Allan,
Just my $0.02 .... buy the van back from salvage for parts (invaluable in
that regard) and look for another van you can "improve" that is in
reasonably good shape.
You can't get a better value than $325.00 investment for a parts van, if you
are staying with a vanagon, IMNSHO. ;-)

bob

On Fri, Jul 24, 2009 at 8:31 AM, Allan Streib <streib@cs.indiana.edu> wrote:

> Got the news from the insurance co (State Farm) they are considering the
> claim to be a total loss.  Not surprising, really.
>
> They are offering the NADA "good condition" value for the van, which is
> $3,125.  I actually think that's pretty fair for a GL vanagon with over 200K
> miles.
>
> I can buy it back for the salvage value of $325 and try to repair it.  The
> question I now have is am I better off shopping for another solid van, maybe
> one with a blown engine or drivetrain, and transplant parts, or trying to
> hammer out/weld and or bondo the damage on my current van.
>
> Thoughts?  Anyone have any leads on a potential candidate for the
> "replace/transplant" plan?  I am located in Indiana, would consider picking
> up/towing from anywhere in the midwest or mid-south.
>
> Allan
> --
> 1991 Vanagon GL
>
>