Hello all.

My family is growing, and I am soon to buy a VW Vanagon.  Before I do I need
answers to some probably very tired questions.  I searched the archives
briefly, but didn't find quick answers.

Short background:  I live in Meridian, Idaho, very close to Boise.  I'm
looking for a Vanagon with body and interior in good condition and
preferably with tranny and engine also in good condition.  But I would
probably want to rebuild the engine anyway, just to know what I have.
Having the tranny rebuilt would be OK.  It needs to last several years and
be reliable.  I would like to spend no more than $3000 on the vehicle, and
then no more than $3000 on upgrades/rebuild.  I do not want four wheel
drive.

I have found an '86 for $1000, missing middle seat but found one for $50.
Needs front windshield (small crack, not bad but..)  I can get a new one
installed for no more than about $325 (not bad).  Couple minor dents, could
be left alone.  "Blown" engine (head gaskets leaked too much/long).  It has
no rust, no accidents.  It looks good to me so far.  I have checked out a
couple others, but they cost more from the start, and aren't much better.

Questions:
1.      Am I on the right track?
2.      How difficult and expensive would it be to add air conditioning?
3.      Are there some basic things I should watch out for, i.e., what kind
of problems should cause me to turn around and run?
4.      Obviously it's a 7 passenger van, but is it possible to safely add
another passenger seat or two somewhere?
5.      If I get a van like this, what kinds of things should I definitely
do to it?

Thanks in advance.  This looks like a great list, and vanagon.com sure has a
great web site.

Jonathan Dodge

P.S.  This has nothing to do with Vanagons, but in case anyone cares, my
daily commute car is a Porsche 914 that I converted to electric power.  Lots
of fun, and of course very clean.  :-)