Fritz, the 1986 VW Vanagon Tintop

I've been telling my wife for a long time that I need a project, and I finally talked her into it. Ended up getting a Vanagon because I sold her on the idea of us being able to travel around and camp in it. I've always had a soft spot for old VWs and have owned a few over the years. I really wanted a Syncro (awd that can be converted to part-time 4wd), but they are ridiculously expensive. We also have the truck and her 4Runner if I need to scratch the 4wd itch.

We searched around and found one in Asheville, NC that seemed nice and was in our budget, but the A/C didn't work, and that wasn't something she was willing to compromise on. Ended up finding one in Missouri a couple of days later that was cheaper, and the A/C worked. After talking back and forth with the seller, we worked out getting it to TN. It showed up this past Sunday evening and was as good as we expected.

It runs and drives great, no noticeable mechanical issues, lots of new parts installed, and more new parts that haven't been installed yet. It's a lot of fun having a manual transmission again too. The couch in the back also folds down into a queen size bed.

I plan on building it into a Prerunner camper and having some fun. My idea list so far includes:

Different front grille with better headlights.
Larger side mirrors.
Roof mounted light bar.
Tinting the windows.
Deleting the chrome/black out the rockers.
ARB Awning with screened in room attachment.
Rear mounted spare tire carrier.
Steel bumpers.
Front skid plate.
Rock rails.
1.5" lift with Fox shocks.
31" AT or MT tires.
Subaru EJ25 and 5-spd transaxle swap.

Here are the few pictures I've taken so far:



This is similar to where I want to end up:

 

I like the plan, now get with the execution!!!

 

You finance it, and I'll have it done in the next month.

 

It's your plan, you finance it!!

 

That’s pretty cool. Buddy had one in college that he got from his boss. His boss used it as a hunting rig for many years. We used it mostly for fun...

Subbed for the outcome. Good luck!

 

Suuuubbb

 

Then you get to wait!

This thread is really only for you.

 

Lol, how could you NOT do a build thread on this lovely machine?? Unless your name is @allmotorrex

 

That's freakin' sweet.

 

Lots of room back there for shevanigans.

 

Im in.

The only thing is it needs a Westy roof.

Make this build happen!

 

What you did there, I see it.

Eh...no Westy roof for me. Never cared for them, and don't like all the cabinetry etc. on the inside.

 

I was rolling out of Death Valley late last year in my built 5th gen turdrunner like a Mofo and had a shenanigan following me and couldn't shake him! Don't know what it had for a swap but it was glued to my azz like fly paper! Any way I have always had a soft spot for the VW vanagon they are actually built really well! I look forward to this Build!!!!!!!

 

Subaru swap? Awd and manual...theres some really good vw shops out here in berkeley.they'll talk you thru it..

 

No AWD. I'll be doing RWD with a LSD or locker. Swap will be a ways down the road.

 

Holy shit Batman!! My build thread! Now I have 2 .... @beertimecontinuum

 

See your pics, I miss my 85..great van.

 

Shaggin Wagon!

 

You're right, they are pricey but I'd love to have this.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/6372026576.html