In a message dated 2/5/02 5:53:47 AM Pacific Standard Time,
bmartin@TELOCITY.COM writes:

<< I've had a Beetle, a type 3, a Golf and a diesel Rabbit, but just bought
our
 families' first Vanagon. Picked it up at an auto auction. It's an 87, but
 how do I know what model it is? No camper gear, just lots of seats.
 Automatic trans. Is this a GL? How would I know a Synchro from a GL? >>

Barry,

If it's an automatic, then it is definitely NOT a Syncro (no letter "H" in
that name by the way). Syncros are 5 speed manual with the 1st gear being a
granny gear.

In 87, GL's came as 7 passenger vans with the rear seat that folds down into
a bed. The middle bench should have seatbacks that fold forward for easier
access to the bench/bed. There should also be a foam cushion over the engine
deck area.

If it is not a GL, you will find rear benches which fold forward for cargo
loading but do not pull out into a bed. Middle bench should have fixed
armrests with a center armrest that can be pulled out to deploy. To the best
of my knowledge, most 87's are either GL or Wolfsburg Editions.

The Wolfsburg Edition models are easy to identify in that they do not have a
middle bench. They instead have a single rear facing seat just behind the
driver's seat. They also have a fold out side table on the same side. The
side panels are plastic and they have a rear bed/bench as well. They also
came with black plastic bumpers front and rear.

Now keep in mind that any and/or all of these seats may or may not have been
switched around by the previous owner. For example, my 87 has 91 Carat Rear
seats now with the removable rear facing jumpseats being added soon. But in
front, I retrofitted some 85 sets with nonadjustable armrests.

I am also operating under the assumption that you have a bus and not a
Westfalia camper. The easiest way to tell is if you have a poptop. No poptop,
then it's not a Westy. If there is one, it is probably a Westy or maybe one
of the various conversions available at the time. Usually Adventurewagon or
Country Homes in this area.

I hope that helps.

BenT
San Francisco