Seems like a good reason to start with an already diesel vanagon ..
and 82 or 83, the 83 being the somewhat rare 5 speed.

and sure ..make the first TDI 1940 Hudson car.

and I have two not westy though, very decent Sunroof Diesel Vanagons for
sale..
one 82 that's super cherry, one 83 with 5 speed trans and sunroof.
Located in Southern Oregon ..
no rust on either of these vans.

the early vans can be upgraded all you want ..
whether brakes, or wheels/tires, power steering etc.

Scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sullivan Scott" <se7en.scot@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 3:43 PM
Subject: Re: Grease Works Doing the conversion

Importing a non US vehicle into the US is more of an issue than I want
to work with.
Converting a gasoline to diesel and registering it in Ca is also more
of an issue than I want to work with.
This is why I will be using an '82 or '83 diesel to start with.

As to the money aspect. I agree it is a lot of money, and I am asking
the question because it might be well worth it.
Rebuilt motor
Rebuilt transmission with upgraded gears
Installation and trouble shooting
Experience and know how ( When done correctly the highest value lowest
price part of such a job)

My four year old daughter and I work on our 1940 Hudson together to
keep it running and a daily driver. This is enough right now.
If the TDI works in the Westy might just drop one in the Hudson as well.

Scot

On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 3:16 PM, BenT Syncro <syncro@gmail.com> wrote:
> Are you able to certify diesels now for straight to California
> consumption?
>
>
> BenT
>
>
> On Jan 24, 2011, at 2:40 PM, Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
>> Another option would be to import a clean, later model Westy from Germany
>> with an original 1.6TD motor and 5 speed. After the import certification
>> and vehicle registration, you can do the TDi upgrade without having to
>> deal
>> with the gas to diesel issues.
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Jeff
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 1:02 PM, Sullivan Scott
>> <se7en.scot@gmail.com>wrote:
>>
>>> Anyone had Grease Works in Oregon do a conversion for them? Not just the
>>> parts.
>>>
>>> This is a long term project for me and I am just in the planning
>>> stages. I live in California so focusing on an '82 or '83 Westy. Have
>>> had two D-Westys in the past as well as a Syncro Westy. Next is a
>>> TDi-Westy to do some touring and replace a mini-van.
>>>
>>> Current idea is to have an '82 D-Westy or Vanagon that is totally
>>> stock gone through. Thinking that a vanagon has less rust issues and
>>> can have a later Westy interior added with the poptop or find a good
>>> D-Westy candidate and pull everything out and renew the interior. Not
>>> interested in fancy just functional and reliable. Not sure if it is
>>> better to do the motor conversion first or the paint and interior.
>>>
>>> Apologize for the being duplicated on other forums as well.
>>>
>>> Before kids the DIY route would have been fine. Now I am greedy with
>>> my time with my kids.
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> Scot
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Casey
>