Today marks my third anniversary with "LA Calabasa" (pumpkin). Some of the upgrades I've completed during the past 3 years. Original seller's video • Video
I really appreciate the compliment Jason and yea it was truly a memorable father/daughter bonding experience. If you ever get an opportunity to visit Havasu Falls I promise you won't be disappointed.
I'm sure you have heard this a million times but wow, what a perfect example of a mint Westfalia! I'm not even a VW fan except for this one model! I think buying one of these is better than trading in the stock market!!
Hey Chris thanks really appreciate that! But the surge in nostalgia for these vans driving up prices really is interesting. Especially within the millennial demographic. Cheers!
rhonda chevis Thank you, honestly though when I was originally looking I really wanted one in white. But I've really grown to appreciate the classic assaun brown color.
Nice van! Love that hardwood floor. Good choice on the 16" wheels. I wish I had installed those instead of the 15's I bought. The Subaru engine is also the right thing to do. Most shops near me for water cooled engines recommend them. When you do the transmission, get the positraktion upgrade as well for better traction in the snow.
Thank you very much for watching! It's been exactly a year since that video. So it's probably time for a follow up with the completed mods over the past year.
Raven M. No I’m in Mpls funny thing I researched VW’s for about 2 years before I bought mine the vanagon is what I wanted but due to the lack of power I went with the Eurovan. I didn’t see any on the road then when I got mine I started seeing them everywhere! Lol
I got the 15" Wheels on mine. Great for handling and still enough "sidewall" in case of potholes. 16" inch rims have even better handling and are suited for better roads. Going from 14" to 15" made a world of a difference.
Love this! I’m buying an 82 diesel at the moment. Exactly the same colour! Will also be driving it home through the Canadian Rockies to Manitoba. Going to be quiet a ride. I will as well be doing a motor swap when I go through the rest of van and get it all ship shape. Pls comment back! Would love to ask a couple questions!
I have T3. ..This is amazing car..I have to drive this machine 5 years and no problems. Only basic stuff what i must to need to. Oil change and Stff ;)
I love my vanagon. I did a Subaru conversion last year. Best thing I could have done for it. Truly brings it to life. Your van is in great shape. You might like some of my videos. Check them out.
Your quite welcome, and yes funny that this "Brick" is so charming , kinda like the "Ugly Duckling"......currently im looking for Syncro in a salvageable condition, and your Vanagon could very well set the benchmark. Hope you still enjoy your family member :)
Super Vanagon. I found that low-ish profile tyres on my VW T2 generated a lot of road noise which travelled up through the van and was very annoying. Changing back to stock profiles solved the problem. I don't drive fast so roadholding isn't an issue. Good video and best of luck with the van. Minnesota looks fab, just like our Scottish winters. Keep up the good work.
Pedro ElGordo Thank you much! Sounds like you won't be going back to the larger wheels but if you ever decide to, give Michelin Defenders a try. Quiet, durable (60K miles) just really good all around tires. However another benefit to the original wheels and tires is that you keep that original nostalgic look.
Superb video and pristine example of a classic. It's a shame that VW nor any other company can't manage to do anything like this now. I suppose even if they did no one would be able to afford it.
Thanks Brett for the compliment! I recently watched a video on the VW California camper. Can't escape the irony in the name since it won't be available in the USA. 😔
No such thing as overkill when it comes to automotive upgrades lol. Damn though what a beast that must be leaving people with their mouths open during stoplight blasts! Yea the NSX had been dynoed at 510 rwhp so as well surprises the unsuspecting.
What have you done to that nsx?! And yeah! At the moment ive got a 4 inch straightpipe as im fabricating a custom exhaust! Im getting it dynoed tommorow so ill provide pictures and videos of it screaming 👍🏽
@@2jzp432 Had a company, Lovefab build the motor and install their turbo kit a hand full of years ago. Tuned it to 12 psi. Haven't tracked it but with slicks I'm sure it's easy a 10s car. Dude can't wait to see pics of your van in action!
