On Tue, Apr 19, 2011 at 1:06 PM, Daniel Rotblatt <d.rotblatt@verizon.net>wrote:

> The '85 that I looked at has a pretty good tub, interior, etc.  The
> main problem is that the stick shift bushing is deteriorating so it's
> loose at the bottom of the stick shift (under the rubber boot).  As a
> result, it's nearly impossible to shift - they guy says that Go Westy
> has a bushing kit for about $100 - which is fine, I can replace the
> bushing.  Problem is there is no way to tell if the transmission is
> good...when I drove it, I could get it into 1st and 2nd, but not 3rd
> or 4th (he could though).  There was a slight gear grind as it went
> into one of the two each time - I don't thing a loose bushing would
> cause this.  I would think that as long as the clutch is in it should
> slip in and out of gear smoothly regardless of the play in the stick
> shift.  I want to be able to travel this summer, don't want to be
> switching out a tranny - which I figure would cost about $1000.
>

You might be able to improve your estimate on that by talking to
aatransaxle.  If prices haven't changed since I bought my rebuilt one from
them you're in the right ballpark, but there's a question as to whether the
ring and pinion are good in the transmission you have.  If so, its fine, if
not, there's another factor in the ballpark of 50% to get another good r&p.
 Again, I don't speak for them, don't know how or if things might have
changed, etc, but I can tell you they were awesome to deal with.

mike

> In addition, the car is missing the air conditioning compressor - just
> the two disconnected lines sitting on top of the engine.
>
> He has reduced the price to $4000.  I could probably get him to sell
> for $3500.  Thoughts?
>
> Thanks for the input -
>
> Dan
> L.A.
> Pre-Vanagon owner
>
> P.S. - FYI, the '82 with jetta engine was a real project, lots of
> surface beach rust - didn't want to touch it.
>
>
> On Apr 13, 2011, at 8:55 PM, Daniel Rotblatt wrote:
>
>  Hi all.  I'm new here, just now shopping for a vanagon westfalia.  I
>> was wondering if I could get some input on some vans available in
>> the area that I'm interested in. I'll be looking at them this coming
>> week and wanted to get some input as to what to look for.  I'll
>> modify any info I get with the condition of the car as i see it -
>> especially rust (which I know is a real issue).  I've done a lot of
>> reading and I am mechanically inclined - I've just finished
>> rebuilding a 1966 triumph spitfire, and I had a '67 split window van
>> (with the mini-pop top) back in the day.  $5k is my top dollar or i
>> would go for an '86-91 model.
>>
>> The first van is a 1982 diesel with a gas jetta engine from the
>> nineties (1.8 or 1.9 liter I believe).  I know to look to see if the
>> transaxle (or is it a transmission in these?) is from a later model
>> cause the diesel ones are geared differently and the 1980-83
>> transaxle aren't very good.  Second I will check the compression on
>> the engine and look at the plugs to see how worn it is.  The
>> advantage of this van is that the engine is more powerful and there
>> is no smog check (I'm in california - smog checks are a b**ch).
>> They want $5k.
>>
>> The second is a '85, some body dents in front and a few dings, 1.9
>> water cooled engine.  Also $5K.  It's a westy top and weekender
>> inside, which I like (wider bed, dont need the stove - I set up a
>> table with a stove when I camp - fridge might be nice).  Advantage
>> to this one is that he has a second 1.9 engine which he says is in
>> running shape.  Also, his other car broke down the other day and
>> he's using it as a daily driver - which I think indicates some level
>> of reliability.
>>
>> Anything else specific to look for when I look at them?
>>
>> Thanks all,  I appreciate any input.  I'm leaning towards the '82 -
>> I like the idea of no smog.
>>
>> Dan
>> Los Angeles, CA
>>
>