I do believe the difference is between steel pipes and plastic pipes
going forward.  The early '85s still have the steel coolant pipes.

Mike

alfred bagdan wrote:
> I'm about to order a coolant hose kit for my 85 Vanagon from the Busdepot.
> The van is now 22 years old and I'm uneasy about driving it too far out of
> town.
> On my list I selected so far:
> hose kit,  waterpump,  thermostat and  expansion tank cap.
> Has anyone that has changed the hoses using the kit, have any
> suggestions as
> to what else would be prudent to order?
>
> Also I am confused about the last few digits of the VIN number,  my number
> ends in  ... 258FH011561 but to order there are 2 choices,  up to 25F060000
> (kit 4) or greater than 25F060000  (kit 5).  Is the 8 and the H in my
> number
> irrelevant and I order kit 4,  since  011561 < 060000 ?
>
> Any help is always greatly appreciated.
>
> Alfred
> 85 Westy
>