I guess you guys don't read Hot Rod Magazine. Their December 2005 cover (
and much of the issue!) is on a brand-new 1969 Camaro convertible assembled
by CARS in North Carolina and approved by GM. I can hardly wait to hear the
noise over at Barrett-Jackson when the first one hits the auction block!

On 3/28/06, Aaron Pearson <aarondpearson@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> have you seen these?  this is a "restored" fj40, but the car is almost
> completely new.  i think it's just the frame and some of the body
> components
> that are original, and imported from japan.
>
> http://www.tlcicon.com/
>
> aaron
> '87 syncro westy ej22
>
> >From: Jeff Oxroad <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
> >Reply-To: Oxroad@AOL.COM
> >To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >Subject: Re: ebay mystery doka
> >Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2006 23:29:40 EST
> >
> >In a message dated 3/27/2006 5:08:17 PM Pacific Standard Time,
> >jeff@VANAGONPARTS.COM writes:
> >
> > >Damn!  I want to meet the guy who did the van to doka  conversion.
> >That's
> > >some of the nicest original looking bodywork  I've ever seen.
> >
> >
> >Since there's an interest in this kind of conversion, I'm willing
> to  take
> >up
> >task. You'll have to supply me with the Van and the syncro Doka in
> >pristine
> >shape for all needed donor parts. I haven't figured out a price yet,  but
> I
> >already have a drill and a rivit gun. The entire job should take about 5
> >minutes--but I have to insist you don't watch while I'm doing the body
> work
> >and  the
> >installation of the syncro parts. ;)
> >
> >I will say though, it's odd that (if I recall) some US companies used to
> be
> >able to get away with importing new 2000 Mexican Beetles into the US and
> >use a
> >  70's US registered Beetle's floor pan and VIN for the base of the
> Mexican
> >Beetle  in a conversion. Then install the Mexican Beetle body and all
> >components
> >on  the US registered floor plan and have a "restored 70 Beetle" legally
> >registered.  I mean is that how it was done with the Mexican imports, or
> is
> >that a
> >myth as  well?
> >
> >I'm guessing the real problem is the buracracy, but what's the difference
> >in
> >an 88 Vanagon in a driveway or an 88 Crew Cab from Canada? If it's the
> >engine
> >  and emissions--couldn't an American spec engine from 88 be installed in
> >the
> >Crew  Cab and it be all good? I'm guessing the safety systems are
> identical
> >as
> >far as  seat belts and bumpers and whatever else a car had to meet for US
> >import in 88.
> >
> >And I guess what I don't get is where does the old car end and the
> restored
> >or rebuilt car begin? If my, for example, 69 Camaro has all new fenders,
> >drive train, interior, new rear, etc. Let's say I even lift a more solid
> >body
> >from a junker and fit it to my original Camaro frame, weld on a new front
> >end--basically the only thing original is the VIN plate. Am I missing
> >something?
> >
> >Best,
> >Jeff
> >83.5 Westy (I don't actually have a Camaro--it was just a "for  example")
> >LA,CA
>
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--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com