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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1348 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 6:34 pm Post subject: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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This is a build thread for a 1995 VW LT40 4x4 high top van.
For my birthday present this month the US Custom and Border Protection folks finalized the van’s interrogations and we have been officially issued the illusive US Customs and Border Protection Entry Summary 7501 form which is required if you want to legally register a foreign vehicle in the US. Without this executed document you will have imported a giant pile of rust and shame. Ask me how I know? More on that later.
I’m not big into naming cars, but in this case the name Lieutenant Van or LT Van seemed waaaaaaay too obvious not to use. So, meet Lieutenant Van. And yes. I’m to going spell Lieutenant incorrectly every time.
Meet Lieutenant Van as he looked on the ground in the Netherlands when I purchased him 09/28.
From here out I’m going to use the term “VWLT” so that things related to the VWLT are searchable on the Samba. If you search “LT” on the Samba as it returns nearly all of the posts since 1943.
I’m going to do my best to document the processes to purchase, import to the US, link Archie/Veronica-style to VWLT resources scattered about this world wide web thing, as well as, document all the money, knuckle skin and stupid I’m going to throw at this hunk of rust.
I’ve built a few vehicles over the year from Lemons race cars, basket case old Triumph motorcycles and an 87 Syncro panel van camper conversion as seen here … Syncro panel van camper build
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=575458&highlight=
I’ve learned a ton of lessons while building the Syncro that will be directly applicable to this box. Different this time is I will pawn out some of the work as I’m too broken to be contorting myself under a dashboard.
There are few of these beasts in the North America as they were never shipped here. There were nearly 5 million of these things built from 1975 to 1996 (or MK2 into 2006) in endless configurations. I specifically targeted the 4x4 of which there were only about 1500 built. I NEED 4wd cause Duh?! And I think it is a requirement that everything ‘merica needs to be big, stupid, 4x4 and super sized. I certainly require more super size than my Syncro can provide – and a toilet.
VWLT wiki like information here.
https://vwlt.co.uk/about-the-vw-lt/
https://vwlt.co.uk/wiki/484-2/vw-lt-series-1-buyers-guide-1975-1996/
Here is the thread that ruined me in 2015. I have kind of known since then that I was going to be selling or trading in my Syncro for one of these.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...p;start=20
And here is the classified advertisement that really ruined me. Thanks Chris!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2350269
Online VWLT Resources.
There are many VWLT resources out there and ironically a couple builders of LTs right here in the North America. The VWLT knowledge is contained in German language websites, Facebook groups and here on one of the best resources. Kudos Tim!! http://vwlt.co.uk/
I will endeavor to provide links to resources I have found useful.
I will update this as long as it stays editable.
Facebook Groups.
VW LT Owners Series 1 (VOLT) 1976~1996. https://www.facebook.com/groups/voltowners
And lots of documents here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/voltowners/files
https://www.facebook.com/groups/voltswapmeet
VW LT 4x4 World Fan Club. https://www.facebook.com/groups/vwlt4x4worldfanclub
VW LT MKI Owners of the Americas. https://www.facebook.com/groups/954334161249254
Replacement sheetmetal parts in the UK. VW LT Mk1 Body Panels and Spare Parts. https://www.facebook.com/vwltspares
Busman. https://busmaneurope.com/info-pages-europe/infolt/
And again. The VW LT Owners club site. http://vwlt.co.uk/
Tips from Buss Marius.
“The worldwide best place for spare pars is https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/lt-parts.html
Another prowider is Werk34.de They just introdused a few new items for the LT, Light guards: https://www.werk34.de/en/water-cooled/lt-95/bumpers-radiator-grill-attachments/
Then German ebay is a good place to search fore NLA, used parts. “
We have two LT folks in the US that I’m aware of. I’m working with Chris DeLong. He is located in the NW and he has several in his collection and services LTs in his shop. https://www.finetuningperformance.com/
Shown in this map are garages all over the EU.
https://busmaneurope.com/info-pages-europe/ltgarages/
Here is a pretty good website that discusses the details of importing a vehicle (or motor) in the US. I will try to put this into context by explaining my experience.
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car
On to the build. Lieutenant Van Build. Fear, Loathing and the Chicken Tax.
As mentioned above. I need more space. Not just cause I’m an aging fat dude, but because I’m an aging fat dude that has to pee a lot. And one of the goals is to “Live within” versus “Live out-of” my van. The Syncro is a bit small for that. Further, I think Sprinters, NVs, Transits look cool but I prefer this approach. In the end I think I will spend a fraction of the cost to build a Sprinter and have a much cooler ride that is also recycled.
