Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
A Vanagon, a Highschooler, and a Passion
Page: 1, 2, 3 ... 16, 17, 18  Next
Jump to:
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
10degnorth
Samba Member


Joined: March 07, 2018
Posts: 470
Location: Bend, Oregon
10degnorth is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 9:34 pm    Post subject: A Vanagon, a Highschooler, and a Passion Reply with quote

This thread was formerly “A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler”, however it seems to have outgrown that name as I only have one engine. This thread details the build of my 1988 Wolfsburg Vanagon powered by a 2.1 WBXer. So far the entirety of the build has been carried out through me being in highschool. Enjoy Very Happy

Hey, I thought it would be neat to start telling the story of my 1988 Wolfsburg, so here ya go:

After a nearly successful attempt to convince me to give up on my Vanagon dreams by my uncle, who is himself a vanagon owner, I bought my burgundy 1988 Wolfsburg Weekender in late March 2018 for $1200 (everything I had at the time).... with a blown engine.

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


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


I worked all summer to build up a sizable budget to be able to get to get it running. I compared the pros and cons of different engine configurations, including Subarus, m-TDI's, etc... And in the end decided that the easiest and most economic in the short term would be a WBXer. So my hunt began, I purchased a "new" engine off craigslist from a reputable local Vanagon mechanic (Karl out in lapine) for $500. But this engine had a catch... An engine bay fire (most likely caused by old and cracked fuel lines) had melted all the rubber and plastic on the passenger side and a sizable amount on the drivers side. But it had great compression, something my original engine was lacking.

Over the course of the summer I began clean up the new engine and strip it down to the bare minimum and take inventory while assembling my list of new parts. Once I had a sizable list of necessary parts I began ordering. I got all new engine compartment coolant lines and the stainless kit for the long lines. I bought new fuel lines and new a new water pump. Anything that couldn't be salvaged from one of the two engine, the original or the engine fired one was bought new.

Over the past 2-3 months I have begun assembling the final engine that will hopefully power my Wolfsburg. I am nearing the end of the mechanical stages of the build. New fuel lines finally went on this afternoon, along with the distributor. The purple tint has since been removed, along with the original engine, the pics are from when I first picked it up.


If you have and comments or questions I would love to hear them.


Last edited by 10degnorth on Thu Dec 06, 2018 11:34 am; edited 2 times in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
sanchius Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: May 03, 2007
Posts: 1445
Location: IN
sanchius is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 4:08 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Thanks for sharing.
I admire your resolve and look forward to reading the rest of your restoration story and the adventures that follow.
It sounds like you are off to a great start.
_________________
The Syncro years (2005-16) - The 2WD years (2017-23) - Westy & WBX rebuild spreadsheet - Sanchius & Tuna: The Video
Your gold star membership keeps this awesome list going!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dabaron
Samba Member


Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 2558
Location: Philly, mang
dabaron is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 4:54 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Very nice score... Looking forward to the future posts of the engine in and you parked in front of Smith Rock Very Happy

and bravo for taking on the challenge of an engine swap. i would never have tried anything like that when i was in high school.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic
"burnin oil and cookin coils" -- Destructo

BiWerks Design, LLC
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
calo1956
Samba Member


Joined: April 18, 2011
Posts: 683
Location: long Island new york
calo1956 is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:11 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Cool build, I admire your dream and passion! Don't ever let anyone shatter your dreams!Thats such a cool vehicle for someone your age. I bet none of the other kids at school will be driving around in anything that cool. i think it will be a chick magnet! Theres not a day that goes by that someone doesn't stop to ask about my Westy!
_________________
Enjoy the ride....
72 bug
80 westfalia
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
CurtisS
Samba Member


Joined: March 01, 2006
Posts: 128
Location: Kingston, WA USA
CurtisS is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:22 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Thanks for sharing your story and i look forward to reading more (with pics! Smile ).

Check the Samba Classifieds as well for parts such as that fiberglass skirt piece to the left of the slider.
Cheers!
_________________
If "con" is the opposite of "pro", what is the opposite of "progress"?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
markswagen
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2018
Posts: 952
Location: san diego
markswagen is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:44 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Pay close attention to the rubber head gaskets, I have seen a repaired and re used fire damaged engine, it leaked coolant through the top where the seals had melted, if your look OK then likely they are, this one the seals had clearly suffered, the owner had kept the engine running for years afterwards, knowing he had to add coolant once a week, more if he drove longer distances.

Good luck with your van, and kept the pictures coming.
_________________
markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.

619 201 0310
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
markswagen
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2018
Posts: 952
Location: san diego
markswagen is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:50 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Noticing that you have an auto, please do a transmission cooler swap, take the water to ATF cooler out, and fit an air to AFT cooler.
My vote on that matter would be to use the small car performance cooler, I am going to be fitting one to a customer's vanagon, today.
You do not want other have to deal with a transmission full of coolant, and cooling system with ATF in it, I have, on my wife's carat, not something I want other have to go through again.

https://smallcar.com/vanagon/transmission-cooler-kit.html
_________________
markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.

619 201 0310
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dabaron
Samba Member


Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 2558
Location: Philly, mang
dabaron is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 7:04 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

markswagen wrote:
Noticing that you have an auto, please do a transmission cooler swap, take the water to ATF cooler out, and fit an air to AFT cooler.


how prevalent is the ATF cooler failure?
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic
"burnin oil and cookin coils" -- Destructo

BiWerks Design, LLC
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
bokonon42
Samba Member


Joined: December 20, 2016
Posts: 106
Location: Bay Area, CA
bokonon42 is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 7:20 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

well done!
_________________
Terry
88 Vanagon Wolfsburg Carat - https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=671319
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jimf909 Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7400
Location: WA/ID
jimf909 is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 7:35 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Well done. Vanagon owners always seem to try to talk others out of buying a Vanagon.

