On my 83.5 Westy "Toaster", tilt and slide levers are on the right hand   
side on both of my front captain's chairs.  I thought that was really   
great engineering form the German's perspective.  Less parts for   
assembly.  I don't know if to PO changed seats they might have.
 -Blake Heinlein

 -----Original Message-----
>From: Jeff Carver [SMTP:CARVER_JEFFREY@aphub.aerojetpd.com]

It woulda been cheaper for VW to make them the same, but
obviously VW felt that there was valid/good reason for making them
different.  I haven't noticed any difference between using either
seat in the driver position though.  The only reason I can think of is   
for
the driver's controls to be on the left, away from the handbrake.

 - Jeff '80 Westi