VW Vanagon Westfalia Camper
1989 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Westfalia Description:
Automatic Transmission (3 speed)237,000 mi / 382,000 km (Canadian Van)
New 2.1L engine installed at 118,000 mi / 190,000 km
Our family is expanding and we're sadly outgrowing our beloved VW Westfalia, Mo. Overall the van is in great shape for its age and has been very well taken care of over the years. Recent mechanical work since we've owned the van has been performed by Precision Motor Car in Portland, OR. I've used it as a daily driver for the past two years and it has been a great vehicle. We've taken it on a number of camping trips, including a three week trip through the Badlands of Alberta, Canada and the Rocky Mountains and it performed great.
Here are the highlights:
The Good:
-Rebuilt transmission from German Transaxle professionally installed by Precision in April 2017. Works great with no issues. Just had the transmission fluid changed at Precision a few months ago per GTA specifications.
-Very little panel rust and no seam rust (interior or exterior). Most of the panel rust was remediated in 2016.
-Two swiveling captain's chairs (both driver's seat and passenger can rotate to face rear of van)
-Two batteries (one under driver's seat, one under passenger seat)
-New or recently replaced parts (within the last two years) include:
-Stainless steel coolant pipe (H2O pump to thermostat)
-Distributor
-Stainless Steel Braided Steering Hose from GoWesty
-New alternator
-New German OEM window seals
-New fuel injectors professionally tested at Dr. Injector
-New steel fuel tank and tank reseal kit installed
-New coolant temperature sensor
-New belts
-New hatch struts
-LED Bulbs throughout cabin
-Replaced interior cracked trim molding
-Renovated pop-top and luggage rack
-Upgrades include:
-South African grille with H4 headlights and relay kit
-South African mudflaps (front and back)
-High torque TDI starter installed
-Alternator wiring harness upgrade
-Upgraded heavy duty cable from battery to starter
-Jack Bombay pop-top shocks (both standard and HD) - essential for opening a loaded camper shell
-Rhino Designs center console with LED light
-New vinyl flooring
-New heavy duty rubber floor mats
-High performance silicon spark plug wires
-Oil heater
-Original propane fridge removed and replaced with shelving for additional storage
The Bad:
-The paint is in decent shape but it could use a re-spray
-A few small dents and dings in a few spots (nothing too serious)
-Some minor rust spots still remain in a few spots. The van spent most of its time in the Okanagan valley (dry climate) and has been garaged during wet months so rust is limited.
-Runs well when warm, but the engine is as bit cranky in the mornings. Nothing out of the ordinary for the age of the vehicle, though.
-Tires are running low on tread. I was planning on upgrading to 15" or 16" wheels but will leave that decision to next owner.
Overall the van is in great shape for being 30 years old and we're sad to see it go. Additional photos and information available upon request.
Thanks,
Erik
Title
Mileage
Location
Engine
T/M
Year
120,000
Dunlap, Illinois, United States
1.9L Gas Engine (rebuilt)
Manual
1984
164330
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Air Cooled Gasoline Engine
Manual
1982
88000
Derwood, Maryland, United States
type 4 1.8
Manual
1974
145,195
Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
2010 Golf 2LR
4-Speed Manual
1982
44600
Summerville, South Carolina, United States
2.1L L4 OHV 8V
Automatic
1987