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Building a Syncro Hightop for Western travel, "Western Syncro"
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dobryan
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 7:45 pm    Post subject: Building a Syncro Hightop for Western travel, "Western Syncro" Reply with quote

SPOILER ALERT

This topic originally was; Building a Westy for Western travel, the ‘West Coast Westy’.

But the stars unexpectedly aligned and I was able to land a 1987 Syncro tin top in pretty good shape so my efforts turned to making that my ‘Western Syncro’ instead of the Westy I had acquired. (Don’t worry, the Westy is in good hands and will be fixed up and sent on to another family that will love it.)

The Western Syncro saga starts at the bottom of page 4.

****************************

Another in a series apparently...

This year I drove the '87 Westy from Maryland to Baja and back. Along the way my fellow Vanagon friends asked why I did not have a west coast bus like I was preparing my European travel bus. Hmmmm, sure would cut down on the drive time to get 2000 - 3000 miles to get out there.

I kiddingly mentioned it to my wife, planting the seed....

The subject came up several times in the past few weeks and those who contributed a vote with my wife for the west coast westy I thank you.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving I was looking at facebook on the Vanagon owners group when a guy posted that he has a rough westy and a tin top in need of rescue. They were in PA and had seam rust but otherwise worth saving. While I was looking at the post my wife asked what I was doing.... just looking at this great deal for a westy that could become our west coast westy dear.... I told her the price and she said.... the money comes in and the money goes out. That was all I needed to hear. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

We were leaving for Key West that Friday so I was able to arrange to see the buses after we returned. Today was that day.

Being from PA I was concerned that the level of rust was more than I could handle, but when I arrived I was thrilled to see this.



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


They had been stored in a large garage building and really only had reasonable seam rust, solid underneath. Happy day!

The deal is done! I am having them towed to a friend's property until next summer after I ship over the euroBus and can start on the west coast westy project.

I'll update this topic as I work on it next summer. Tentative schedule is to get it ready for a Baja run Spring 2022.

No lack of projects....
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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


Last edited by dobryan on Fri Jan 01, 2021 12:25 pm; edited 2 times in total
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erste
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 7:48 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

you're crazy.

Popcorn
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Zeitgeist 13
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 7:48 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

Don't screw this one up. I'm watching.
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bobbyblack Premium Member
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 7:52 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

When I grow up, I hope to be just like you!!!!

-bobby
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dobryan
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 7:52 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

Zeitgeist 13 wrote:
Don't screw this one up. I'm watching.


Cool

This one is getting a 1.8T or an EJ25. I'd like to do a 1.8T but I cannot seem to find a reasonable cost kit to do it compared to the EJ25 kits. If too $$$ for the 1.8T I'll have to go the EJ25.

Since I am asking, is there an 'inexpensive' kit for a 1.8T? Does not need to be CA CARB certified.
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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
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radar5667
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 7:58 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

So is that 4 at one time? You are a machine.

Remember, you can’t take it with you. Oh wait, they’re vans. You actually can take them anywhere.
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dobryan
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 8:06 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

radar5667 wrote:
So is that 4 at one time? You are a machine.

Remember, you can’t take it with you. Oh wait, they’re vans. You actually can take them anywhere.


At this time yes four. Laughing

But I will sell the tin top to someone who will save it and put it back on the road. It is solid but has some bumps and bruises.

So only three long term... he says.
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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
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VdubVanner
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 10:12 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

Glutton for punishment! Shocked
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Zeitgeist 13
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 10:26 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

dobryan wrote:
Zeitgeist 13 wrote:
Don't screw this one up. I'm watching.


Cool

This one is getting a 1.8T or an EJ25. I'd like to do a 1.8T but I cannot seem to find a reasonable cost kit to do it compared to the EJ25 kits. If too $$$ for the 1.8T I'll have to go the EJ25.

Since I am asking, is there an 'inexpensive' kit for a 1.8T? Does not need to be CA CARB certified.


I already know you're gonna screw this up...
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uberaudi
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 10:34 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

What could go 4 times as wrong?

Good man!
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Sodo
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 11:21 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

OK then, we'll see you in Seattle sometime!
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dobryan
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 5:43 am    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

Zeitgeist 13 wrote:
dobryan wrote:
Zeitgeist 13 wrote:
Don't screw this one up. I'm watching.


Cool

This one is getting a 1.8T or an EJ25. I'd like to do a 1.8T but I cannot seem to find a reasonable cost kit to do it compared to the EJ25 kits. If too $$$ for the 1.8T I'll have to go the EJ25.

Since I am asking, is there an 'inexpensive' kit for a 1.8T? Does not need to be CA CARB certified.


I already know you're gonna screw this up...


Cool Razz Laughing Wink
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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
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MarkWard
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:40 am    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

Dave, too bad about the timing last weekend. I'm about to list my syncro camper for sale. It would have been a perfect candidate for you to take over. We've decided one vanagon is enough for us. Timing is everything. Mark
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thatbaldwinlife
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:42 am    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

What a plan, have westy's stored all over the world! We are heading to Baja in spring of 2022, maybe we will see you down there!
nate
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dobryan
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 8:17 am    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

MarkWard wrote:
Dave, too bad about the timing last weekend. I'm about to list my syncro camper for sale. It would have been a perfect candidate for you to take over. We've decided one vanagon is enough for us. Timing is everything. Mark


Thanks Mark, I doubt I could afford a Syncro westy.... Cool

I will install a Peloquin and lift it though...
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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
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4Gears4Tires
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 10:55 am    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

Eventually there will be a South American Westy and an African Westy and an Asian Westy...

I see what you're up to! A Westy on every continent!
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joetiger Premium Member
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 12:07 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

erste wrote:
you're crazy.

Popcorn


What he said. I believe that you're only doing this so you can create more tambour art. Smile
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dabaron
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 12:09 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

can you adopt me, thanks.

i could totally use a running 2.1 so i can get this tin top running again...
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dobryan
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 12:58 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

dabaron wrote:

i could totally use a running 2.1 so i can get this tin top running again...


PM sent.
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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
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djkeev
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 3:41 pm    Post subject: Re: Building a Westy for Western travel, the 'west coast westy' Reply with quote

dobryan wrote:
dabaron wrote:

i could totally use a running 2.1 so i can get this tin top running again...


PM sent.


Can't ask for a geographically closer deal!
I bet he won't give one to you like I did.......

Dave
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