That's one nice Westy! Pretty rare to find a body so perfect! I've never understood the trend to go Subaru 2.5 when the 1.9 TDI is so much torque-ier, and fuel efficient. She's a keeper though, and I'm sure I'm not alone in my curiosity regarding the bargain price you paid:)
Yes indeed the TDI is a much more robust engine option. Along with that comes a higher upfront cost compared to the subie swap but as well you're keeping with the VW lineage which for some is important as well. 11K three years ago, which I guess would be a much better bargain today.
What a beautiful machine. If it’s still in your possession and you are wanting to make more videos of it, perhaps a POV drive? That would be very cool.
@@ravenm. I'm amazed that living in Minnesota the past 3 years it's still rust free. I live in delaware and the salt on the roads destroys cars and considering it snows an inch at a time here its craxy
@@fabricator3023 Same here in Minnesota unfortunately. I don't drive a bunch in the winter months but a few years ago I started treating the undercarriage with a product NH oil treatment. Still not a spot of rust. 😊
Just a comment on the spare wheel; I learned that the old, stock 14 inch wheel can still be used as a spare. It does not matter if the other 3 wheels are 15 or 16 inch, so long as you don't drive too long with it. It will be good enough to get you home. Thus, you can still use the "clamshell" carrier under the vehicle for your 14" spare (assuming you still have one:-).
Very beautiful one! Mine's an 85 and not that nice (but it manages to haul me down the road well with 16" wheels and a Subaru motor) . Just a short comment about Prince, who was no doubt a great human being. But like the rest of us, he no doubt had his faults, including the fact that he missed the memo about never being able to rid yourself of disreputable people (riff raff), no matter how high the annual snowfall.
@@ravenm. Yes, i am. I have a -83 Caravelle with 1,8l petrol engine and a automatic gearbox. I'm going to make a camper from it. Hopefully with a Subaru engine also, i'm looking to source a good WRX or WRX STI engine for it.
@@ravenm. Yeah, i'm sure it will. I had a WRX Impreza with 300hp and thinking of having that engine under my VW's "hood" will definately get me smiling. :) Obviously that's way more power than my little camper would ever need so the engine swap is not the priority. First i need to change the brakes, lights etc. most of the same stuff you have done yourself. Could you give more information about the brakes and the tin that keeps the brake dust away from the rim? Have you done anything for the transmission? I have heard that Audi "5000's"? 1987-1989 have the same housing, but better gearing. I have not researched that myself yet.
@@ryang7720 Dude it's insane! La Calabasa undergoing surgery for a Truck fridge and propex heater next week. It's friggin non stop. For what I know now if I were ever in the market again I would wait and buy one with all the mods completed.
@@ravenm. hahah I completely understand that. Which trucker fridge did you order? I just ordered a TF49. Would be awesome if you got a video of the install. They dont exist on CZcams.
Thanks for sharing. You put a lot of work into your Westy, it looks great. I have a question about your cup holder on the dash. Did you make that or buy it? I really need something and that looks perfect.
After your helpful interaction on a different channel I decided to revisit yours. My complements on such a great example of a Westy. I noticed small hooks on the passenger side gutters and was curious as to what you use these for?
Very observant my friend! The previous owner installed those as a means to hang a blue tarp he used as an awning. It worked well, I used the setup a handful of times with some poles that he also included. They have since been removed and replaced with an ARB aluminum model which I absolutely love.
Just curious on how you got collector plates with so many mods? I'm attempting collector plates and they want lots of pics proving stock parts, yet I would like to upgrade many components...
Keegan Are you in MN? The only restriction they told me at the DMV is that there's a limit of 5k miles a year that you can put on a collector vehicle. Must be the honor system because the plates are good for the life of the vehicle, no renewal required.
