I looked at an 86 Westy Wolfsburg today with motor troubles.  Poptop
without kitchen, with rear facing seat, folding table, and 12v fridge.
161K, 4spd, the (in)famous shredded corduroy upholstery, nice body with
the exception of a few hits on the rear, mangled bumper, bent rear hatch,
bent LR panel behind rear tire, only seam rust on RR behind tire and LF
behind tire.  Needs 4 tires, poptop and luggage rack seals, front heater
blower, AC blower inoperative on #3 speed.  Engine blew a head stud and
spewed coolant and was towed to present location.  Engine started right
up and idled beautifully for five seconds before I shut it down. Did not
drive. $1,500 asking price.

I don't need another van so my interest is in mainly for repair and
resale.  It is basically all there BUT engine needs work and if one stud
is bad then the others can't be much better?  Rebuild time with 161K?
Then there is the bodywork, reupholstery, and who knows what else.....

What do you all think?  Is this a viable candidate for restoration?
Frankly I would be inclined to jump on it IF I didn't already have a
Vanagon, BUT I've got a nice 84 Westy that I'm not parting with, and if I
had to put a Boston Bob rebuild in it then I've got $4,000 invested and
other alternatives become attractive such as Darrell Boehler's van
advertised recently......

Anyway I told the guy I'd call him tomorrow so any input you all would
care to provide would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tony

Anthony L. Mourkas
Hampden, Maine, USA
1984   Vanagon Westfalia    "Gertrude"
1986.5 Quantum Syncro Wagon "Wolfgang"
1991   Jetta Eco Diesel     "Liesel"