In a message dated 8/28/99 8:41:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
lbissell@SLONET.ORG writes:

<< I would like to get a general idea of some of the costs so that I can
 estimate if this project is worth it.

 1. new paint job
 2. new bumpers
 3. new single seat
 4. new upholstery
 5. new seat belts
  >>

the cost to do the above is prolly more than the van costs.  fiberglass
bumpers are fixable. at $400 each, new - they better be. I used fiberglass
matting, and resin to repair my back bumper on my van. it used to be in 3
pieces, now you cant even tell.    as far as the dirty interior - clean it.
take the carpets out, shampoo and pressure wash them, and shampoo the seats.
you'll be surprised at what a little elbow grease can do.  as far as the
paint, is the clearcoat dull?  you dont have to repaint the whole van,
because of a few rust spots, you can just treat those epots, then get some
touch up paint (VW sells it in spray cans to match) and respray that area.
ive done it before, and you cant tell it from the orig.
seat belts are easy, thats a junkyard find, or i got some extras.  as far as
the jump seat, that'll be a toughie, you'll have to find that used.
and lastly -
offer them a lower amount than the 3k.

chris