Date:         Mon, 31 Aug 1998 16:22:39 -0400
Reply-To:     "Anthony L. Mourkas" <frankenstein@TELPLUS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Anthony L. Mourkas" <frankenstein@TELPLUS.NET>
Subject:      FS: 86 Syncro Westfalia, $9000, rough
Comments: To: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I went to look at this van yesterday.  130K miles.  Exterior was a light
brown metallic with slightly contrasting top.  Seam rust was very
advanced behind front bumper, below utility outlets, at rear corners,
some rust through.  Top and luggage rack looked nice including seals, but
skylight looked rough and if it could leak.  Canvas looked good, screen
had multiple tears.  Tan interior looked very nice and complete.  A/C not
functional.  Power mirror on driver's side did not work.  Had the extra
captain's chair which slides in the middle on tracks, per owner, "stored
at my mother's house."  Owner of two years never used stove, sink, or
fridge so could not attest to their condition, I did not test.
Driveshaft removed due to "trouble with the front differential, worn
pinion, functional but whining."  Could not inspect the driveshaft as it
was also "stored at my mother's house."  CV joints looked okay.  Has rear
diff lock, did not test.  Motor was dirty and covered with sludge and did
not always return to proper idle when releasing the accelerator while
driving.  Did not do compression test.  Exhaust was very throaty,
suggesting an exhaust leak.  Gear box ground when shifting from 1st to
2nd.  Did not test the granny gear.  The only way to engage clutch was to
dump at idle and then accelerate, otherwise massive chattering would
result.  Otherwise seemed to drive okay on a brief test drive around town.

I would rate this vehicle as a project.  The interior is very nice, the
outside needs considerable bodywork, and the mechanical problems are
many.  I passed, but perhaps someone on the list with deeper pockets and
more mechanical knowledge would be interested.

The seller's name is Dan, and the vehicle is located in Portland, Maine.
Dan's phone# is 207-874-0108.  He did indicate willingness to negotiate.
Please phone Dan if you are interested in purchasing this vehicle.

I don't think I can relate much more than the above, but I could try to
help answer your questions about my brief inspection of this vehicle.

Tony

Anthony L. Mourkas
Hampden, Maine, USA
1981 Vanagon Westfalia