Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 00:27:52 -0400
Reply-To: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject: Re: '90 westy 15000
In-Reply-To: <2cb866ef050424164671089a2e@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
If is is indeed a cherry full camper, 15000 is probably reasonable (2
wheel drive.)
Things to look for. Seam rust, of course.
Lights (headlight switch is an issue over time, unless relays have been
installed, so make sure the headlights and brights work).
Fresh air fan. check it at all speeds.
If there is AC, check to make sure the fan works and that it is blowing
cold air (if it isn't working deduct a couple of hundred for conversion
or R12 recharge).
If it is a full camper, check the stove out and fridge out (if it has
propane). If it has an aux battery so much to the better. Check the
rear fan (underseat fan). get the engine running. Verify that the fan
is producing heat and that you aren't smelling coolant. if you do smell
coolant, you'll probably have to replace the core on the heat
exchanger, so figure $100 deduction for that.
1990 should have adjustable armrests up front. Verify that they are in
good shape and working. If missing deduction...
On the engine. A compression and leakdown test would be nice and give
you a real good idea of its status. Check the oil, hopefully it will
have been changed recently. Look at the coolant in the reservoirs. If
they have oil in them, the heads have gone again. Check the condition
of the belts (and tightness).
Look at the bottom of the engine, is it oily? Are there any obvious
leaks? That will give you an idea of the type of maintenance it has
seen (attention to detail).
check the air prressure in the tires. Verify that the tires on it are
of sufficient load rating. No good trying to buy it only to have it
blowout tires on the drive home...
Check the spare tire too.
If the tires aren't brand new, take a look at the wear pattern on the
front tires. Is it even? If it is heavy in the middle of the tires, the
tires are overinflated (or have been for the majority of the time). If
the front tires hare worn on only the inner or outer sections (but not
both) you might need an alignment. If the tires are worn on both inner
and outer edges, they've been underinflated for the majority of the
time.
Bring a flashlight so you can look at the steering rack. If it is power
steering (probably), check to make sure the boot is in good condition
and not torn.
Bring a 10mm and 13 mill crescent wrench and phillips screwdriver with
you. Remove the battery and check the battery compartment for acid leak
(and possible hidden rust.)
On Apr 24, 2005, at 7:46 PM, Jonathan Poole wrote:
> Howdy list,
>
> A friend of mine has found a westy that he is interested in. I will
> be going to look at it with him tommorrow. As of now I know that:
> it has about 80000 miles,
> is a 1990 model,
> received a rebuilt motor from the dealer @ 60000 miles when the owner
> went in to have a head gasket replaced,
> is a one owner vehicle,
> has had at least minor bodywork done.
>
> I don't know yet if this is a full westy or weekender, if it has any
> rust etc. I have been told that it is in perfect condition with the
> above exceptions.
>
> My questions are:
> Is 15,000 reasonable if all is as perfect as possible?
> Are there any details that you guys would look for in particular (I am
> an air-cooled vw guy and have only worked on a few 1.9 or 2.1
> vanagons)
>
> In case my friend decides not to purchase I will make a report on the
> condition etc. of the vehicle, and the contact info for the seller.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jonathan Poole
