No or minimal rust is really desirable and valuable.
Engines are easy to get. 
Scott
www.turbovans.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Edward Duntz
Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2008 7:09 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: prospective '82 diesel -good mechanicals, so-so body

I'm still considering the purchace of an '82 diesel 7-passenger. I had a
chance to look at more closely the other day, and discovered more rust than
I had seen before. I'm trying to talk myself out of buying it, but I'm still
drawn to it. 
 
This one is  which is close to me and having the engine rebuilt by a
mechanic who does decent work, but has rust which isn't all the way through
(except driver's area under door where you step in) but is pretty
widespread. Basically, I'd have to accept the fact that the body would keep
rusting pretty quickly- it's just too much rust to economically fix. I would
eventually put in a veg oil conversion.
 
The other diesel Vanagon that I am considering is on the Samba in NH. Body
in pretty good shape according to pictures and the guy at the shop selling
it. Interior in great shape, better than the one close to me. But about
140,000 miles on it, and I don't trust an old diesel in a Vanagon. They last
a long time in a VW car, but seem to go less than half the miles before
needing a rebuild in a Vanagon. 
 
Is there anyone on the list who is in NH and has seen the one on the Samba?
 
How about opinions on rebuilt engine with rusty body vs. older engine and
good body?
 
Ed
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