Date:         Tue, 21 Mar 2000 08:21:26 -0800
Reply-To:     "Christopher M. Smith" <csmith@SDSC.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Christopher M. Smith" <csmith@SDSC.EDU>
Subject:      86' Westy 4-Sale
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

To one-n'-all:

I'm unhappy to say that I'm having to part with my 86' Westy. I'm at the
start of the restoration of my 73' Squareback, the spouse just purchased
her own new minivan, so i don't have the time and effort or need to
maintain the Westy, and I definitely don't have the space. I'd like this
vehicle to go to someone who knows VW's and will care for it like a VW.

It's a custom version. That is we ordered it (for pick-up in Germany)
without the refrigerator and mid-section cabinets. So the mid-section is
clear, except for the one rear facing seat (behind the drivers seat). It
has the rear cabinets.

Here's the stats on the Westy (to the best of my recall and notes):

168K miles (mostly highway, trip up to Alaska, cross-country many a time,
        etc., last 2-3 years highway and city)
White (with some pin surface rust spots, no through-body rust) exterior
Beige interior
Cloth upholstery (rear seat (lower section) could use reupholstering, it
        was on our list of things to do, front seats were reupholstered a
        few years ago)
Pop-UP is intact (the black seal at the base of the hard-top has tears at
        two-three points, but is still attached)
A/C (compressor works last I turned it on, but system needs a
        thorough leak check and the refrigerant needs to be
        recharged/replaced)
New rear brake drums, shoes and cylinders (9/99)
New emergency brake cables from cab pull to rear brakes (8/99)
Cooland system was recently flushed and recharged (9/99)
Battery, primary (purchased in 4/98', 5 yr), secondary (purchased 99',
        7 yr)
For CA, passed dynamic smog testing in 98'. But the reality is the exhaust
        system will need replacement. I'll pick-up the smog inspection
        fee, if Westy does not pass (for a potential CA buyer). Car cannot
        be sold in CA if does not pass smaog. Seller will not pay for
        repair or replacement parts to meet smog (in any state) ... sale
        will only proceed if pass CA smog.
Engine, 2L, water-cooled, compression (9/99): 170, 170, 135, 150, runs
        fine. No water/coolant in oil, but there is coolant leakage out of
        the jacket to the exterior, underside of the engine, drivers-side.
        All belts replaced, CV joints repacked and new boots, and replaced
        rubber bushings on stabilizer link all in 5/98. Replaced coil
        7/96.
Fuel economy. I'm currently getting between 17-18 mpg hwy/city-combo.
Fuel tank was replaced based on VW recall many a year ago. All gromets and
        tubing were replaced on the tank 1/98.
Transmision works fine. Was replaced in early/mid 90's.
Tires. Rears were replaced in 96' (have good thread). Fronts are in need
        of replacement (was on my things to do list)

This is a solid Westy. If I were to keep it for my camping trips, these
were the things I was planning to do to combat it's age: replace engine,
repaint, replace exhaust system, reupholster rear seats, replace front
tires.

Currently, the Westy runs just fine. Although I must say I really baby my
VW's (no over 65 mph driving, no quick accelleration, fuel fill-up checks
of oil and fluids, monthly maintenance, etc.).There are probably a few
good miles on this engine if it is driven well and maintained. BUT, keep
in mind that when the engine finally fails, IT WILL need to be replaced.

I'm asking $3800 or anything more than a car dealership will give me for
the Westy as a trade-in  (and they were very liberal).  For the VW
diehards, the purchase funds will likely go toward the restoration of my
Squareback.

The vehicle is located in San Diego, CA. I can be reached at (858)
534-8370 (work), (858) 748-1287 (home) or via email, csmith@sdsc.edu

Chris