As I continue my search for a van to support adventures without breaking the bank, it’s fun to happen upon examples like today’s which have good bones and a little work to be done, all at a reasonable price. This van was acquired by a VW tech from an older guy who had bit off more than he could chew, and now it has a rebuilt engine and restored running gear. The Westfalia interior pieces will need work to be fully installed and operating, but on a clean van like this from a seller that sounds like he’s expecting something along the lines of $10k, it’s a heck of a deal.
Click for details: 1982 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia on eBay
Year: 1982
Model: Vanagon Westfalia
Engine: 2.0 liter flat-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: Unknown, newly rebuilt engine
Price: No reserve auction
1982 Westfalia. 49 State. Last of aircooled models. Surprisingly straight and clean, and only very minor evidence of any rust or corrosion. Have title in hand. Passed California smog test. Fresh engine with less than 100 mi. Just completed recheck of valves & 1st oil change. NOS Mahle Pistons/Cylinders. Heads overhauled completely by Tuetel Machine Shop (VW Head specialists). Complete reseal, new clutch. Upgraded to electronic ignition (49 State had points). New lifters, fuel lines & injector seals. Runs strong, shifts as well as any Vanagon. Has rare factory installed Webasto heater system for cold weather camping (untested in my warm climate, so I have no idea if operational).
New Gas shocks, upper balljoints, sway bar links. Upgraded Brake hoses to braided Steel. New Windsheild, new pop top seals. Canvas is OK, screen window is not (see photos)
Have all Westfalia interior parts, but requires reassembly/installation: Fridge/Stove is only setting in place, and is NOT completely installed or operational. Purchaser can decide which components they wish to install, and customise to their wants/requirements. Quite driveable immediately, but is NOT completely ready for a cross country camping trip.
Never hit hard. One small dent in Driver side rear (see photo). Bought van last July from older gent who took van apart, and realised he was “In over his head.” I reconditioned/reassembled running gear, (Factory-trained VW Tech-25 yrs) and then got involved with other projects/life’s complications.
Excellent entry level Westfalia for those not willing/able to spend $15,000 to $20,000 on later version with all the gadgets and accessories, or if you want to keep things simple.
I encourage any potential bidder to inspect vehicle, to make sure you know exactly what you are purchasing when winning bid. Central California: Santa Cruz/Monterey area
It’s just nice to know that simple, capable Vanagons still exist in the face of the crazy late-model, megamodified/restored GoWesty examples out there. I guarantee that if you do the work installing the camping equipment you’ll be more educated and confident in taking it on long journeys and fixing it yourself. I don’t really want to spend $30-40k on a van and then have no money to sustain the adventure; I’d much rather find a good starting point like this and begin the learning process, get to know the van, and strike out on the road with some knowledge in my head, money in my pocket, and adventure in my heart.
-NR
