1983 Volkswagen Adventure Wagon

Condition: Used
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Bus/Vanagon
Trim: Adventure wagon
Year: 1983
Mileage: 291,000
VIN: WV2YA0256DH003518
Color: Green
Engine: Subaru 2.5
Drive type: Manual
Vehicle Title: Clear
Item location: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, United States
Extras

Listed by
Private seller
Enquire

Description of 1983 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Adventure wagon

1983 Adventure Wagon with 2.5 Subaru.
This is a exceptional van that runs and drives great. I have done a lot to it since I bought it in 2011, basically rebuilt it. Most recently I converted it from a diesel to a 1996 2.5 Subaru. The 2.5 was in a Legacy with about 98,000 when it was initially rebuilt by Phaeton Motorwerks of Durham, NC. It went into a van that was totaled about 30,000 miles later. Phaeton bought the motor back, rebuilt the heads again and sold it to me and eventually installed it for me into my Adventure Wagon. It now has about 35,000 miles on the bottom end, and about 5000 on the heads. It is a strong running engine. A small car adaptor kit was used with all new stainless exhaust etc. The transmission was rebuilt about 5000 miles ago with taller 3rd and 4th gears for improved highway performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission was rebuilt by Jeff Huber Transmissions of Troutman, NC.
It has zero rust.
The camper interior was built by a local custom cabinet maker. The detail is beautiful and I've never had, or seen, more storage in a vanagon, and I've owned quite a few of them... There are power outlets throughout the van for convenience. There are two, separately derived power systems that combine when fully charged. The source of the charge sets priority for which batteries charge first. The alternator on the engine prioritizes the starter battery. The solar cell and a 110 volt input prioritize the coach batteries.
The level of detail throughout the van is exceptional. I had a lot of very talented people help me with it.
I really hate to sell it, but changes in my life have led me to no longer using it to its full capacity. Plus, it only has seats belts for 2 people.
I have so much more money invested in it than what's listed at. I know that's the reality of building one of these...
Just looked back and realized the bed set up is not that clear... I'll add a photo this weekend. There is a board that stows behind the driver's seat that inserts between the sink cabinet and the 2 big drawers to convert that entire space to a bed. There is also a computer desk/additional countertop piece that also stows behind the driver. It clips onto the sink cabinet as well.
It's an amazing vehicle.
I will list approximate dates and mileage and what I've done to it below. I'm sure I'll forget something...
2011 - 2012, approx. 40,000 - 50,000 miles ago:
new shocks, ball joints, tie rod ends and various bushings.
After market in-dash a/c system
custom built maple cabinetry with marine latches. Sleeps two adults with lots of permanent storage
Recaro captain's seats
new interior door panels etc from Sew Fine Interiors
new headliner
new carpet in front with Go Westy heavy duty mats
New cabin flooring
led lighting throughout
Go Westy front and rear bumpers and brush guard
Go Westy 16 inch wheels
All new rubber seals for all windows, doors and adventure wagon top
top off, doors off, dash and interior out, professional paint job by Sussex County Customs, a local restoration shop
New seam seals
"Vantastic" powered roof vent with exhaust and inlet setting
solar panel, with charging controller, glass mat batteries and wiring
spacious dometic 3 fuel freezer/fridge
Shady Boy awning
Propex cabin heater
new propane lines
new 2 burner gas stove
13 gallon water bladder with filtering system and deep stainless sink
Kenwood stereo with iPod, cd player, bluetooth and remote
new shifter bushings
front and rear brakes
new windshield (has a small rock chip in it now, but no pitting)
Go Westy high output headlights
Go Westy powered passenger side window with switch in center of dash
steel raised rear deck with tool storage drawers
Go Westy accordion style curtains
Rear hatch mosquito screen
Windshield cover with side screens for camping
sound deadening and flash coat high-density foam insulation
limo tinted rear windows
2014 - new master brake cylinder
2015-2016,
Rebuilt transmission
new clutch
Subaru conversion from Small Car
Stainless exhaust and coolant lines
New a/c compressor
Complete wiring harness
Go Westy LED dash light kit
stainless coolant tubes
new side view mirrors
new heater core and blower motor
new windshield wiper motor
2017,
new tires
If anyone would like additional photos, please don't hesitate to ask.
There are a few minor chips in the paint from the road, and a few minor flaws with the interior, but overall the van is in excellent condition and ready to hit the road! I would not hesitate to go across the country tomorrow in it.
Thanks for looking!