Fritz, the 1986 VW Vanagon Tintop

Couldn't talk the wife into a Doka without selling my truck. They're super cool though.

 

Ordered the first round of mods today. They should all be in sometime next week, but so will my in-laws. Who knows when they'll get installed...

 

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Holy fuck! That's 4th gen supra money (left hand drive)

 

Got out on the interstate in this beast today. Definitely does not have stock gears. By my calculations it has around a 5.50 final drive, and stock was 4.86 or something. At 65mph in 4th gear I'm running 4000rpms. The good news is, when I put bigger tires on, it's already geared for them.

 

Wow, 65 in a VW Bus. Living life on the razors edge...

 

I have to get you a pic. There is one of these in carthage that you need to see. Major goals.

Remind me of this.

 

YAAAS!!!

 

Got up to 76 by GPS on my phone. That was around 4300-4400rpms, but I didn't want to stress the engine that much.

When do I need to remind you, because I need to see?

Of course that being said, I will be completely rebuilding the trans at some point if I keep it. The other option is going with a Subaru trans. I haven't decided yet.

 

What different "oem" parts fit this cobbled shoebox?!

 

It isn't cobbled yet. Nothing really just bolts in, but I'm pretty good at making shit work.

 

I thought it has Benz wheels? Then I see you talk about a Subaru trans.

 

Yeah the wheels are mostly a bolt-on affair. Some have to have the center hole bored out, like putting Chevy wheels on a Tacoma. As far as engine/trans swaps, nothing just bolts in. Subaru stuff is pretty common though because you retain the flat 4 and there is a company that makes a reverse cut ring gear so the transaxle spins the right direction.

 

At least you have some options then! I know some VW stuff can be pricey and not as plentiful.
Just curious.

 

Found it.

 

Better watch out, the Angry birds may be after that thing.

 

Ooooooo gurl. That two tone is killing it.

 

New pics. Painted the rockers black, new grille and headlights, new mirrors, prerunner cowl decal, and an awesome 8-ball shift knob. My wife actually surprised me and said she'd like a grenade for a shift knob instead, so that might happen in the future. I ordered some new tires and steel wheels this week, and have some new turn signal and marker lights coming as well to replace the faded/cracked ones.

Coming up will be lift, all new window seals and tinting the windows, replacing the carpet and doing seat covers. I still need to fix the speedo, replace the radio and speakers, and a couple of other little things too.

 

Love it. We’ve got a 78 Westie that we just finished restoring. Definitely subbed.