HoodRiverLaytons
New member
TL : DR
- 1982 Vanagon Westfalia
- VIN VIN:WV2ZA0256CH047604
- Mileage: ~166,000
- 1990 Subaru EJ-22 Motor (133 HP, 137ft. Lbs. of torque)
- 2020 SubaruGears 5-speed transaxle with Limited Slip Differential
- Suspension improvements, all wear items upgraded (shocks, springs, bushings, ball joints, bearings, brakes, etc.)
- Rocky Mountain Westy swing away tire carrier, ladder, and high clearance hitch.
- Jack Bombay pop top assist struts
- ARB awning
- New synthetic canvas pop top tent with 3 opening windows and screens
- New propane tank
- TruckFridge TF49
- LED interior lights throughout
- New water pump, inline filter, sureflo faucet
- 100w solar mounted on luggage rack, input for additional 100w panel in place of city water connection
- Many more: see below for complete list.
We bought Dan in 2014. We are the third owners. It has lived in Oregon since new. At some point prior to our ownership, Dan underwent a Subaru conversion using the Kennedy Engineering kit. Otherwise Dan was stock when we got him. Our then two-year-old son couldn’t make the “v” sound but did want to ride in the van, and so Dan got his name. He’s been part of the family since, and has taken us on many summer road trips and mountain biking experiences.
We have slowly modified Dan with the goals of making him more comfortable getting to and camping off-grid. We wanted to be able to use all of the van’s amenities anytime, anywhere without too much thought given to keeping the battery charged. We’ve pretty much achieved this. Only the size of the water tank and our eventual desire to shower returns us to civilization.
Mechanically, Dan has a full Subaru drivetrain. A dual port EJ22 engine, which has been completely reliable during our ownership. Two years ago we upgraded the transmission to a Subaru 5-speed with a Limited Slip Differential. The suspension system has been completely rebuilt and upgraded. The combination of these upgraded systems completely transforms the driving experience. While still no sports car, Dan is sure-footed and confidence-inspiring whether off-road, in the snow, or on the highway. Braking is solid, and steering is tight (in the best way).
In terms of camping, the upgraded fridge, lights, and solar system mean that we can leave the fridge on from March though September without worry of running low on battery power. The upgraded water pump, plumbing, 5 micron filter, and sureflo faucet ensure clean water. The wiring is new, and the original water level meter still works. The propane tank was replaced with new, and a smoke/CO2 combo detector is installed inside: cooking is a cinch! A new synthetic canvas tent and clean comfortable mattresses lend themselves to comfortable sleep. This Westy actually delivers on the van life dreams! (And, as a regular attendee of Descend on Bend and NW Mogfest, it’s “been there, done that.”)
We have extensive and regular supporting documentation for all of these upgrades as well as regular maintenance. Dan has never broken down or left us stranded during our 8 years of ownership.
The Long List of Upgrades:
Drivetrain:
- 1990 Dual Port Subaru EJ22 Engine
- 5 speed Subaru transmission, built by SubiWorks using Subaru Gears 4.11:1 reversed ring and pinion set, Subaru Gears LSD.
- Dave Clymer’s “5SpeedBus” Linkage
- Axles built using factory Automatic axles and Lobro 944 CV joints
- Brakes: Zimmerman drums rear, factory disks and pads in front
- All bushings upgraded to Powerflex polyurethane (including transmission bushing)
- Ball joints replaced with Moog
- Both front and rear wheel bearings have been replaced.
- All replacement hardware using 12.9 grade (wheel studs, CV bolts, shock bolts, etc.)
- GoWesty progressive 1.5” lift springs
- GoWesty “Extra HD” Bilstein shocks
- 5x GoWesty 16x7 wheels
- 5x BFGoodrich 215/65R16, All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Steering rack rebuilt using Whiteline bushings
- GoWesty LPG Tank With Regulator
- Hella H4 ECE (e-code) Halogen Headlamps and bulbs
- Replaced wiper shafts (a dash out job), wiper arms. Installed dual port washer nozzles (and all tubing back to reservoir)
- Rocky Mountain Westy ladder, swing-away tire carrier and hidden hitch
- “Jack Bombay” poptop assist struts
- Suaoki 100W flexible solar panel installed on heavy-duty, stainless piano hinge above luggage area
- GoWesty replacement hookup boxes (110v shore power, Water fill, solar)
- ARB 2500 awning, GoWesty awning mounting brackets, anti-theft security nuts
- Front windshield replaced, New rearview mirror (due to rock damage, not due to accident)
- TruckFridge TF49 compressor refrigerator
- Stock fridge door relocated to closet cabinet for easier access. Adjustable shelving installed in closet
- Lloyds Mats 4 piece set
- GoWesty Carpeted dash cover
- Custom made 3mm Baltic Birch interior paneling throughout.
- Custom black walnut rear swing out table
- Fatmat accoustic mats over rear engine compartment, firewall
- Thinsulate 600 series Acoustic Insulation added behind paneling throughout
- Pioneer MVH-X380BT Digital Media Receiver, replacement antennae
- Kenwood 6.5” speakers front, 6x9” rear, and 3.5” speakers in “headbanger cabinet”
- GoWesty Replacement Kit for Printed Circuit Foil, lights upgraded to LED
- Additional gauges: Engine oil temp, Chassis battery voltage, Oil Pressure
- Interior lights upgraded to LED. 5 for rear camping area, LED replacement bulb
- Victron BlueSolar 75/15 MPPT Charge Controller, Victron VE.Direct Bluetooth Dongle
- Noco Genius Gen 2 Mini 2 Bank 8A Charger connected to both Aux and Starter batteries
- GoWesty Auxiliary Battery Install Kit
- Duracell Group 27 AGM battery for house battery
- Blueseas battery voltage meter installed in kitchen
- GoWesty Window Insulation Kit
- Original snap-in screens for Rear Hatch, Slider, and Front windows.
- Original cloth privacy curtains for all windows.
- Thule Crossbars
- Lloyd’s Mats (4pc set)
- Spares and parts:
- Fuel filter, fuel pump
- CV joint
- Accelerator cable
- Bently Manual
More Photos Here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GzDNi99Yv6nqhhjj8
The van is located in Hood River, Oregon