I actually had it completed at Small Car in Tacoma WA. I was working in Seattle at the time so logistically made sense. Not sure if Jordan over at VanGo does conversions. I know all his rentals have 2.5 Subies. Guarantee you won't regret it😊
How do you like the tires? Have you taken them off road at all? I know the stock 14" tires are sketchy from experience. I am thinking about updating mine to 15" or 16" tires soon. What are your thoughts on the 16" vs 15" (if you have any)? I like the 15" because I can get a higher side wall and keep the same diameter. I have a stock engine so I can't go bigger or I will lose to much power (I don't have enough as it is). I would love to get hardwood floors on mine as well. What kind of wood did you use (or composite)? Also, do you know how accurate your speedometer is with the new tires? Thanks, Nice van!
I was pretty fortunate that the previous owner had swapped out the wheels already however I think you're right that a 15" wheel might give you a slightly cushier ride but sacrificing some handling. I've compared the speedo to my phone GPS and at 75 mph it reads about 5 mph high. I've just driven on forest roads but nothing that could be considered challenging offroad. For the flooring I used some extra laminate pieces I had from my laundry room renovation. Thanks for watching!
A guy Gary Lee for years has hand made the ladders and luggage racks. Excellent quality components. www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/ladder/ladder2bike/ladder2bike.htm
Beautiful van! There is one near me that has been sitting for a long time. I don't think a lot of people know its for sale. The one I know of has the rectangle headlights. I talked to the guy about it he said it needs a slave cylinder for the clutch. How are parts to come by?
Sounds like it's a newer westy. 86-91 came with the rectangular headlights. Some other differences are gray interior and depending on how they were optioned out power windows, power steering and a larger motor 2.1 versus 1.9 liter. There are many after market companies nowadays, Go Westy in California being the largest. So yea pretty easy to find all replacement parts. Hope that helps.
@@ravenm. Thanks for the reply! Actually the van I was talking about was badged Caravel. Which after doing a little research, I found that caravel was the euro model.
Yes the same radiator and cooling system that was used by the original VW motor. That's the reason why many vanagons experience cooling issues because the pipes have to run the full length of the van.
Beautiful example, May I know how or where you got the ladder & spare wheel carrier from & at what cost Keep enjoying your Vanagon, mine is also a source of happiness for me & my family Cheers
A vanagon and an NSX. You sir are living the dream and has the taste!
呱呱玩车 Thank you! Had the NSX going on 28 years now. Who said newer is better :)
That's the very 1s thing i notice too
What year is your NSX. Mine is a 94 all original stock. Red and I have a 89 fully restored westy auto trans with GoWesty 2450 motor. Clk alloys
Beautiful Vanagon! Well thought out upgrades. I hope the trip you and your daughter took provided you both with wonderful memories!
I really appreciate the compliment Jason and yea it was truly a memorable father/daughter bonding experience. If you ever get an opportunity to visit Havasu Falls I promise you won't be disappointed.
Lovely restoration!!! I have owned 4 VW vans over the years, starting with a 1961, and loved them all!
Thank you, Raven M!!!
Thank you!!! How lovely your Calabasa is!!! From a truly devoted VW bus owner: '61 (no gas gauge!), 1970, 1970 camper, and 1976. Wonderful memories!!!
Great video. Loved the by-the-way info... doing a great job on your van!
Absolutely immaculate !! Love it & your upgrades. Safe & useful. Thanks.
Thank you so much!
I'm sure you have heard this a million times but wow, what a perfect example of a mint Westfalia! I'm not even a VW fan except for this one model! I think buying one of these is better than trading in the stock market!!
Hey Chris thanks really appreciate that! But the surge in nostalgia for these vans driving up prices really is interesting. Especially within the millennial demographic. Cheers!
Beautiful color....thanks for sharing..... from Houston Texas
rhonda chevis Thank you, honestly though when I was originally looking I really wanted one in white. But I've really grown to appreciate the classic assaun brown color.
Great Video! I can honestly say that is the vehicle of my dreams!!!!!! Hope she brings you years of great memories!!! Love From NY
Thank you sir!
Beautiful!🙌🏽🙌🏽 Looks like you have a beautiful home as well👌🏽
Why thank you Miss Beutee4ul One😊 Wishing you a great weekend ahead!
