WTB: Bay or Vanagon Westy

[Amskeptic]

Then there's this one. Looks much better but engine, "runs poorly". Air cooled. Make an offer; if you get it, you and Colin can deal with the poorly.

A poorly running engine is a much better starting point than a rusty bucket. Then you get the honeymoon of a fresh lovely engine that you brought to life.
Colin

[weisswurst]

yes, Colin is right my vanagon Doka had a poor engine and is a rustbucket but we have the diesel engine back in now and soon will be
fighting rust during the approaching summer!
jeff

[cek347]

So my patience got the best of me. I needed some secondary transportation to get me and the kids around on the weekends to save my little 2dr commuter (600+ miles per week!). I was hoping a van could fill that role and take the kids and I camping. Well, after 3 months of looking the market says I'm not quite in the same price range yet so I'm back to saving for a van. In the mean time I picked up a car to fill the role.

I'll be back!! I better do it quick before Colin retires from this grand adventure.

For now, a new project, 1985 Mercedes 300TD. This is my 3rd older Benz Ive had over the years. My first wagon.





Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions. I appreciate you taking the time.

[BellePlaine]

I would love an old diesel Mercedes wagon. Looks to be in great shape too! Enjoy.

[Amskeptic]

I better do it quick before Colin retires from this grand adventure.
For now, a new project, 1985 Mercedes 300TD. This is my 3rd older Benz Ive had over the years.

Hey, I do Mercedes too, through our . . . um, "Itinerant Teutonic Tour" subsidiary . . .
Colin

My '78 450 SEL, which will be getting some badly needed mechanical affection this September . . .

[weisswurst]

That's a great engine! I almost bought a 240D estate model wagon until I discovered it couldn't be "flat towed" four wheels down. (deal breaker for me) and I can attest to the fact that Colin does do diesels as he's been elbow deep in mine! Congrats on your new ride! Is it manual?
Jeff

[energyturtle]

I am a member of the full moon bus club on facebook. It is great. Lot's of members, and it is strictly east coast. I see westy's all the time that members are selling and the club gets first dibbs. Join up and post a status. You will get numerous responses I am sure. I found a running 1700 type 4 in 1 hour and went and picked it up that day for $250.00. Everyone is an excellent group of folks. Very much like here.
Scottie

[cek347]

Back to looking again. Still in the sub 5k range for a driver westy. Once again I prefer a bay but vanagons are fine also. Just need a pop top. I'll take a look at FMBC also. Phila Craigslist is dry right now.

Fixed up that 300TD and sold it a few months later. Was a great car but needed something I could drive to work occasionally ~120 mile commute. Finished up:


My main commuter was totalled by an out of control minivan so I have a new Jetta Tdi 6spd for work. So won't need a backup car for commuting duties.

[addseo1115]

It's so nice thread.
I have enjoyed with all of your posts.
Thanks for posting and the welcome.

[cek347]

Ok, I'm going to be jumping back in....again. I've just listed my '97 4runner that I resurrected this past year on C-list hoping that someone picks it up in the next month. I bought it knowing full well that in a year I'd hopefully sell it for a profit and have some casheshe for a Westfalia. So if you know anything on the east coast, mid atlantic, PA/NJ region, I'll be on the lookout! Running project of course. Thanks for checking in. I'll be sure to WTB in other places. I just love reading here!

[cek347]

I have a lead on a Bay! Had a chat with the owner. Hopefully checking it out Saturday AM. Hour away. No pics, could be walking into a mess.

[cek347]

Owner is an interesting character. I'm not sure if there is really a van there or not. I spoke to him on the phone had it lined up to look at. Then nothing but incoherent emails. The search continues.

[Amskeptic]

Owner is an interesting character. I'm not sure if there is really a van there or not. I spoke to him on the phone had it lined up to look at. Then nothing but incoherent emails. The search continues.

You know . . . . I have a 1977 Westy for sale.
Colin

[cek347]

Well my 4runner did sell....but my budget is definitely in the project range. There is an '84 Vanagon on thesamba for $5k. Near Pittsburgh. Paint is chalked and has some seam rust issues. I won't decide until I see this Bay. We in PA are under 2' of snow though. I'm hoping his barn roof doesn't cave.

[Amskeptic]

Well my 4runner did sell....but my budget is definitely in the project range. There is an '84 Vanagon on thesamba for $5k. Near Pittsburgh. Paint is chalked and has some seam rust issues. I won't decide until I see this Bay. We in PA are under 2' of snow though. I'm hoping his barn roof doesn't cave.

The seam rust never has bothered me on Vanagons. Do check, however, the rear trailing arm mounting points.
Colin