1983 Westfalia in Taos, NM

Last Updated: 10/9/2023 | Ad Source: Craigslist

Asking Price: $17,000

 

More Details & Pictures

VIN: WV2ZB0255DH079068

Nice water-cooled 1983 Vanagon Westfalia (full camper) with 155,000 original miles, manual transmission.

The van is in good condition and ready to enjoy! It’s been regularly maintained by professional mechanics, and I’ve taken it on multiple road trips this year (California, Utah, etc.) with no problems.

Highlights include:
– 15” wheels with new Michelin Defender T+H Tires – apparently the best Vanagon tires, have warranty info (2023)
– Completely refurbished pop-top and luggage rack: removed, cleaned, and painted with Interlux Pre-Kote and Brightside Polyurethane Topside Paint (2023)
– All pop top & luggage rack seals replaced & new Westfalia Decals (2023)
– New skylight installed with new seals (2023)
– New auxiliary battery setup (GoWesty Delux bundle): 50Ah LiFePo4 battery with Renogy DC/DC charge controller so the auxiliary battery seamlessly charges off the alternator and solar (2023)
– New Renogogy 100w solar panel installed on luggage rack with quick-release hinges and bluetooth module (you can check charging status on your phone) (2023)
– Re-did wiring so sink, interior lights, and DC charging ports all run off the auxiliary battery
– Removed stock fridge and replaced with shelves (I bought an ICECO JP50 Portable Refrigerator that runs off DC or AC, and has been working great)
– Wired 12v DC outlets to easily charge phone/computer and run fridge (2023)
– Replaced the upstairs fold-out bed platform with ¾” melamine board
– The upholstery was re-done by the previous owner and is in good shape
– Equipped with a GoWesty 3-window canvas tent, no tears, and all zippers working
– Camping gear works: cabinets all open/latch, functional propane tank/burners, sink, etc.
– Odometer, speedometer, and temperature gauge work
– Only minor surface rust; no seam rust, clean underbody

The original 1.9L Waterboxer engine is running well; it always starts immediately, stays cool (temp gauge works), and I get ~19 mpg on the highway. A knowledgeable mechanic friend recently adjusted the timing for a smoother idle and more “pep” in lower gears. The previous owner replaced the cylinder heads and gaskets at 137,000 miles.

A trip inspection in March 2023 (can share report) showed road-worthy mechanical condition: good CV boots, struts/shocks, steering, radiator, hoses, fuel pump/filter, brakes, alignment, starter, and battery. As mentioned above, I put on new Michelin tires in April. I have and can pass on service records from POs going back over 10 years.

HISTORY
This van has lived in New Mexico with me since April and previously has been registered exclusively in California (why there is very little rust). I bought it from a surfer near San Diego, who was the second or third owner. It has a salvage title from 2002 and has been road-worthy since that accident (for the last 20 years). The PO told me it was rear-ended and was repaired. I’ve had no problem registering/insuring the van with the salvage title, but it does affect resale value. I’m happy to share a CarFax printout.

Why am I selling? I bought the van in April this year and love it. I made all the improvements above to enjoy the van more (not for resale), but I recently decided to get a Subaru-converted Vanagon since I drive a lot – and a lot up mountain passes (rock climber) – and this van is really slow when going uphill at 9,000’! I looked into converting this one to a Subaru engine but decided it was cheaper/easier to sell and buy an already converted Westy. Besides, this Vanagon is running and in good shape, so scraping the original engine seemed like a shame. I’d rather pass it on to another owner who is happy with the original 1.9L engine Vanagon horsepower! This is my first Vanagon, and I didn’t know I cared about the extra power going uphill until I had driven it for a few months.

WISH LIST
Like all Vanagon owners, I have a wishlist for upgrades, which the next owner may want to take on.

I HAVE THE FOLLOWING PARTS (mostly GoWesty), but haven’t had time to install them:
– Pop Top Lift Assist Kit
– Complete Faucet Upgrade Kit (the original faucet recently broke; water pump works, just need to install the new faucet)
– New front speakers and wiring (Kicker 46CSC44) – the van has a modern radio, but old speakers are shot
– Heavy-duty high offset window cranks (these are to clear the new speakers, which stick out farther than originals; current window cranks work fine)
– I have 50’ of Fatmat Rattletrap sound deadener I’ve been planning to install for a quieter ride

Additional improvements on my mind…
– The sliding door is a little hard to open, and the main handle could be rebuilt for a smoother open
– I occasionally smell gas, which I’ve been told indicates a need to re-seal or replace the fuel tank (from what I understand, this is not a big repair)
– The fuel gauge does not work (I just re-set the trip meter and fill it up every ~200 miles), but I think this would be an easy fix when servicing the fuel tank
– The climate control vents all work, but one of the knobs that turns on the front blower is stuck and should be replaced
– I sometimes have trouble finding first gear, but this hasn’t been a big enough problem for me to address it
– Doesn’t have a horn, seems like a good idea (and easy) install
– The interior door and ceiling panels were reupholstered by PO but poorly done, and I’d like to re-do these at some point

This van is not a mint specimen, but overall it is a solid original Westy camper van, ready to use, and with pretty low miles on the engine and chassis. I hope to pass it off by the end of the year to a new owner who will enjoy it. I’m very transparent and happy to share what I know. I have a Google Photos album with more photos/videos.

Van is in Taos, NM, but I travel often and could discuss a delivery for the right buyer. I think it’s priced fairly – cheap because of the salvage title – but I’ll consider offers below asking if it doesn’t sell in about a month.

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Last Updated on October 15, 2023 by VanagonAds