Raven M. Thanks so much! Hope your weekend was great too!😊
Nice van! Love that hardwood floor. Good choice on the 16" wheels. I wish I had installed those instead of the 15's I bought. The Subaru engine is also the right thing to do. Most shops near me for water cooled engines recommend them. When you do the transmission, get the positraktion upgrade as well for better traction in the snow.
What a gorgeous van...from the old cockney.hope you get maximum enjoyment from it.
Paul Cowell Thank you Paul especially since these vans take a lot of "bread and honey" to maintain. lol
Loving this vid!! Beautiful rig and very informative vid.
I just bought an 84, I’m so excited
Beautiful vehicle.
Nice Van, thanks for the tour.
Thank you very much for watching! It's been exactly a year since that video. So it's probably time for a follow up with the completed mods over the past year.
Nice van, I have never stopped doing upgrades and mods to mine, My happy place is behind the wheel of my westy Ned.
mtn ride It really is a driving experience that only a vanagon can give.
Your van looks great. That's the best colour too.
Thanks katman! Honestly wasn't really feeling the color initially but now wouldn't want anything different.
Beautiful Westfalia, looks minty 👍
Thank you much!!!
Raven , Amazing job you did with that Vanagon 👍 that nice NSX too
Thank you😈
Freakin BEAUTIFUL! Best of luck with that baby. Your daughter will inherit a BEAUTY. La Calabasa..... The Pumpkin. Love it.
MARKLINMAN1 Thanks, yea one day she'll be a great custodian of LA Calabasa and continue the family adventure tradition.
Looks great! Good job!
Thank you!
Beautiful vanagon! I’m in Minnesota also I drive an 03 Eurovan thanks for sharing...
Alex Rodriguez By chance Alex is yours blue with a white top? There's one I see frequently in the summer south of the river (Eagan)
Raven M. No I’m in Mpls funny thing I researched VW’s for about 2 years before I bought mine the vanagon is what I wanted but due to the lack of power I went with the Eurovan. I didn’t see any on the road then when I got mine I started seeing them everywhere! Lol
What a stunning looking bus.😁👍
Beautiful van
The color of one of my favorite desserts. Pumpkin pie 😋 A beautiful color ! A very good looking vehicle.
snugbug With a little whip cream on top lol
Raven M. Where where ?
had a 1984 vanagon cargo van. heads went on it after a few years. did an overhaul in 1999. good van. sold it for what I bought it for in 2000.
South Hill Farm One of the few classics you can actually drive and enjoy and still not lose value.
This is super clean
Everything is so clean! The garage is pained and floor you could eat on.
field north Thanks but not so much now after the long winter. Time for some spring cleaning lol
That’s a beautiful color for that van
Beautiful interior.
julie giles Thank you Julie! The interior was the only part that needed a face-lift.
Great review. The van is mint !!!
God what a stunning example
very nice, great video thanks for sharing
I got the 15" Wheels on mine. Great for handling and still enough "sidewall" in case of potholes. 16" inch rims have even better handling and are suited for better roads. Going from 14" to 15" made a world of a difference.
I just recently up graded to the HD sway bar and man the thing is on rails now. Love it!
@@ravenm. did you get it from gowesty?
@@XCTERRA From Christopher at T3 Technique
www.t3technique.com/new-stuff/anti-roll-bar-(front)/
I love my Vanagon. Wish my mine was in the condition of yours but mine has been through hell and back.
Nothing wrong with driving the hell out of them then when the time is right spruce it up a bit😉
Nice car, the Vanagon is not bad either!
Haha thanks!
Raven M. You should do a video of your NSX.
Very nice van buddy 🤙🏻👍🏻
Really appreciate the nod, thanks man!
a verry nice van indeed greetings from the Netherlands
Beautiful calabaza
Thanks for the video mate - I like it!
You're certainly welcome! A couple of the vanagon CZcams sites I watch are from the UK. Many pristine preserved examples in your area?
a beauty! take care of her.
Thank you much, will do. :)
Love this! I’m buying an 82 diesel at the moment. Exactly the same colour! Will also be driving it home through the Canadian Rockies to Manitoba.
