In a message dated 12/10/2003 3:31:49 PM Pacific Standard Time,
drillock@EARTHLINK.NET writes:
Not that big of a deal really but you
then need to remove a major body structure (steel arch support) and
fabricate a replacement of the right shape (steel flat support) and
mount it at the right height so the bed will close and the top will
lower and latch without hitting the bed first.
Mark,

I think this is where further discussion should be directed. It would seem to
me that fabricating a steel support is not an easy task for most people.
Let's face it, it takes skill and experience to alter the unibody of a Vanagon to
the point where structural integrity is not compromised. Then there's the
question on aesthetics. The other disclaimer you should put on here is your level
of experience. For example, not many of can claim that a 2wd to Syncro
conversion is trivial. You've done that.

You have to ask yourself what you are hoping to accomplish. You are marrying
a project of this scope. Resale value will be affected. In this very List
alone, there has been countless discussions about "Westies" which were not real
Westies but conversions from a bus. The discussions was far from positive IIRC.

You should also take into consideration what your time is worth. For some
folks who are retired and have the special skills to do this type of project,
hooray. You've got it altogether. Let's also not forget the understanding
significant other. You've got all of the above as I recall.

At the end of the day, you have ask yourself if it was worth it. IMHO it is
NOT for most people. There are simply too many less expensive options with less
compromises. Your money is better spent elsewhere.

BenT
Vanagon Cafe