I just picked up an 85GL automatic 127k in nice shape last week for $400 + $125 to flatbed it 36miles home as it had not been started in 6 years and I did not want to kill it. It's even the same color of my rig (a bit faded though) so the rear hatch that I needed will match pretty close without a repaint. If you have the room and the time a parts van is the way to go.
Between mine & my buddy's 81 Westy it's "paid for", and I'll definitely have stuff left over for Ebay, someday!
Unfortunately I seem to just keep everything... forever.

 *note: 3 car garage w/loft, packed full crap, and no room for my vehicles.

Jim
86 Syncro Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: Greg Potts <Greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Date: Monday, May 23, 2005 11:11 am
Subject: Re: Parts Vanagon

> Hi Chuck,
>
> I bought one back in February for $600cdn with 305,000KM a seized
> engine and a known to be not very good transmission.
>
> Parting it out put 4 NEW michelins already mounted and balanced
> AND a
> pair of captains chairs in my westfakia. Selling the other components
> recovered my investment plus there was a bit left over to pay for
> towing. It took two-and-a-half weekends to part it out.
>
>
> Happy trails,
>
> Greg Potts
> Toronto, Ontario, Canada
>
> 1973/74/79 Westfakia Conversion **Bob the Tomato**  LY3H
> 1977 Sunroof Automatic L63H/L90D
> 1988 Vanagon GL 8-passenger Automatic
> http://www.pottsfamily.ca/westfakia
> http://www.busesofthecorn.com
>
>
> On 22-May-05, at 9:58 PM, Pilgrim wrote:
>
> > What is a 1987 Vanagon GL non westy worth as a parts car? Tranny
> bad,> engine 223,000 miles with no head work, body good except for
> seam> rust, doors all OK. left front suspension BAD could be
> driven for
> > maybe 50 non freeway miles currently licensed. Located in SF Cal
> >
> > Chuck P.
> >
> >
> >
>