Going to be quiet a ride.
I will as well be doing a motor swap when I go through the rest of van and get it all ship shape.
Pls comment back! Would love to ask a couple questions!
Whoo! She's a beaut! Good catch!
Rhamsody Phage Thank you much! They really are awesome vehicles.
I have T3. ..This is amazing car..I have to drive this machine 5 years and no problems. Only basic stuff what i must to need to. Oil change and Stff ;)
I love my vanagon. I did a Subaru conversion last year. Best thing I could have done for it. Truly brings it to life. Your van is in great shape. You might like some of my videos. Check them out.
Absolutely adore this vehicle
I truly appreciate your comment! It's funny how they become part of the family after awhile 😊
Your quite welcome, and yes funny that this "Brick" is so charming , kinda like the "Ugly Duckling"......currently im looking for Syncro in a salvageable condition, and your Vanagon could very well set the benchmark. Hope you still enjoy your family member :)
Nice T3 👌
Super Vanagon. I found that low-ish profile tyres on my VW T2 generated a lot of road noise which travelled up through the van and was very annoying. Changing back to stock profiles solved the problem. I don't drive fast so roadholding isn't an issue. Good video and best of luck with the van. Minnesota looks fab, just like our Scottish winters. Keep up the good work.
Pedro ElGordo Thank you much! Sounds like you won't be going back to the larger wheels but if you ever decide to, give Michelin Defenders a try. Quiet, durable (60K miles) just really good all around tires.
However another benefit to the original wheels and tires is that you keep that original nostalgic look.
If I had a rolling house like this I surely wouldn't care about speed or handling at all ^^'. I envy you all guys dearly.
She’s a beauty
Very Nice Westy!
Thank you much Dan, appreciate that!
Really nice 👍
Superb video and pristine example of a classic. It's a shame that VW nor any other company can't manage to do anything like this now. I suppose even if they did no one would be able to afford it.
Thanks Brett for the compliment! I recently watched a video on the VW California camper. Can't escape the irony in the name since it won't be available in the USA. 😔
Bomba!!!
Very nice! ❤
Love than vanagon! I've got a syncro with a Porsche flat 6 engine conversion, abit overkill but my grandfather gifted it to me, love the nsx aswell!
No such thing as overkill when it comes to automotive upgrades lol. Damn though what a beast that must be leaving people with their mouths open during stoplight blasts! Yea the NSX had been dynoed at 510 rwhp so as well surprises the unsuspecting.
What have you done to that nsx?! And yeah! At the moment ive got a 4 inch straightpipe as im fabricating a custom exhaust! Im getting it dynoed tommorow so ill provide pictures and videos of it screaming 👍🏽
@@2jzp432 Had a company, Lovefab build the motor and install their turbo kit a hand full of years ago. Tuned it to 12 psi. Haven't tracked it but with slicks I'm sure it's easy a 10s car.
Dude can't wait to see pics of your van in action!
That's one nice Westy! Pretty rare to find a body so perfect! I've never understood the trend to go Subaru 2.5 when the 1.9 TDI is so much torque-ier, and fuel efficient. She's a keeper though, and I'm sure I'm not alone in my curiosity regarding the bargain price you paid:)
Yes indeed the TDI is a much more robust engine option. Along with that comes a higher upfront cost compared to the subie swap but as well you're keeping with the VW lineage which for some is important as well.
11K three years ago, which I guess would be a much better bargain today.
Beautiful
Thank you much☺
Awesome van and nice video.
Thank you much! What year Westy do you have?
I have a 1988. I’m going to post a couple videos I made for my IGTV. They are vertical which kinda sucks for CZcams, but it’s a start at lest. 😉
@@letsgowestfalia2405 Love the video!!! Nice drone sequence. A few days ago I just came through Montana on the 94 on my way back from Seattle.
Oh no way! Nice! I love that town. I can't wait to go back. Probably next summer. Thanks about the video :).
@@letsgowestfalia2405 What's your IG?
Beauty !
beautiful!!!
