Just in case you haven't checked the obvious... a stock 1981 would be air cooled. If you've got a radiator and you're not using diesel fuel at least the engine is a 83.5 or later. The 85 would have two grilles in the front (upper and lower) wheras the 81 has just the upper one.

Also, an 85 would be much more likely to come with things like power steering, air conditioning, and/or a rear wiper. .

You should take a look at the different model years at http://www.vanagon.com/info/years/ and see if you see more 81 or more 85 characteristics

Thanks,
Chris

On Tue, 13 March 2001, Theresa Rennert wrote:

>
> Hello,
>
> I have a little situation that I am having a hard time figuring out.  When I
> bought my van, I was told it is an 85.  The vin number brings and an 85 as
> well, however it is a L series and on the drivers door it reads that it is
> an 81.  ARGH!  How do I know for sure??
>
> Theresa
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

Thanks,
Chris Gronski
'80 Westy "Pokey" - SLOPOKEY
'87 Chevrolet Sprint - Ice Racer
'91 Pontiac Firefly - Convertable
www.vanagon.org & .ca
www.gronski.com, .org, & .ca
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