A US model ?
and with the 2.1 waterboxer engine ?
You're sure it wasn't a late 85 registered and titled as an 86 or something.

there is one 'real' way to determine the year model of a vanagon ........
it's in the VIN.
You should have a 'B' in the 5th position of the VIN for 'gasoline.'
and if it's 86, there will be  a 'G' in the 10th position of the VIN
indicating an 86.
if  it's an 'F' , it's an 85.
I have yet to see any US model vanagon with rectangular headlights and
2.1 wbxr engine without PS.
but I'm sure they must exist. And perhaps you have one of the rare few.

for the year in the VIN .............the 10th symbol, goes like this :

A = 1980
B = 81
C = 82
D = 83
E = 84
F = 85
G = 86
H = 87
I = 88
J = 89
K = 1990

Scott
www.turbovans.com

Taeke wrote:
> My 86 wolfie westie never had PS. Big brown steering wheel.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Neil2 <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 12:43 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: What years power steering?
>
> Scott you're a living wikipedia.  I hope you have a protege'.
>
> On 6/6/08, Scott Daniel - Shazam <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>
>> PS was first available as an option ( US models anyway ) in 84.
>> it was not available on 83 waterboxer vanagons ( the 1st year of wbxr
>> vanagon )  at all.  The bosses on the right cylinder head are there, but
>> no bolt holes are in them- but it's not hard to drill them either.
>>
>> I'm sure some models, like Woofy Westies only game with PS. - an 84 is
>> like that I believe.
>> and 82 1/2 gasoline Vanagon would be an air-cooled one.  No way to have
>> PS on one of those.
>> and 82 Diesel Vanagons - sure no PS on those babies either !
>>
>> PS was on all 2.1 wbxr engineded- Vanagons  and Syncro's from 86 and up.
>> scott
>> www.turbovans.com
>>
>>
>>
>>  Steve Cotsford wrote:
>>
>>
>>> I went to see a 7 passenger 84 Vanagon today and I was surprised  because
>>> it
>>> had no power steering.   A few years back I had an 82 1/2  Wolfsburg
>>>
>
>
> [The entire original message is not included]
>
>