I had three of them as daily drivers for over 14 years, my Dad still has my 87'. Never really had a problem with any of them. Did head gaskets in all of them at one point, water pump at the same time. Radiator in one. Never had a coolant related issue. Drivability was rock solid. Only had to tow one once when a fuel pump let go. I do not understand the reputation they got, completely undeserved from my experience. If any of you guys still have one and need support please let me know, I would be happy to walk through any issues.
Oh, the 80' thru late 84's were the best handlers. Upper and lower a-frames made a big difference.
BAP 2009
Moderators: kamzcab86, CalAltaDubber
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- Forum Niceguy
- Posts: 1102
- Joined: Mon Jan 19, 2004 3:14 pm
- What year is your cabby?: 1991
- Do you own a Cabriolet?: Yes
- Location: Bangor, Maine
Re: BAP 2009
91 Cabriolet, red w/white
86 Cabriolet white/white (oldest daughter)
97 Golf, black (youngest daughter)
98 Beetle, red
94 Cabrio, dark green (oldest son)
Cogito Ergo Zoom
86 Cabriolet white/white (oldest daughter)
97 Golf, black (youngest daughter)
98 Beetle, red
94 Cabrio, dark green (oldest son)
Cogito Ergo Zoom
- bbrown
- Posts: 191
- Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 8:44 pm
- What year is your cabby?: 1986
- Location: Longview, TX or Exeter, ME
Re: BAP 2009
But you can't beat the way those boxer engines sound. I don't know much when it comes to Vanagons, but my college roommate had one for a while and he loved it. I do know that the Vanagon Syncro is pretty tough and would be a cool van to have as well since they will basically go anywhere you point the wheels.gull wrote: Even the 1.8L I-4 would have been better than that plumber's nightmare boxer they put in there.
~Buster
1986 VW Cabriolet 1.8 5 spd.
~__|__\__
[(O)__(O)]
1986 VW Cabriolet 1.8 5 spd.
~__|__\__
[(O)__(O)]
- gull
- Posts: 817
- Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2006 6:30 pm
- What year is your cabby?: 1989
- Do you own a Cabriolet?: Yes
- Location: Auburn, WA
- Contact:
Re: BAP 2009
There is something about them, isn't there? Boxers have a unique sound, maybe due to the unequal header lengths. At rallies I can always pick the Subarus out without looking, just from hearing the deep, throaty burble.bbrown wrote:But you can't beat the way those boxer engines sound.
I find it sort of fascinating how different engine configurations have different exhaust sounds.
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- Posts: 119
- Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:46 pm
- Do you own a Cabriolet?: Yes
- Location: White Bluff, TN
- Contact:
Re: BAP 2009
sixsracing wrote:Vanagons are cool. Even if they are old.
I already have had a westy vanagon as a lawn ornament for the past 4 years... probably be selling it now since the new vehicle can pull a small camper... was considering fixing it up with $ from selling the cabriolet but I think we might just pay off some credit with that.
Nick
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- Forum Niceguy
- Posts: 1102
- Joined: Mon Jan 19, 2004 3:14 pm
- What year is your cabby?: 1991
- Do you own a Cabriolet?: Yes
- Location: Bangor, Maine
Re: BAP 2009
When I sold my 91 Vanagon I asked L.i.M.B.O. to post it on their website. It sold in like three days for what I was asking. Don't kow whether they would do it for you but it wouldn't hurt to ask.
91 Cabriolet, red w/white
86 Cabriolet white/white (oldest daughter)
97 Golf, black (youngest daughter)
98 Beetle, red
94 Cabrio, dark green (oldest son)
Cogito Ergo Zoom
86 Cabriolet white/white (oldest daughter)
97 Golf, black (youngest daughter)
98 Beetle, red
94 Cabrio, dark green (oldest son)
Cogito Ergo Zoom
- gull
- Posts: 817
- Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2006 6:30 pm
- What year is your cabby?: 1989
- Do you own a Cabriolet?: Yes
- Location: Auburn, WA
- Contact:
Re: BAP 2009
Diesel or gas? If it's a diesel you might want to post it on the diesel-vanagon Yahoo group. Lots of people there who might be interested.vw_nick wrote:I already have had a westy vanagon as a lawn ornament for the past 4 years... probably be selling it now since the new vehicle can pull a small camper... was considering fixing it up with $ from selling the cabriolet but I think we might just pay off some credit with that.
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- Posts: 119
- Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:46 pm
- Do you own a Cabriolet?: Yes
- Location: White Bluff, TN
- Contact:
Re: BAP 2009
1.9 gas. if it was diesel it would be running and driving.
needs; engine swap or - complete rebuild including cyl. heads.. cylinders are fair though one has some pitting from rust. original fuel system operational condition unknown, fuel was varnished so likely needs injectors rebuilt at minimum, needs fuel pump & gas tank, brake lines replaced (old) brake calipers rebuilt, rear wheel cylinders rebuilt, master cylinder rebuilt, pop top canvas, pop top seals, sky-lite, cv joints should be repacked and boots replaced, front shifter ball assembly rebuilt, tires... though I do have some MB wheels & tires from a SUV for it.
needs; engine swap or - complete rebuild including cyl. heads.. cylinders are fair though one has some pitting from rust. original fuel system operational condition unknown, fuel was varnished so likely needs injectors rebuilt at minimum, needs fuel pump & gas tank, brake lines replaced (old) brake calipers rebuilt, rear wheel cylinders rebuilt, master cylinder rebuilt, pop top canvas, pop top seals, sky-lite, cv joints should be repacked and boots replaced, front shifter ball assembly rebuilt, tires... though I do have some MB wheels & tires from a SUV for it.
Nick