Well my long winter project: 1985 seater has been killed yesterday.
I must admit the Vanagon is one tough van for side impact. Thank God my
kids were not in there, but if they had, it looks as though it would of
been rough but survivable.

The van was hit by a four door Nissan Sentra going a minimum of 35
possible 45 mph according to the investigation by the police. He never
hit the brakes, and is also doing well.  We all refused medical
attention. The nissan was totaled no doubt about it.

My thoughts are the Van will be totaled. It was hit from the middle of
the sliding door to the rear wheel about 16 inches up.
The  mount for the trailing arm was pushed up and in causing the wheel
to camber out a noticeable amount.
The door still slides very well, after I kicked out the large compound
dent.

On impact the van lifted off the ground at least a foot possibly three
and landed very hard 180 degree's around in front of the car that was a
major cause to the accident

The reason I think it will be totaled is mainly from the damage to the
trailing arm bracket position, and the fact of all three motor mounts
bent. Now I had a GTI 16V with my own fabricated motor mounts, so that
may not happen with the stock set up. There are no buckles in the roof,
all doors work great including the rear hatch with no change in  jams.

I'm working on pics.

Rob

Looking for 87-91 weekender or seater with a good body poor mechanically
ok.

Oh, my wife also though I should tell you about the case of coke in the
back. Scary, box blew apart four killed cans, seven in critical
condition, eight with minor injuries.
I unlike the case of coke was wearing my seat belt.