1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro

Description for Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon 1986

1986 ½ Volkswagen Syncro with Westfalia Kitchenette.

This is a 4 speed and also has the extra low “granny” gear. I have owned this Syncro for about 15 years for the last 3 it has been mostly stored in my brother’s garage. I do take it out a few rimes a year and drive it to work and back and have the oil changed. This year I replaced the battery a few weeks ago. But I have now decided, regretfully to part with “The Big Ugly” as I call her.

Exterior- Paint is ok. Some is chipped and some is discolored. There is some seam rust and rust in a few other places. Overall not too bad and most is fixable with replacement panels form GoWesty or Bus Depot. Had a somewhat minor collision in the drivers front corner. Was on ice and going slow but did some damage. It is covered by the bra. A few dings and minor dents. The worst spot is drivers side rear panel. Rear bumper is removed and tow hitch for bike racks etc. is welded in place. Works well and much better than the “bolt on” hitches. Racks up top stay on. Front rack in a basket type rack with a plywood base. I have sat up here at many national parks. It is very sturdy. Rear racks are standard Thule with one ski/snowboard rack. All lights up top work except 2. Usually just need a wiggle of the wire for the 2 to work. The 2 not working right now are the driver’s side area light and the passenger side rear facing. All the rest up top and in front all in working order and all on individual switches. Headlights, tail lights and turn signals all work. All 5 tires match and have been rotated regularly. Still lots of life left in them. All glass is intact. Front windshield has a few cracks.

Interior- Carpet is in ok shape. Front seats are not original and have seat covers. They have lots of adjustments and both spin to face the rear. Stereo is in place but the amp was stolen so as you see in the pictures I just put a spare amp I had on the floor and hooked it up. It stays with the van. Dash in ok shape with no major issues. Speakers up front all wired and work. One speaker in the rear is missing and the other is not wired. Ceiling mounted ac blows as a fan ONLY. AC is present but not working. Never has worked as long as I have owned the van but blower works good for air circulation. New battery under passenger seat. Battery under driver’s seat in unknown but working condition. Inverter mounted next to driver’s seat. I have removed the middle seat. I have installed a Westfalia kitchen unit. There is a small propane tank under the seat that fuels the stove and fridge. Yes the fridge works. Yes the stove works. Yes the sink works. The sink is piped to a 5 gallon water tank under the rear seat. A rv water pump delivers the water to the sink. The sink drains under the van. I have drapes on all windows and have drapes for the front side windows. I have a screen door for the rear and the side door. I have an accessory light wired above the stove for cooking. There is a small portable toiled next to the kitchenette and it stays with the van. It fits perfect and at night it fits between the two front seats.

Drivability- I know of no drivability issues except the 2 coolant hoses that need to be replaced. Should be able to drive pretty much anywhere. There is a bypass pipe on the exhaust. I have no smog check so it’s not an issue and it runs great. Van has NEVER left me stranded. I have taken this van to countless national and State parks. I have once or twice lived in in for just over 3 weeks while touring. She is not pretty and she is not perfect. I should add that I have 2 jacks, a repair manual, an owner’s manual, and a spare computer (these run $500-$1000 if you can find them). I also have one or two (I have to look) spare “lockout” actuators. These will be included as well. The current lockout works as it should to lock the rear differential.

This would make an excellent restoration candidate or drive as is with all its “character”. Even though it is running and driving, I would not recommend driving a long distance without a quick inspection as I have only been driving to and from work for the last week or so to ensure everything is still working properly.

Please e-mail me with any questions, or if you prefer to talk, please send your phone number and I will call you. If you want to see any other pictures, please let me know and I will take them and send to you. You are also welcome to come see it in person…please contact me.

Please ask questions before bidding. If you are winning bidder, then it is considered sold to you at the final price and afterward is not the time to evaluate the condition and bargain on pricing. Please be sure you are comfortable with the Ebay auction process before bidding. Thank you for looking. This is really a special find and I really regret letting it go but we have too many toys and this one has to go.