In a message dated 4/19/01 6:37:06 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
mbriere@SKYBEST.COM writes:

<< IM NEW AT THIS...CAN YOU TAKE THE BENCH SEATS OUT AND REPLACE IT WITH A
 WEEKENDER?  HOW HARD IS IT AND ARE THEY EASY TO FIND?
 THANKS, MICHAEL >>

Michael,

You are more likely to get replies to your posting if you take your <cap
locks> off. CAPITALS online is tantamount to yelling.

Since you say you are new to this, I will assume that is the reason for the
caps and try to answer your question.

Your posts indicated that you have am 86 Syncro GL. That tells me that you
already have the "Weekender Package". That is composed of the rear folding
bench, the cushion over the engine cover, and the middle bench w/ seat backs
that fold forward. Now if you are trying to get that stuff out, I am assuming
you are wanting to replace it with the equipment from the "Base Camper".

The Base Camper (sometimes called the Weekender), has the rear bench which
folds into a bed, rear cushion, plastic side panels with a folding table, and
one rear facing seat with storage underneath. I don't know if you also want
the closet in the rear. A similar interior came in the later model Multivans
(MV).

Everything pretty much bolts on or pop-rivets on. The rear bench although
similar to the one in your GL is slightly narrower to accommodate the
thickness of the plastic side panels. Since this has been discussed many
times on the list, I prefer that we discuss this "off-list" by pmail
(personal mail) if you want more installation details. Dan from Maui sent me
a photo of his conversion minus the plastic panels. I can send that to you if
you'd like. With Dan's permissions of course.

Pricing is varied. I have bought a complete interior even including the
poptop for $100. But I have also seen the just interior pieces go for as high
as $500-$600. While not common, they are not that rare either. I have seen 5
sets for sale just in the past 4 weeks alone.

BenT
San Francisco
 <A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html">Vanagon
Cafe</A>