1985 VW WESTFALIA VAN CAMPER READY TO GO TURN THE KEY AND CROSS THE COUNTRY
1985 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Description
Strong running Westy. I am second owner. 32 years with no smokers or pets. Looks and drives 100 percent. Driven an average 200 miles per day during fair weather months for last four years. Wintered under cover in Louisiana. Has never been exposed to a salt state winter road.
All the heavy, and expensive, work has been done for you.
Steering rack replaced and front end overhaul. No loose wandering steering. Runs straight and true, 70 mph no shakes wobbles
Half-shafts and rear wheel bearings.
GoWesty's best, heavy canvas with 3 screened windows, four years old.
GoWesty acrylic skylight cover. No leaks.
GoWesty hatch-lift struts.
Has had engine replaced, but I do not know at what mileage. I bought her at 164000 miles and this engine was installed some time before that. I checked compression 3 years running ... 150 psi plus or minus 2. Oil consumption is less than a quart in 3500 miles, my change interval.
Nothing leaks in and nothing leaks out.
Interior is in excellent, mostly original condition with no tears or stains. I had the drivers seat rebuilt and upholstered with over-the-road truck quality material to match the original. Even so I always keep the seats covered.
Hankook 6-ply, 8-ply rating tires have probably 5 to 10 thousand miles left. In my (maybe not so humble) opinion these are the best performing tires to run on standard VW wheels. I have had no problems with them.
Has separate coach batteries so camper lights and equipment will not drain main battery.
AC blows cold. But be warned, the best Westfalia AC is not over powering...plus its noisy.
Downsides: Radio is junk (read NOT WORKING) and dash is sun cracked (see second last photo) as most are on units this old, some pitting on bumpers. Rear bumper is dinged, but not seriously.
A word about mileage. I have kept track of every drop of gas for this Westy since 164000 miles. Overall mileage is between 19 and 20 miles per gallon. People will say this is not possible, but I have actual numbers. If you run it over 65, of course this will drop some but my travel style has been ( and is ) to stay off the interstates. On the interstates I drive 62 to 65 as a rule. BUT ... I have run it 70 and up on occasion and I know the mileage drops off a bit.
Our travels, just this year have taken us counter-clockwise around the US from Louisiana to Pennsylvania then zig-zag west to California covering at least 19 states. Most of the time we stay out in the National Forests or otherwise in the boondocs, beautiful places. I cannot help repeating that you can start this Westy and "Take off"!!!
Any thing else, I'll be glad to tell you. If you want to listen to it run, contact me and I'll text you a short video. I can do a Facetime walk around if you are on apple platform and if I am not out in the boonies.
We are currently in Los Angeles, but I can work with the successful bidder on delivery.
Also, feel free to have a mechanic or "we go see" inspection before you bid, I have absolutely nothing to hide.
Disclaimer: If you are in the market for a Westfalia camper you already know it will need to be maintained. If you need more, let me know. This one is in good condition because I have maintained it. It has gotten what it has needed when it needed it. Nonetheless it is a 32 year old classic.
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