Thank you so much!
What a beautiful machine. If it’s still in your possession and you are wanting to make more videos of it, perhaps a POV drive? That would be very cool.
young dreamer Thank you and honestly I hadn't considered another video but yea why not I'll give it a shot :)
Raven M. Awesome!
Beatiful vanagon
Thank you for your kind comment!
@@ravenm. I'm amazed that living in Minnesota the past 3 years it's still rust free. I live in delaware and the salt on the roads destroys cars and considering it snows an inch at a time here its craxy
@@fabricator3023 Same here in Minnesota unfortunately. I don't drive a bunch in the winter months but a few years ago I started treating the undercarriage with a product NH oil treatment. Still not a spot of rust. 😊
I like usa t3 Westfalia .......really a cool t3 😍
Real real nice
Very Very Nice!
Brian Sahli Thanks bro appreciate it!
VERY NICE I LOVE IT
ALEXIS SMET Thanks Alexis appreciate that!
I THANK YOU
Just a comment on the spare wheel; I learned that the old, stock 14 inch wheel can still be used as a spare. It does not matter if the other 3 wheels are 15 or 16 inch, so long as you don't drive too long with it. It will be good enough to get you home. Thus, you can still use the "clamshell" carrier under the vehicle for your 14" spare (assuming you still have one:-).
nice video!!!
Bro you hit the jackpot on this one let me tell you
Thanks man appreciate that!
Love the colour
I've got serious garage size envy , had type 2 , now own type 4 vw .
Very beautiful one! Mine's an 85 and not that nice (but it manages to haul me down the road well with 16" wheels and a Subaru motor) . Just a short comment about Prince, who was no doubt a great human being. But like the rest of us, he no doubt had his faults, including the fact that he missed the memo about never being able to rid yourself of disreputable people (riff raff), no matter how high the annual snowfall.
Very Nice!
Thank you much!🙏
Great video, any thought on how to install child safety seats into a 85 transporter/vanagon GL? Thanks
Hi!
Awesome VW you got there! :)
Thank you much! Are you currently a van owner?
@@ravenm. Yes, i am. I have a -83 Caravelle with 1,8l petrol engine and a automatic gearbox. I'm going to make a camper from it. Hopefully with a Subaru engine also, i'm looking to source a good WRX or WRX STI engine for it.
@@beduiini Very nice! As you already know it will have a completely different personality 😊
@@ravenm. Yeah, i'm sure it will. I had a WRX Impreza with 300hp and thinking of having that engine under my VW's "hood" will definately get me smiling. :) Obviously that's way more power than my little camper would ever need so the engine swap is not the priority. First i need to change the brakes, lights etc. most of the same stuff you have done yourself. Could you give more information about the brakes and the tin that keeps the brake dust away from the rim?
Have you done anything for the transmission? I have heard that Audi "5000's"? 1987-1989 have the same housing, but better gearing. I have not researched that myself yet.
Very nice van
pistoncount Thank you much!
Exquisite🙏
Thank you bro appreciate that!
Супер! Отличное состояние!
Very nice
KeL İdris Appreciate that!
Wow just wow
I had one 30 years ago, i'm kicking myself for selling it! Mine was the same color too!
Looks exactly like mine!!
Nice! Gotta name for your westy?
@@ravenm. inherited the name rusty. These vans are dangerous man, I'm addicted to buying upgrades everyday haha
@@ryang7720 Dude it's insane! La Calabasa undergoing surgery for a Truck fridge and propex heater next week. It's friggin non stop. For what I know now if I were ever in the market again I would wait and buy one with all the mods completed.
@@ravenm. hahah I completely understand that. Which trucker fridge did you order? I just ordered a TF49. Would be awesome if you got a video of the install. They dont exist on CZcams.
Thanks for sharing. You put a lot of work into your Westy, it looks great. I have a question about your cup holder on the dash. Did you make that or buy it? I really need something and that looks perfect.
