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Unfortunately, I have to say goodbye to my beloved 1982 Volkswagen Diesel Vanagon Westfalia camper. I'm returning to grad school and need a city driver instead. But my loss can be your gain! When I bought her in Florida a year and half ago, I became the third owner. Since then, I've driven from coast to coast. Along the way I've put a lot of work into it, both professionally and personally.

The engine is the original 1.6L Diesel with 48 horsepower, which runs well and as intended. It could easily and inexpensively be set-up for a biodiesel conversion. It could also easily be converted to a turbo with one of the plentiful VW 1.9L engines that would drop right into place. Currently the vehicle averages 25 mpg and tops out at 60-65 mph. In my experience, by avoiding the interstate, one can ride comfortably, affordably, and travel through country that is seldom seen. On your weekend get-a-way, the journey becomes a part of the destination.

One of the photos (easier to appreciate in person) details all the work I had done by a vintage Volkswagen specialist in Phoenix. Here is a semi-complete list of repairs/replacements since I acquired the van:

Radiator, Starter, Alternator, Battery, Muffler, Timing Belt, Water Pump, Glow Plugs, Belts, Relays, Thermostat, Shocks, Clutch Slave Cylinder, Wheel Cylinder, Heater Blower, Poptop Seal, LED Dash Lights, Speaker, 12V Charger, Shift Bushings, Lines/Hoses.

Considering its age, I think the van is in very good shape. I focused primarily on mechanical issues in my repairs, and the van runs well today as a result.

There are a few cosmetic issues that remain. There are small superficial spots of rust scattered over the body. In the center of the front bumper is the only significant rust that goes through (pictured). Never could understand why that one spot was so vulnerable. One portion of a cabinet was cut out by a previous owner. It's missing one of the L-bars for one of the tables, and a cover that connects the heater to the floor vents (pictured). The front top grille needs to be replaced. The canvas for the pop-top has a couple of small tears. The original top bed has been replaced with a cushion set-up that works nicely. I believe those are all of the flaws. Overall, she's a beaut. Even has the ice cube trays and working original radio/tape player! The mileage is approximate because it's a replacement odometer. But the previous owner had the decency to write the mileage from the original on the back of the current (both pictured).

Included with your purchase is the Bentley Repair Manual and an assortment of original manuals (pictured). In an attempt to be as transparent as possible, I've included the CARFAX report. If you have any questions, please email me. You can also call or text me at (979)5ive fore nine - six six zeer0 seven

Auto blog

Volkswagen planning Up! hybrid model using XL1 powertrain

Sun, 24 Feb 2013

Even though we've finally gotten a look at the production version of the 261-mile per gallon Volkswagen XL1, this aero-shaped two-seater was never intended for high-volume sales. Fortunately, it sounds like the same isn't true for the car's diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, which, according to a report from AutoCar, could make its way under the hood of another Volkswagen model: the Up! minicar (shown above).
A potential Up! Hybrid would likely be able to return some of the same impressive fuel economy numbers as the XL1, but it would be a more realistic car with more passenger space and greater production capacity. The hand-built XL1 will use a 47-horsepower, two-cylinder TDI engine paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the 27-hp electric motor and lithium-ion battery helps deliver an all-electric driving range of 31 miles.
One of the core pillars of the XL1's design is its lightweight construction with a 1752-pound curb weight, which makes the Up! a perfect recipient for using this powertrain since it weighs just 300 pounds more. The report says that the Up! Hybrid is still in the developmental phase, so a production version isn't expected for at least another 18 months.

VW expanding in Chattanooga, hiring workers ahead of SUV production

Sat, Feb 28 2015

Hey, look! We're writing about Volkswagen's Chattanooga, TN factory and the focus isn't on yet another unionization effort. That's because the big news at the still-new factory is VW's plan to expand and increase its workforce in preparation for the arrival of the German brand's long-awaited midsize crossover. The expansion, which will add over half a million square feet of factory space, overhaul the assembly, body and paint shop and add 2,000 employees to the factory's ranks, officially kicked off last month. "This is a very exciting time in the history of Volkswagen Chattanooga," president and CEO of operations at the plant, Christian Koch, said in a statement. "A lot of hard work is going into adding this second vehicle line to the plant, but it is crucial to our efforts to move forward in America." "Not only will Volkswagen's expansion create thousands of new jobs, it will strengthen their roots in our city," Chattanooga's Mayor, Andy Berke, said in a statement. "From the construction at the plant to the development of a visitors center, there is no doubt that Volkswagen is invested in Chattanooga." VW Chattanooga has been a constant in the headlines over the past few years as pro-union and pro-business interests have battled over the souls representation rights of its roughly 1,500 workers. Just over a year ago, the UAW was defeated in its initial unionization bid, although pro-labor interests have not gone quietly into the night. Construction is expected to continue for two years, with production of Chattanooga's second vehicle expected to commence in 2016. Scroll down for the official press release from Volkswagen. VOLKSWAGEN CHATTANOOGA'S PLANT EXPANSION UNDERWAY Feb 24, 2015 Construction Will Add 2nd Vehicle Line: New Midsize SUV CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Feb. 24, 2015) - Construction is underway at the Volkswagen Chattanooga manufacturing facility in preparation for production of an all new Midsize SUV. The first phase of construction started in early January 2015 and will continue for the next two years. Volkswagen Chattanooga CEO and President Christian Koch gave a site tour to Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger on Tuesday, highlighting the necessary expansion of the production areas in the body shop, paint shop and assembly areas.

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #366 LIVE!

Mon, 27 Jan 2014

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #366 tonight, and you can check out the topics below, drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module, and don't forget to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so. To take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #366
2015 Lincoln Navigator

1982 Volkswagen Diesel Vanagon Westfalia Vw Van Bus Campmobile on 2040-cars

Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon for Sale

Auto blog

Volkswagen planning Up! hybrid model using XL1 powertrain

VW expanding in Chattanooga, hiring workers ahead of SUV production

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #366 LIVE!