1987 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon GL Syncro Westfalia

1987 4WD Volkswagen Westfalia Syncro

I bought this Syncro almost three years ago with the intention of building my ultimate vehicle for exploring the West each winter. At the time I lived in upstate NY. I didn't want to worry about having issues while far from home or well off the pavement. I also wanted to make the machine as safe as I could. With those goals the machine was taken down to its bones. The driveline and interior were removed. While things were apart I decided that it was a good time to remove much of the original paint to have a doors off/ windows out paint job done. The color is very close to its original color. It is 2002 Honda Goldwing red. It is basically the original VW color but with pearl added.

I had planned on hauling a small motorcycle off of a receiver hitch. That is why the spare tire is front mounted. Both bumpers have very substantial heavy wall subframes to spread the load if they are ever used. The front subframe goes as far back as the back of the front seats and has a very large 1/4" thick angle plate behind it. I would venture a guess that this could be the most injury resistant front end that a Vanagon has ever had. The rear subframe extends to the front of the rear wheels with heavy welded brackets holding the rear bumper onto it. (Both bumpers can unbolt from the vehicle without removing the subframes. ) I have little doubt that it could haul a medium sized motorcycle off it as intended. The heavier front bumper and spare tire are a nice counterweight to anything hauled in the rear.

Burley suspension calculated the spring rates and it seems just right. There are also custom nerf bars on either side to complete the package.

There is a 2002 Subaru 2. 5 out of a Forester powering the vehicle. This was installed by the previous owner in 2004. Paperwork shows only that it was (obviously) only 2 years old at the time. No mileage listed. The camper has only seen about 20. 00 miles since that (non CARB) engine swap. The engine runs strong and pulls up my hills well. The kit used is from Kennedy Engineered Products. In the interior everything has been apart. washed. and scrubbed. Neither bed has been slept in since the rebuild. No pets. no smokers. no smells.

Details:VIN WV2ZB0258HG029146165. 05 milesPower SteeringPower Brakes5 speed manual including extra low 1st gearFactory locking rear differentialMatching windshield/ front window curtainMatching skylight screen/sun shadeFactory rear bug screenBentley manualVanaru manualThick folder of build and previous receiptsAll OEM sheet metal - NO non-OEM sheet metal anywhere

New:New doors off / interior out / windows out paint job5 General Grabber AT2 tires 30x9. 50R15LTAudi twin piston front calipersAudi oversized vented front discsH. D. extra long wheel studs w/ lugsNew OEM wheel bearings-all cornersNew OEM wheel bearing seals-all cornersLemforder upper and lower ball jointsOEM tie rod endsNew power rack and pinion bootsNew LOBRO front axles and CV jointsAll bushings replaced with T3 Techniques poly bushingsExtra heavy duty sway bar linksBurley suspension upper and lower control armsCustom Burley mounts for adjustable front coil over shocksALL new stainless steel hard brake linesStainless steel braided flex brake hosesZinc plated power steering linesAll OEM front end parts zinc platedMany other brackets. nuts. bolts zinc platedNew Swepco gear oil in front differential and transmissionNew brake fluidNew antifreezeNew Mobil One engine oilNew power steering fluidNew OEM fuel filterOEM LOBRO rear CV joints repacked with Redline greaseTerry K's superior stainless steel coolant linesNew Mayle front radiator hosesNew OEM muffler and tailpipeBurley pivoting rear spring kit with adjustable spring capEibach rear springsProComp MX6 adjustable rear shocksBurley rear disc brake kit with parking brakeComplete GoWesty gas tank rebuild kit-stainless steel straps. sending unit. hoses. gaskets. internal SS ring. ($500+)Smallcarparts tach mod and faceNew carpetNewer curtainsNewer reproduction venting skylight with shade and screenJVC removable face stereo with CD and USB portNew reproduction camper stickers- not appliedNew stainless steel/ nylon headlight adjustersNew hatch strutsNew engine beltsNew radiator ductsNew NAPA batteries 6/16 (both)New wipersEastwood internal frame coating spray

All receipts for the above and many more. There is also a folder of old receipts from the two previous owners.

Known Issues:Power mirrors are now manual. A/C converted to newer Subaru R134A- needs charging.

The original plan was to use this to drive across the country each winter and escape the eastern winter. There were no plans on living out west. A year ago we purchased a house in California. We now have a permanent "base camp" to explore from and the expenses that go with it. I wish I could be like Jay Leno and keep this machine tucked in a corner of the garage. but the new house doesn't let me afford that. The VW is located here at the new house in zip code 95589. but is registered and titled in my name at my main address in NY.

I will be here with the Westy in California so I can be of assistance getting it to its new owner. I am located in Shelter Cove. California which is part of California's "Lost Coast". If serious bidders find their carrier does not come down this very twisty 24 mile road I would suggest they make arrangements to have it picked up in Garberville. CA. 95542 which is on California Route 101. I will be happy to assist in any way I can.

Want to buy this car?