Hi Vanatics,

I'm beginning to write a description of the 1980 Vanagon models & options for
the USA, as I have done for the 1986 to 1991 already.  Since I came "into"
Vanagons in 1988, I don't know all that much about the earlier Vanagons and I
need a bit more help with these early years than I did on the newer vans.

I have a photocopy of a 1980 brochure, but it doesn't answer all my
questions.  I have descerned that there were basically 4 models that year:
Vanagon (in 7 & 9 seat versions),  Vanagon L ((in 7 & 9 seat versions),
 Vanagon Camper (P22 - less equipped version), and Vanagon Camper (P27 - more
equipped version).

I have some questions that I'd like the list's input on.

1. Did all the 1980 Vanagons have chrome bumpers?
Just the L models?  or just the L models and the campers?  or just the Ls and
the Camper P27?????   Did the ones without chrome bumpers (if any) have black
painted bumpers???

2. Did all or just some of the models have opening wing windows??

3. What is the ground clearance?  The brochure doesn't include this figure.
 If I can't get a definitive answer, I'll just use a figure from a later year
as an estimate.

4. What is the height of the camper models?  The brochure doesn't say.  I can
just use a figure from a later year again if I don't get something specific
for 1980.  The brochure does have a figure (77.2") for the non-Campers.

5. What is the curb weight of the camper models?  The brochure doesn't say.
 I can just use a figure from a later year again if I don't get something
specific for 1980.  The brochure does have a figure(3,087 lbs) for the
non-Campers.

6. The 1980 brochure mentions the availability of optional rear seat
headrests in the non-Camper models.  The 1981 brochure does not include this
option.  I don't recall ever seeing an early Vanagon with rear seat
headrests.  Did they really produce this option or was it something that they
later (after the brochure printing) decided not to make available?

7. The brochure mentions an auxillary heater as an option.  Where was this
located?
I'm assuming that this heater was the gasoline fueled heater that I've heard
described. 
Is this correct?

8. The brochure mentions a rear window wiper as an option.
Does this optional wiper have an intermittant operation feature like later
years?

9. The brochure mentions optional swiveling front "Captain's chairs" for the
NON-Camper models.  I've never seen a non-Camper with swiveling front buckets
( a feature I wish I my 87 & 88  had).  Like question #6, did they really
produce this option or was it something that they later (after the brochure
printing) decided not to make available.

10.  If anyone has any information about 1980 Vanagons that is either more
detailed that the brochure, or more accurate than the brochure, I'd LOVE to
see it.  Also, I realize that the likelyhood of finding a window sticker for
a 17 year old vehicle is pretty low, but if anyone has one, I'd REALLY
appreciate a copy.

Now I'll go off and think of some more questions.

Thanks. Any help is much appreciated.
Jim Davis