Appreciate the comment! That cup holder is one of the best purchases so far although a bit pricey. avrparts.com/products/cup-holder-vanagon
After your helpful interaction on a different channel I decided to revisit yours. My complements on such a great example of a Westy. I noticed small hooks on the passenger side gutters and was curious as to what you use these for?
Very observant my friend! The previous owner installed those as a means to hang a blue tarp he used as an awning. It worked well, I used the setup a handful of times with some poles that he also included. They have since been removed and replaced with an ARB aluminum model which I absolutely love.
Oh yeah Mike from Smidge_Life 👍
Muy linda, y muy buen gusto !.
Muchas gracias!
Stuntacular!
discs from Mercedes-Benz very well fit the orange Transporter. I did the same on my orange
Алексей Кабанов Yes they look almost stock on the VW.
Wow, nice NSX
+1 for the nice color
sami ajre Very kind thank you!
superbe et magnifique ,
Just curious on how you got collector plates with so many mods? I'm attempting collector plates and they want lots of pics proving stock parts, yet I would like to upgrade many components...
Keegan Are you in MN? The only restriction they told me at the DMV is that there's a limit of 5k miles a year that you can put on a collector vehicle. Must be the honor system because the plates are good for the life of the vehicle, no renewal required.
Моё почтение Легендарное авто Достойное состояние Мечта любого фаната Владею Фольксваген КАРАТ только положительные эмоции Удачи во всём АФАНАСИЧ
Raven M. Who did your Vanaru conversion? We have an '85 vanagon (in Rosemount) and are getting ready to put a suburu 2.5 in it.
I actually had it completed at Small Car in Tacoma WA. I was working in Seattle at the time so logistically made sense. Not sure if Jordan over at VanGo does conversions. I know all his rentals have 2.5 Subies. Guarantee you won't regret it😊
How do you like the tires? Have you taken them off road at all? I know the stock 14" tires are sketchy from experience. I am thinking about updating mine to 15" or 16" tires soon. What are your thoughts on the 16" vs 15" (if you have any)? I like the 15" because I can get a higher side wall and keep the same diameter. I have a stock engine so I can't go bigger or I will lose to much power (I don't have enough as it is). I would love to get hardwood floors on mine as well. What kind of wood did you use (or composite)? Also, do you know how accurate your speedometer is with the new tires? Thanks, Nice van!
I was pretty fortunate that the previous owner had swapped out the wheels already however I think you're right that a 15" wheel might give you a slightly cushier ride but sacrificing some handling. I've compared the speedo to my phone GPS and at 75 mph it reads about 5 mph high. I've just driven on forest roads but nothing that could be considered challenging offroad. For the flooring I used some extra laminate pieces I had from my laundry room renovation.
Thanks for watching!
very nice van! what kind of ladder is that on the back?
A guy Gary Lee for years has hand made the ladders and luggage racks. Excellent quality components.
www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/ladder/ladder2bike/ladder2bike.htm
Beautiful van! There is one near me that has been sitting for a long time. I don't think a lot of people know its for sale. The one I know of has the rectangle headlights. I talked to the guy about it he said it needs a slave cylinder for the clutch. How are parts to come by?
Sounds like it's a newer westy. 86-91 came with the rectangular headlights. Some other differences are gray interior and depending on how they were optioned out power windows, power steering and a larger motor 2.1 versus 1.9 liter.
There are many after market companies nowadays, Go Westy in California being the largest. So yea pretty easy to find all replacement parts. Hope that helps.
@@ravenm. Thanks for the reply! Actually the van I was talking about was badged Caravel. Which after doing a little research, I found that caravel was the euro model.
Hi there, was wondering if you’d mind sharing where you purchased your ladder?
beautiful Van!
Beautiful car. The Subaru engine is liquid cooled? The radiator is in the front?
Yes the same radiator and cooling system that was used by the original VW motor. That's the reason why many vanagons experience cooling issues because the pipes have to run the full length of the van.
Beautiful example, May I know how or where you got the ladder & spare wheel carrier from & at what cost
Keep enjoying your Vanagon, mine is also a source of happiness for me & my family
Cheers