Project Westy: 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia
Volkswagen’s Vanagons are undoubtedly popular vehicles, thanks to their unmistakable looks and practicality. This 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia is a rather extensive project that was stationary for the past 14 years, but it is available here on eBay for anyone seeking a fixer-upper Vanagon.
This Vanagon is available in Lorton, Virginia with a clean title. The seller is very honest about the condition of the vehicle, making it clear that it is a project which is sold as-is without any type of warranty.
The exterior has a variety of problems, including the fact that the body and underside have some rust, the skylight on the roof leaks water into the interior, there are missing bumper trim panels, and the rear bumper has enough damage that it needs replacement. Additionally, the rear hatch does not open, the sliding door does not properly shut and can be difficult to open, and the side mirrors are delaminating. Last but not least, all four tires are dry rotted and will need replacement.
These vehicles are a popular choice for those seeking an adventurous or nomadic lifestyle, but unfortunately, the seller notes that something else has been living in this Vanagon – rodents. Despite appearing very presentable in pictures, the seller claims that the interior “smells of rodent urine and cigarettes,” and also notes that due to the rodent tenants and cigarette burns in the driver’s seat, wiring and upholstery work will most likely be necessary. They also mention that the air conditioning system “is not installed,” though it is unclear if someone removed it, or if it is a factory non-A/C model. Also, the van’s propane tank is badly rusted.
There is a rear-mounted 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine that pairs to a 4-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels. Despite only having 61,362 miles on the drivetrain, the engine does not turn by hand, there is a frozen clutch pedal, and the fuel tank leaks. The vehicle also does not have keys, so the next owner of this Vanagon will need to have keys made for it.
At the time of publication, bidding is at $2,055, and even with the plethora of issues this Vanagon has, there are 65 bids on it. Do you think this Vanagon will make a good project, or do you think it needs too much to take it on?
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Comments
Bought one of the ’84 special editions new. 84,000 miles later the only thing touched on it was the needle bearing for the input shaft. Never even charged the AC. Lot of fun but this one doesn’t look like that much fun. The water cooled engine is one of the best but if they don’t turn they don’t get the best awards.
interesting project for a Westie expert if it can be bought on the cheap……
Rodent urine and cig burns,,nice. Probably should be burned. These just don’t have the zing of the older buses. Guy down the block has one for sale for ever, no takers, same flat tires. We never thought older VW buses would bring 5 figures, but I doubt these will ever have the same following, especially in this condition. Again, any appeal to these mostly undesirable vehicles, is they have to be nice to begin with.
I used one for years as a service vehicle for A/C and refrigeration. One of the better rigs out of many that I owned. 3/4 ton truck would hold everything I needed and still carry equipment for installs. I learned the hard way that due to dissimilar metals in the engine you had to change the antifreeze once a year or the studs would rot out. Other than being slow, it was great on gas and reliable.
As an owner of a remarkably similar vehicle that has been extensively restored this vehicle actually doesn’t look too bad! All the parts are available to restore it, change the engine out to a Subaru and you’ll have a fun rig. This vehicle looks like it never had AC, but this is an item that never works anyway! The biggest concern is hopefully rodents didn’t have any fun eating the wiring…. this would be no fun to fix. Also put a new propane tank in before the vehicle explodes….. chances are no one would fill a tank that old.
Realistically you’ll be like so many other renovations, you’ll still end up spending more that it could be sold for, but at least you’ll have somewhere to live,
The prices on VW Vans or Campers are absurd. This is a $1000.00 piece maybe.
51 bids were by a brand new eBayer with NO buying history, bumping 5.10 or 20 dollars at each bid. That maybe the seller’s neighbor (or his kid).
Some Charades start in Virginia.
Had a 1986 Westfalia years ago, albeit with an automatic. The accelerator pedal was basically an off-on switch. Either foot off the gas, or pedal to the floor—it was that sloooow.
I have a 84 westy that I restored myself. It was in better shape than this one. It’s not worth much more than what it’s up to now. I love mine I daily drive plus I rent it out as a vacation rental here on Maui. A lot of work to keep the bus running well. Good thing I’m the mechanic too haha.