Transmission has been rebuilt twice. Master brake cylinder leaked for years until I got tired of adding brake fluid and put in a new one. Alternator brackets snap off repeatedly. Starter relay needed replacing at 160,000 miles.
I knew when I bought this old, high-mileage Vanagon for $3,000 that it would require some work and money to keep it running. I stripped out the old bench seats and converted it into a camping machine with a queen-size bed, wood cabinets, cook stove and fresh water tank - much more room than a Westfalia. My wife and I used this Vanagon to travel throughout Alaska three times along with our Golden Retriever. Sure, we had a few minor breakdowns, but it was a wonderful vehicle. The view through the front window and the ride were fabulous. We don't take long trips in it anymore, but still love driving it, locally. I'm having a new Wasserbox engine installed next week and also having it repainted and a new Alpine sound system installed. When you pump $4 to $5 grand into an old vehicle like an '83 Vanagon, you have to like driving it a lot - and I do!
Here's a quick update on the restoration of my '83 Vanagon. I've just finished the installation of an $800 Alpine sound system. You can't believe how great music sounds inside this cavernous "opera house" as it rolls along the highway. I've also had it repainted. Maaco did the work and - although they are usually considered a low-quality paint shop - they did a superb job; door-jambs, everything was perfectly painted the color I chose. I had planned to install a new Wasserbox (1.9 liter engine) since I have been losing compression in a couple of the "jugs" but this old engine still runs so smoothly I just can't justify it, yet. And then, one day last week, it wouldn't start. I had to have it towed to a repair shop. Shame on me. They couldn't find anything wrong with it. Cleaned the battery terminals and it lit up just fine, again. (Dumb me... I know better!). Still the most fun thing to drive that I know of!
So now, it's been a year or so since I decided to install a new engine. And I did. But the engine I installed was not another dog-poop wasserbox. Instead, I let someone talk me into putting in a Subaru engine. Outrageous, Right?
Now, a year after the installation, I have to say it was the best decision I could have made. The Subaru 2.2 is a gutsy powerplant that goes where the wasserbox never could have gone before and with power previously unthinkable. Why did I wait so long to make this conversion (?) The outfit that did the installation was SmallCar Performance in Tacoma, Washington. And they did an incredible job. Sweet, clean, sanitary and with no problems. No, it wasn't cheap. Overall cost approached ten grand. But when you really like a vehicle as much as I like my Vanagon, this is a very viable option. In addition to the new engine, I also installed new electrical components, as well as H4 halogen headlights. What an incredible improvement. This little van can now go anywhere and do it all.
My next expenditure will be the addition of the South African grille with driving lights (since I recently trashed the old, overly-brittle plastic grille) and then some 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels and Michelin tires to replace my 14-inchers.
Only one question? Having pumped so many bucks into this van, how can I insure it for what I now have into it. Any input would be appreciated...
Would you happen to have pictures? I want to fix up a vanagon and looking for ideas, especially interior. Please e-mail to mtran2000@aol.com.
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