However, before I could pee with the frequency I have become accustom to – I first I had to find one that I could afford.
The VWLT Van is in the US legally as of yesterday (01/26).
As I regain my strength from the ordeal, I will share more details of the steps I took to make this happen so others may learn. No human can do this by themselves. It requires $$, planning and hiring specialists. And if you screw it up you can expect to pay north of 25% chicken tax, excessive declarations costs or have your vehicle crushed.
Below are a few pictures from the Busman pre-inspection. Mike is the first person you will absolutely need to hire to make this happen. He was instrumental in this process and without him there is zero chance you will be able to pull this off from outside EU. There were three cash offers standing in line behind Mike on Saturday morning the week this van was listed. Mike negotiated the deal, performed the inspection, personally engaged with the seller to insure this was a real offer, provided 80 detailed photos and managed the van until it was on a RORO ship.
https://busmaneurope.com/search_yourself/
Here are some VWLT Van pictures.
When I look at these I keep hearing the Scottish character from Austin Powers Movie saying “I’m soooo sexy”.
Now some VWLT porn for inspiration.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?...ts=summary
https://info-vw.blogspot.com/2017/12/volkswagen-lt-40.html
And here are the Busman pre-inspection pictures of LT Van.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?...ts=summary _________________ VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight=
Last edited by rmcd on Tue Feb 16, 2021 10:31 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12115 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 6:44 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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That's just wrong...so wrong.
It needs to be in my driveway. _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3794 Location: VA/TN
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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Awesome. I want one. _________________ Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16501 Location: Brookeville, MD
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4Gears4Tires Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018 Posts: 3018 Location: MD
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 6:56 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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This is going to be awesome. I hope you have a warehouse to work on it! _________________ '87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7462 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 7:22 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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Let the stupid begin! Thanks for taking us along. _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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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). |
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erste Samba Member
Joined: March 29, 2013 Posts: 1110 Location: San Francisco
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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Yes!! Those bumpers look really good.
Look forward to seeing where you take it. |
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T3messie Samba Member
Joined: October 03, 2017 Posts: 209 Location: Germany
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 11:23 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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Puh.
Happy welding. |
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16CVs Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2004 Posts: 4024 Location: Redwood City, California
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:02 am Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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The nice thing about those vans is there is so much room that you can drop a SBC and a 700R in there and roll on forever.
All of the cool and none of the heartache.
Looking forward to the build.
Stacy _________________ 1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread. |
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Earl Bay Samba Member
Joined: October 26, 2015 Posts: 91 Location: France 38
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 4:30 am Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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Actually just wanted to know what a lemon race car is?
Nice LT, they seem to get rare, especially the 4x4 ones |
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tjet Samba Member
Joined: June 10, 2014 Posts: 3533 Location: CA & NM
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 4:42 am Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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Very cool
How does it feel driving it compared to your Syncro?
How loud is the engine/trans being up front?
I've liked those ever since I saw this video...
Link
A really rare military version here (outfitted with portal axles)
Link
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22639 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 5:32 am Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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You can carry a lot of Subaru blocks to the scrapyard for cash , in that.
Nice build, subscribed! _________________ .ssS! |
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[email protected] Samba Member
Joined: April 29, 2015 Posts: 704 Location: Berkeley Ca
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pnwkayaker Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 919 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:57 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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It's been what, 18 hours since the first post, and there have been no more updates? What are your priorities?
Nope, I'm not interested, not a bit... _________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5076 Location: denver
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 1:01 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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_________________ 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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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1348 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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vwhammer Samba Member
Joined: May 20, 2006 Posts: 998 Location: Boulder CO.
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12115 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 2:01 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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An OM605 would also be nice. But, I'd probably just go with a 2.5 TDI with bigger injectors and an ECU tune. _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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thatbaldwinlife Samba Member
Joined: August 01, 2011 Posts: 777 Location: Out exploring
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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Love where this is going...
nate _________________ 1987 Westy
Insta: @Thatbaldwinlife
Vanagon Adventure and DIY videos:
That Baldwin Life YouTube Channel |
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buspor63 Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2005 Posts: 1179 Location: Knoxville,TN Where America stops for gas
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 8:53 pm Post subject: Re: Lieutenant Van a VWLT build |
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You can tar and feather me now, but I would put a Ford/Chevy 4WD solid axle driveline under any LT and be done with it. I drove one for the summer of 1987 radiating out from Berlin to Italy and France, needed more oooomph. _________________ Imagine that, theres not an "h" in either Westfalia or Syncro? |
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