NEW MOTOR 1987 Volkswagen Syncro with Westfalia Kitchenette 4WD

Description

I purchased this 4x4 synchro last year to use as a daily driver. I had it shipped from Washington State and the undercarriage is almost rust free. Unfortunately, when I was driving it home from the shipping facility it blew a seal and overheated. I brought it to a well respected VW repair shop and had him do extensive work, including a new motor, to make it a perfect daily driver.
Here is the list of big upgrades (all are new parts purchased from van-cafe.com):New upgraded rebuilt motor with 100 miles on it.Bosal exhaustAll new cooling systemGauge clusterSyncro Coolant Hose kitRadiator Pressurized Alum Reservoir Stainless SteelSyncro Coolant Pipe Kit Lower CenterRadiatorCooling Duct Fan SwitchThermostat - 80 degree (lower than stock) tempPush Rod Tube Protective CoversPump Pipe to Thermostat Housing HoseA lot more associated parts
If you know Syncros then you know that I have addressed all the big problem areas. This is a great opportunity to own a perfectly running Syncro ready for fun. I am selling because I put over $20K and 8 months into it and had to purchase another vehicle in the interim.
Here is the history from the previous seller:
This is a 4 speed and also has the extra low “granny” gear. I have owned this Syncro for about 15 years for the last 3 it has been mostly stored in my brother’s garage. I do take it out a few rimes a year and drive it to work and back and have the oil changed. This year I replaced the battery a few weeks ago. But I have now decided, regretfully to part with “The Big Ugly” as I call her.

Exterior- Paint is ok. Some is chipped and some is discolored. There is some seam rust and rust in a few other places. I provided pictures of sample rust areas but not all are pictured, Overall not too bad and most is fixable with replacement panels form GoWesty or Bus Depot.Had a somewhat minor collision in the driver’s front corner. Was on ice and going slow but did some damage.It is covered by the bra. I haven’t removed the bra in several years so there may be some rust under there.A few dings and minor dents. The worst spot is drivers side rear panel. Rear bumper is removed and tow hitch for bike racks etc. is welded in place. Works well and much better than the “bolt on” hitches. Racks up top stay on. Front rack in a basket type rack with a plywood base. I have sat up here at many national parks. It is very sturdy. Rear racks are standard Thule with one ski/snowboard rack. All lights up top work except 2. Usually just need a wiggle of the wire for the 2 to work. The 2 not working right now are the driver’s side area light and the passenger side rear facing. All the rest up top and in front all in working order and all on individual switches. Headlights, tail lights and turn signals all work. All 5 tires match and have been rotated regularly. Still lots of life left in them. All glass is intact. Front windshield has a few cracks.

Interior- Carpet is in ok shape. Front seats are not original and have seat covers. They have lots of adjustments and both spin to face the rear. Stereo is in place but the amp was stolen so as you see in the pictures I just put a spare amp I had on the floor and hooked it up. It stays with the van. Dash in ok shape with no major issues. Speakers up front all wired and work. One speaker in the rear is missing and the other is not wired.Ceiling mounted ac blows as a fan ONLY. AC is present but not working. Never has worked as long as I have owned the van but blower works good for air circulation. New battery under passenger seat. Battery under driver’s seat in unknown but working condition. Inverter mounted next to driver’s seat. I have removed the middle seat. I have installed a Westfalia kitchen unit. There is a small propane tank under the seat that fuels the stove and fridge. Yes the fridge works. Yes the stove works. Yes the sink works. The sink is piped to a 5 gallon water tank under the rear seat. A rv water pump delivers the water to the sink. The sink drains under the van. I have drapes on all windows and have drapes for the front side windows. I have a screen door for the rear and the side door. I have an accessory light wired above the stove for cooking. There is a small portable toiled next to the kitchenette and it stays with the van. It fits perfect and at night it fits between the two front seats.

Drivability- I know of no issues except 2 coolant hoses that need to be replaced. Should be able to drive pretty much anywhere once the water leak is fixed so I recommend shipping. There is a bypass pipe on the exhaust. I have no smog check so it’s not an issue and it runs great. Van has NEVER left me stranded. I have taken this van to countless national and State parks. I have once or twice lived in in for just over 3 weeks while touring. She is not pretty and she is not perfect. I should add that I have 2 jacks, a repair manual, an owner’s manual, and a spare computer (these run $500-$1000 if you can find them). I also have one or two (I have to look) spare “lockout” actuators. These will be included as well.The current lockout works as it should to lock the rear differential.