1986 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

If you're looking for a Vanagon, it will help if you are mechanically inclined. I would recommend the Bentley Shop manual and a set of Craftsman Metric Tools. Also, depending on what you're going to use it for or how long you want to keep it, remember that after 1985 (Beginning with 1986 model, some of the mechanical parts in the front steering assembly came with cast iron parts instead of 1/4 inch bent steel plates. This means that the 1986-1991 models will be more likely to last a much longer time, and need less alignments and are just overall more durable. If you are an motor head, or want to pay some one to replace it, the following engines can go into the Vanagon with a modification kit and about 100 hours of work: a Subaru legacy engine, a V-8 from a Porsche 928, and I've hear(but not seen) a Chevy small block.

The reason why I mention this is, is because the flat four that is water cooled in these late model Vanagons need constant attention. Like a pet or an Orchid. The coolant needs to be monitored and bled on a weekly basis, minor adjustments are a constant. And customizations can be very cool, but go on for an eternity. Still, if you like to tinker and want a cool vehicle that will last as long as you treat it well, you just can't beat it. farfegnugen