David Brodbeck wrote:
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bradley Flubacher" <flub@ADELPHIA.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 6:35 PM
> Subject: diesel vanagon radiator
>
>
>
>>I have an '82 diesel vanagon in need of a radiator. Can I use either of
>>these:
>>
>>068121253E
>>OR
>>068121253A
>
>
> I don't know the part numbers, but I've heard the radiator from a gasoline
> Vanagon will work if you swap the radiator mounts to the later style, and
> use the shroud, fan, and thermo switch off the gas van.  The bottom mounts
> bolt on but the top ones are spot welded.
>
> Something to think about, since the gas radiators are cheaper and have the
> thermo switch in a better location.  (Down low, out of any air pocket.)

Using the later model radiator is possible and not too difficult.  The
1982 diesel radiator is unique to that model year and quite expensive.
  The easiest way to get all of the parts is to get one off of an 83-85
van with the steel coolant pipes from a salvage yard.  Both the upper
and lower radiator mounts on the later radiators are different from the
1982 model.  I did the most obsessive thing possible and drilled out the
spot welds for the upper mount to remove it from the donor vehicle.
Others have fabricated their own upper mounts.  Either way, the upper
mount must be welded to the body.  The lower mounts are bolt in.  For
the radiator itself, you need every part forward of the coolant pipes,
to include the electrical connector for the thermostatic fan switch, to
make it work.  Splicing the electrical connector to the 1982 wiring
harness is simple with the Bentley wiring diagrams.  This all sounds
like a bit of a hassle, but it pays for itself in less expensive and
easier to find replacement radiators.

Mike Snow
1982 Westfalia diesel
(with new style radiator)