new syncro "maybe"

[77westy]

Hey all
While I am saving and waiting to put a new engine in my 77 westfalia so I can get back in the game. (It will be here in the spring, new engine and all ready to camp).

Sorry I got side tracked....

My nephew's girlfriends dad (yeah sounds corny doesn't it) has a syncro that has been parked next to his garage for some time. I finally called him yesterday.
His buddy did a vr6 conversion on a different van last year and was interested in this one.

It has rebuilt heads and the head gaskets replaced. Doesn't leak and has new exhaust. Only problem is when it is started up it rattles like something is loose inside.

Well after a little talk I found out his freind has lost all interest and this van has to go:-)
He is going to call me back this week and let me know what is up. To make my long story short.
I may have a FREE syncro before x-mas. :-) :-)
I may need a decent longblock to put in, while I do a rebuild on the current engine, to get me through the winter.

Does anyone have a decent used longblock watercooled engine for sale at a good price?
Let me know if you can help out.

If I get this bus and can get it running Daphne and I will be at the bus brrrr this year:-0

see ya all soon.

jon

[77westy]

Well!!!
Talked to the owner last night.
The syncro is mine ;D
He needs it out of his side yard and want to "pass it on". He just wants to get rid of it!!
It is an 86 syncro gl w/air.
Blue gray paint with gray interior.
Rear 3 seat bench with 2 seater middle.
The body is about 7 out of 10
the interior 8 out of 10 when cleaned up.
The only thing I am still waiting on is his friend who had an interest earlier in the "decade".
He may still want the transaxle :-(
If this is the case, can I put a 2wd trans in for now???
I do not want to pass this up but if I have one more non running VW Lisa is going to make me sleep in the bus...all winter.
I just wanna get it and get it running over xmas break.
Wish me luck!!!

see ya on the road

jon

[77westy]

IT"S COMING SATURDAY!!!!
The 86 syncro is arriving at my house this saturday
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to me.
The only down side is the owners friend is taking the transaxles
SO
I am looking for a tranny to put in. I have talked with a friend in town and I think I can put in a 2wd tranny for now. Let me know if I am wrong.
call me if you know of or have one laying around I can purchase.

Wish me luck
Jon
p.s. don't tell Lisa, she doesn't know yet

[77westy]

Well......
The syncro is in MY garage (with 2 inches to spare). I cleaned it up and it looks pretty nice. A few minor rust spots but nothing major.
As for Lisa....
She reluctantly came out after I had it cleaned up and ;D
"I remember this bus (talking of our 86 vanagon, our first together vehicle after we got married). It is in better shape than the old one. Can you get it running without spending a fortune? If you do can Holden (our son who turns 16 on Jan 7th) drive the bug? I guess you can keep it!"
I WIN !!!!!!!!
Now to sweet talk the guy who wants the transaxle for a "spare" to let me keep the tranny and put in a new to me engine next week.
Wish me luck on part 2 of this journey.
I will put up some pics and details as I go along. My goal is to get it running before I have to go back to school on the 8th.
keep on bussin'
jon