicle if you have a shop do it.

BUT - if this is a project you want to do yourself (head injury or bad drugs are often the cause of people attacking Vanagon rust) and you do it right, you may end up with the best, most versatile vehicle you ever owned. As well as meeting some very bright and interesting people (myself excluded)

I am just about to rework my Westy rust right now. Should have listened to the guys here the first time I went at it.

I suffer for my Westy

[Benkel]

Thx very much for all your thoughts, friends!

Alas, you have convinced me to pass on this one.

I did have a '91 weekender that I had fixed up until I sold it in order to buy my house, and I do miss the tinkering and comfy adventuring. Another, more reasonable project will find its way to me I am sure.

Always grateful for the great collective mind of The Samba!