You might ask youself how serious the need for a Westy as compared to
some other model of Vanagon. There are those configured as
"weekender's", with interior fixtures only and no pop-top, and those
with a poptop but no interior fixtures. The sell at lesser prices. And
then there are the plain vanagons - GL series and others. I debated a
long time about owning a Westy. I drove the Alaska Highway in my '85 GL,
camped out all over the place with it. . I really liked that wide bed in
back that the Westy configuration does not afford due to the cabinetry.
I like the flexibility of use of space my current GL gives me. I have
very nice curtains in my GL and my Carat, so privacy is ensured when
stealth camping. I have no need for a refrigerator. I just take along a
good cooler. Meals are sandwiches or if I'm ambitious - fresh salads etc
- made from fresh ingredients packed in the cooler. I take along a camp
stove or a hibachi for more serious cooking. As a side tent I set up my
art show tent called an EZ-up. I locate it right next to my sliding door
and let one of the side flaps fit over the top of the van to keep out
the water if it rains. There is a mosquito net that can be hung from the
inside of the tent's frame-work. Over the rear hatch opening I use a
mosquito net that has a piece of bungee on it that fits around the rim
to hold it in place. And, I use a hatch prop/lock which locks the hatch
slightly open for cross ventilation, yet does not allow entry in the
vehicle, unless the lock is turned and the prop/lock removed.

The point here being - there are many other vehicles which could sere
well for camping. They don't say "I'm a camper" or "I'm an RV - by their
outward appearance in the way a Westy does, but they can serve well, and
don't cost near as much.as a Westy. Nor do they typically have the
behind-the-cabinets rust-out that plague so many Westy's.  Also - they
aren't nearly as heavy as a Westfalia, with all it's cabinets,
refrigerator, stove, sink and plumbing. By virtue of the weight they are
slower to get off the mark, have greater difficulty in stopping, and the
engine works harder pulling grades.

Westy's are nice - but there are other more affordable options that
would serve as well.

Just my $0.02

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 7/30/2010 9:54 AM, Peters, David Gerard wrote:
> Hi All
>
> Thanks for the many warm "welcomes".  Still very much enjoying the list and learning stuff too!
>
> My Vanagon search is still ongoing.  I am focused (after taking advice from many folks on this list) on a later model.
>
> Question:  There is an ongoing ebay auction for restored Westy.  It is out of my price range (almost 20k buy it now) but a statement in the auction description caught my eye and I would be interested to hear feedback from you guys.
>
> Specifically the seller sates..."If you buy an $8000 to $13,000 Westy, you will need to add up to $8000 in parts to make it reliable, and thats BEFORE you touch the engine or tranny! "
>
> Do you agree? Obviously it is possible but I'd be interested to hear thoughts based on real world experience.
>
> Thanks again
>
> Dave
>
>