| Author |
Message |
Alan Brase
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2004
Posts: 4532
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
|
 Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2021 3:50 am Post subject: 82 diesel low dollar build |
 |
|
I picked up a dismantled 82 diesel project last winter. Very clean body from Washington state. (I'm in the rust belt, Iowa), witha ton of parts but all apart.
Motivated seller, and I've kinda got a soft spot for these. (I've got a nice 83 with JX spec engine and a 5 speed, but it is a little shorter wheelbase on the left side after a distracted driver...)
This poor thing was taken apart by enthusiastic DPO, a young guy and not sure where he was headed. He took EVERYTHING apart. It is missing the headliner and most interior bits, the heater box, grilles, bumpers hoses.
BUT it came with a completely disassembled Mexican 1.9 IDI like an AAZ, but I suspect it might have been NA version. Boxes of new parts to rebuild the motor and a fresh in box Giles pump.
Not really certain where I'm going with this project. Hell, I'd be really happy with the 1.6TD motor and I have a spare... But I suppose I ought to put the 1.9 together.
In truth, I never did a 1.9 AAZ before. a few 1.6's. This has the TDI D shaped crank snout, A rebuilt head (NOT the original), a turbo.
This body is so completely rust free it is tempting to try to make this my low key forever cruiser. A turbo diesel is so great for climbing mountains. God knows I've spent lots of trips in a WBX in Colorado climbing at 35mph! My first goals will be to put the motor together and the heater/ dash. Since it is missing anyway, I'm tempted to do a modern upgrade with heater and A/C under dash. The 1.9 will most certainly mount a modern A/C compressor in some fashion. The plumbing is zero problem as my brother has a shop and is a whiz at making A/C hoses.
I would probably put in a Westy lower seat/bed and kitchen. With the headliner being gone, it would make a pop top (or high top) conversion easier. My favorite would be an ASI Riviera top.
Also not decided on engine mount bars and transmission to use. I have a lot of transaxles to choose from. Some DK's, 4 speed WBX, 5 speed DX or AAP.
I suppose if I added a condensor it would make sense to go to a modern aluminum radiator? I really like old school brass/ copper radiators, but undecided so far.
This will also run on stock wheel and tires. Maybe go up a size but definitely 14in rims. I've already driven perhaps 700,000 on these spec tires since 1982 on 7 different Vanagons.
So, first decisions are heater air conditioner, and assembling the AAZ. Deciding whether to use intercooler. Plumbing turbo, air cleaner and build exhaust. Choosing motor mounts/ bars.
I confess, last pic is my front yard a few years ago. I sold the Dormie a couple years ago.
_________________
Al Brase
Projects: 67 sunroof bug, 67 Porsche 912 Targa, 70 Westy
Dec 1955 Single Cab pickup WANT 15" BUS RIMS dated 8/55, thru 12/55
To New owners: 1969 doublecab, 1971 Dormobile
Vanagons:
80 P27 Westy JUL 1979, 3rd oldest known US
83 1.6TD Vanagon, 87 Wolfie Westy daily driver, swap meet home |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
?Waldo?
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2006
Posts: 9752
Location: Where?
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2021 6:24 am Post subject: Re: 82 diesel low dollar build |
|
|
| Fun. I look forward to hearing more. In your situation I would build the 1.9TD, add intercooler, use a newer radiator, use the DX and have it rebuilt with a 4.57 R+P, and mount it all using the '83+ carrier bars. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16508
Location: Brookeville, MD
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Vanagon Nut
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10379
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2021 9:21 am Post subject: Re: 82 diesel low dollar build |
|
|
I like the vise grips assist on steering wheel. 
Sounds like you have a lot of options!
Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Alan Brase
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2004
Posts: 4532
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2021 10:18 am Post subject: Re: 82 diesel low dollar build |
|
|
| Vanagon Nut wrote: |
I like the vise grips assist on steering wheel.
Sounds like you have a lot of options!
Neil. |
That was a 11:30 pm last best choice to get the steering functional to extricate the Vanagon from its resting place.Turns out the steering hardware was all bagged n tagged, but steering wheel functioning was way better than kicking the tires to line up with the tow vehicle. I flat towed it the 250 miles home in the next 4 hours. Lots more tasty details on that dashboard. I'll have a doorbell button for sale soon.
_________________
Al Brase
Projects: 67 sunroof bug, 67 Porsche 912 Targa, 70 Westy
Dec 1955 Single Cab pickup WANT 15" BUS RIMS dated 8/55, thru 12/55
To New owners: 1969 doublecab, 1971 Dormobile
Vanagons:
80 P27 Westy JUL 1979, 3rd oldest known US
83 1.6TD Vanagon, 87 Wolfie Westy daily driver, swap meet home |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Vanagon Nut
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10379
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2021 11:20 am Post subject: Re: 82 diesel low dollar build |
|
|
| Alan Brase wrote: |
| Vanagon Nut wrote: |
I like the vise grips assist on steering wheel.
|
That was a 11:30 pm last best choice to get the steering functional to extricate the Vanagon from its resting place.Turns out the steering hardware was all bagged n tagged, but steering wheel functioning was way better than kicking the tires to line up with the tow vehicle. I flat towed it the 250 miles home in the next 4 hours. Lots more tasty details on that dashboard. I'll have a doorbell button for sale soon. |
Right on.
I recall having a door bell type button on my '58 Beetle.... many years ago.
Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Alan Brase
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2004
Posts: 4532
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2021 11:45 am Post subject: Re: 82 diesel low dollar build |
|
|
| Vanagon Nut wrote: |
| Alan Brase wrote: |
| Vanagon Nut wrote: |
I like the vise grips assist on steering wheel.
|
That was a 11:30 pm last best choice to get the steering functional to extricate the Vanagon from its resting place.Turns out the steering hardware was all bagged n tagged, but steering wheel functioning was way better than kicking the tires to line up with the tow vehicle. I flat towed it the 250 miles home in the next 4 hours. Lots more tasty details on that dashboard. I'll have a doorbell button for sale soon. |
Right on.
I recall having a door bell type button on my '58 Beetle.... many years ago.
Neil. |
Not for the glow plugs, tho.
_________________
Al Brase
Projects: 67 sunroof bug, 67 Porsche 912 Targa, 70 Westy
Dec 1955 Single Cab pickup WANT 15" BUS RIMS dated 8/55, thru 12/55
To New owners: 1969 doublecab, 1971 Dormobile
Vanagons:
80 P27 Westy JUL 1979, 3rd oldest known US
83 1.6TD Vanagon, 87 Wolfie Westy daily driver, swap meet home |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Vanagon Nut
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10379
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2021 11:55 am Post subject: Re: 82 diesel low dollar build |
|
|
| Alan Brase wrote: |
| Vanagon Nut wrote: |
| Alan Brase wrote: |
.... Lots more tasty details on that dashboard. I'll have a doorbell button for sale soon. |
I recall having a door bell type button on my '58 Beetle.... many years ago.
Neil. |
Not for the glow plugs, tho. |
LOL. Oh my. So that button was the "fifth glow plug?" Or, hand warmer?
Oddly enough, my 40 HP (upgrade) engine was bereft of glow plugs.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