It looks like you've got a nice van to work on.

Looking forward to seeing the build!
_________________
- Jim

Abscate wrote:
Do not get killed, do not kill others.


Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.

Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
borninabus
Samba R&D Dept.


Joined: May 18, 2006
Posts: 4532
Location: Arizona Highways
borninabus is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 7:39 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

dabaron wrote:
markswagen wrote:
Noticing that you have an auto, please do a transmission cooler swap, take the water to ATF cooler out, and fit an air to AFT cooler.


how prevalent is the ATF cooler failure?

not very.
nice van Smile
_________________
71 Ghia A/S - 88 Van A/T - 13 JSW TDI 6M/T
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dabaron
Samba Member


Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 2558
Location: Philly, mang
dabaron is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 8:05 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

jimf909 wrote:
Well done. Vanagon owners always seem to try to talk others out of buying a Vanagon.


i think we are trying to spare others from the misery of ownership Very Happy

my 3k Vanagon is now up to 5k. wheels and sound systems ain't free!
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic
"burnin oil and cookin coils" -- Destructo

BiWerks Design, LLC
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
IdahoDoug
Samba Member


Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 10239
Location: N. Idaho
IdahoDoug is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 9:27 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Nice van, well done. I get to Bend once a year or so, so if you find you are needing some esoteric part let me know and I may have room to bring it.

On the trans cooler - is there an easy way to bypass it by blocking coolant lines that does not create a circulation issue for the engine coolant? I live in a cooler northern climate and when I'm climbing passes I hold the auto trans in the right gear, put the flashers on and mosey up without a lot of drama.

Doug
_________________
1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
T3 Pilot
Samba Member


Joined: January 10, 2011
Posts: 1507
Location: Deep South of the Great White North
T3 Pilot is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 9:36 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=495148&highlight=chick+magnet
_________________
1988 Vanagon

The most important part in every vehicle is the nut behind the wheel......
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
SCM
Samba Member


Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3101
Location: Bozeman MT
SCM is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 9:47 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

borninabus wrote:

not very.


But it's catastrophic if it does happen.

The OEM cooler is no longer available IFAIK so if you ever even want to replace it you'll end up with one of the safer aftermarket ones anyway. If you've already go the van torn apart it may be wise to do the swap now.

I agree - nice van!
_________________
'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dabaron
Samba Member


Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 2558
Location: Philly, mang
dabaron is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 10:04 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

SCM wrote:
borninabus wrote:

not very.


But it's catastrophic if it does happen.

The OEM cooler is no longer available IFAIK so if you ever even want to replace it you'll end up with one of the safer aftermarket ones anyway. If you've already go the van torn apart it may be wise to do the swap now.

I agree - nice van!


can i borrow $170.00
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic
"burnin oil and cookin coils" -- Destructo

BiWerks Design, LLC
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
shagginwagon83
Samba Member


Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3786
Location: VA/TN
shagginwagon83 is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 10:14 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

I went to high school in a retirement town. A lot of $$$ in that town. There was a couple of kids with brand new Jeeps, FJ Cruisers. Really dumb to give a new driver a new car - but anyway - if there was a vanagon in that parking lot - def. would be the coolest. Good luck. I hope you make those new Jeep kids jealous Very Happy
_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Gnarlodious Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: September 28, 2013
Posts: 2311
Location: Adobe Jungle USA
Gnarlodious is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 10:37 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Super nifty van!

dabaron wrote:
we are trying to spare others from the misery of ownership
More likely we are spreading disinformation to keep the prices low!
_________________
Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16473
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 10:57 am    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

Great start! Very Happy
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
markswagen
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2018
Posts: 952
Location: san diego
markswagen is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 1:05 pm    Post subject: Re: A Wolfsburg, Two Engines, and a Highschooler Reply with quote

i guess it depends on who you talk to, i have had to clean two cooling systems, and replace automatic transmissions due to the cooler failing, as far as i see, they are a time bomb, you are right, they may never go off, i know personally of 2 that have, one i got paid to fix, the other, my wifes, i did not, i really hope i never have to do it again, for the cost of the cooler, and a couple of hours, it makes sense, to me at least, the van i went out to do this morning, when i got under there, there was no clean and clear space to mount the cooler where i would be happy with it, due to the added stuff adventure wagens, and a mess AC line install, there is enough space for the go westy transmission cooler, so the customer has decided to go that route instead.

back to flushing out the cooling system, it took a couple of gallons of dishwasher detergent, and about 100 gallons of water, to get it clean, 5 full flushes, all the mixed coolant aft was caught in big concrete mixing trays, and take to the recycling center in 5 gallon buckets, that was 2 full weekends, then was the replacement transmission $1250 for a rebuild, my labor on top of that, would not see a lot less than $2700, my customers, he did a lot of the flushing, i got the worst of it, and he finished up, transmission cast was the same.

it's not a fun job to have to deal with.

borninabus wrote:
dabaron wrote:
markswagen wrote:
Noticing that you have an auto, please do a transmission cooler swap, take the water to ATF cooler out, and fit an air to AFT cooler.


how prevalent is the ATF cooler failure?

not very.
nice van Smile
[/s]
_________________
markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.

619 201 0310
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2, 3 ... 16, 17, 18  Next
Jump to:
Page 1 of 18

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.