Of course it is worth more as parts. However that requires labor, storage,
and the efforts of selling stuff. The reality is that many parts are near
their end of life and being an 85 most parts are not even upgrade
candidates. Most folks looking for a used 1.9 or a tranny with that mileage
are in need of a quick fix and may not pay all that much. It may be best to
sell it whole either as project vehicle or to someone that needs parts and
let them disassemble it to take what they need.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jeff Lincoln
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 10:23 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Part out or Sell - your opinions

I have a friend who has an '85 GL hard top he is looking to get rid of.
It's just a thought at this point and he is debating selling it as is or
parting it out.

We've already done some quick and dirty math - and it's worth more $ as
parts. Still, it's a tough decision and I told him I'd get the general
thoughts of the list for him.

Details:
'85 GL hard Top
Original Engine - 100k-125k Miles
Manual Trans

Good:
New Stainless Coolant pipes
Great condition Tan Interior (GL rear seat and also a bed seat from an '86)
New Brakes New Gas Tank and seals Good trans No coolant leaks Good Running
engine (but there are some issues see below)

Bad:
Seam rust is getting a bit significant
Major oil leak (could be main seal - not sure A bit crusty (rusty)
underneath from sitting) Needs exhaust work (j-pipe rusted through) Hasn't
been driven regularly in about 5-7 years - mostly sitting

I know geography can effect these types of decisions too - we are in
Michigan - So the rust issue might be perceived as terrible in other places
- for this area I'd say it's mild to medium.

I would never consider parting out a Vanagon in most situations - this one
however is boarderline. It's absolutely worth more as parts and scrap than
as a whole. Just looking for your insight :)

Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus