Much easier to work on the Rabbit. I had a 1980 Westmorland Rabbit (yours
was built in Germany I think).
Issues that you will have to be aware of: Throttle body fuel injection.
electrical bugs, make sure the oil has been changed,  keep up with the
fluids, and probably replace the struts.
So it is a different animal but between the Rabbit and the Vanagon, it's
like going back to middle school.
tim in san jose

On Wed, Jan 9, 2019 at 11:21 AM Eric Caron <eric.caron@icloud.com> wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I have a 85 Westfalia.  I am aware of a garaged VW 1980 rabbit gass
> convertible.  Not run in a few years as the man of the house died.
>
>         My question is, If I were to take on this cabriolet as a long term
> project would I find the mechanics similar to my VW vanagon or would it be
> a completely different learning curve?
>
> As I do most of my work hands on with eyes closed I’d be interested in
> knowing if at least some of what I’ve learned about Vanagon care and
> maintenance, and general systems is going to carry over to a 1980 Rabbit
> gas engine convertible.
>
> Eric Caron
> Always ready for a project!

-- 
Where ever you are, there you be. Unless you're driving my van, in which
case, you ain't got there yet.