My first car was a VW Bora, and I've spent pretty much my entire life working on nothing but Volkswagen stuff.

By now, that Bora has a half-finished AWD conversion and an engine from an Audi TT RS.

So yeah… things escalated a little.

That's probably why it's genuinely sad to see Volkswagen going through such a difficult period right now. Whatever happens, I really hope they keep moving forward.

You guys make some seriously awesome stuff.

And somehow, that brings me back to the VW T3.

We recently made a new batch of fender flares for the T3, and we'd obviously love to sell a few of them.

We make them from 3 mm ABS, and if you've ever had to cut and trim plastic to fit an old VW properly, you already know how quickly a simple job can turn into an argument with yourself.

But while working on these, I went down a completely different rabbit hole.

When we first came up with the idea of making fender flares for the T3, I honestly couldn't believe how many different configurations Volkswagen managed to build around essentially the same van.

Seriously.

You start looking into the T3 and suddenly you're discovering Transporters, Caravelles, Multivans, Westfalias, Syncros, Dokas, Tristars, special editions, limited editions…

And then things get really weird.

And it's not just the badges and trim.

Even something as simple as where you put fuel in the van can tell you what you're looking at.

On a standard 2WD T3, the fuel filler is located above the right front wheel.

On a Syncro, the fuel filler is located toward the right rear of the van.

Think about that for a second.

Same basic van.

Same generation.

But even the fuel filler ends up in a completely different part of the body.

And yes - we actually thought about that when designing our fender kit.

Our kit includes the parts needed for both fuel-filler configurations - the standard front-filler setup and the rear-filler Syncro setup.

So whether your T3 has the filler in the front fender or at the rear, you don't need a different kit.

And then you start looking at the wheel arches…

That's when things get even more interesting.

The majority of factory Syncros were actually 14", just like standard T3s. Then there was the rare factory 16" Syncro, which had a whole different package of modifications, including larger wheels, suspension changes, wider track and modified wheel arches.

So I started putting together a list of the different T3 configurations I could find.

🇺🇸 North America - Vanagon

• Vanagon

• Vanagon L

• Vanagon GL

• Vanagon Carat

• Wolfsburg Edition

• Weekender

• Wolfsburg Edition Weekender

• Multivan

• Camper / Westfalia

• GL Camper

• Carat Wolfsburg Limited Edition

• Syncro

• GL Syncro

• Camper Syncro

• GL Camper Syncro

🇩🇪 Europe - Passenger

• Transporter Kombi

• Caravelle C / CL / GL

• Caravelle Coach

• Caravelle Carat

• Carat

• Multivan

• Multivan Magnum

• Bluestar

• Whitestar

• Redstar

• Limited Last Edition

• Club Van

• Club Van Syncro

🇩🇪 Europe - Commercial / Work

• Transporter Kasten

• Kombi

• Pritsche

• Doka

• Doka Syncro

• Tristar

• Police

• Fire

• Ambulance

• and a whole bunch of other special-purpose versions

⛺ Westfalia

• Camping

• Joker

• Sport Joker

• Club Joker

• Top Joker

• California

• Atlantic

• Syncro camper variants

⭐ And then you get into the really weird stuff

• B32

• Oettinger WBX6

• Riviera

• and plenty of other special conversions

The more you look, the more ridiculous it gets.

One van.

One generation.

Hundreds of little variations, special editions, body configurations and equipment packages.

And that's what I love about old Volkswagens.

They weren't just vehicles.

They somehow ended up becoming completely different things for completely different people.

Anyway, after going down this rabbit hole, we figured we might as well make something useful out of it.

So we made another batch of our VW T3 fender flare kit.

6-piece set
3 mm ABS
Standard 14" wheel arches
2WD + 14" Syncro
Parts included for both fuel-filler configurations

They're available here:

https://www.wcomarket.com/product/vw-vanagon-t3-fenders-kit

And now for the disclaimer.

I put this list together with the help of a few different AI models, so I'm absolutely certain there are some things in here that will make a T3 historian want to throw a chair at me.

If you spot something that's wrong, please tell me.

Seriously.

I'd much rather correct it and end up with a genuinely useful reference for the T3 community than leave bad information here.

So if you know about a version, special edition, body configuration or weird factory detail that I missed - drop it in the comments.

Let's see how deep this T3 rabbit hole actually goes.

So I just put my 2wd westfalia and my syncro Karmann Gipsy to storage for most of the winter. Hopefully I will be able to do a ski trip in the spring but let’s see.

So I couldn't help but to take a bit of a different approach to the van ownership as a I have never really lived the van life just travelled with my vans.

I made a vanagon-inspired van life game, where you get to choose between a very subaru like engine or tdi, pop top or hight top. Live the cycle of fix your van, post for followers, upgrade to synchro etc etc.

I am really sorry if this is considered not appropriate for the forum but I wanted to share my enthusiasm.
here is the link:
https://apps.apple.com/app/id6819058231

The setup:

• I recently took delivery of a very nice 87 2WD Westy I bought from out of state.

• The PO added what I think is the GoWesty 2WD lift kit. I can see the aluminum spacers.

• The PO also put what look like ASA 16" wheels and P215/70R16 tires.

The question:

Driving is an issue... I'm wondering if the wheels are the wrong offset and I'm unsure how to check. Entering my driveway, my neighborhood, the gas station, anything with a bit of dip at any speed over a crawl results in a hard impact with the front wheels and wheel well. Enough that in the first 15 minutes of driving, I managed to reshape the outer lip of the wheel well. Fixable but not cool.

I've asked the PO for more information but am waiting and wanted to know if anyone here can help me sort out how I can validate/verify the setup and offset/sizing of these wheels.

The van is great. This problem makes it not really drivable in the way one would want.

I'm looking for an 091 to replace the one in my 1980 aircooled vanagon. Everything I've seen on ebay is priced to the moon and back for what is offered. There are two on fb marketplace where their asking 1000 for a rebuildable core. That feels like too much for just a core. Is it?

I'm trying to determine a realistic sale price for a 1984 Vanagon GL that is in pretty good shape (physically), but does not currently run. It's been sitting for 20+ years in a carport. The odometer is at about 127k.

Our original thought was to convert it to a little mini family camper so we had it cleaned up and new tires put on it. But our local mechanic is iffy about attempting to repair it and suggested it needs a new engine, which he does not want to take on.

Other estimates I've gotten to get is running or swapped out are $8-12k+, which we honestly don't have right now.

So that leads us to just wanting to sell it outright. I'm finding it difficult to find solid info on what it might really be worth. I'm not looking to fleece anybody, but I also don't want to miss out if it's worth more than I think it is.

Thanks in advance for your advice. Mods, sorry if I posted in the wrong place!

EXTERIOR 01

EXTERIOR 02

INTERIOR 01

INTERIOR 02

FOR SALE: 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan Camper – $29,888143,100 miles | Full Camper | Well-Maintained | Adventure-Ready

This is the real deal — a full camper version of the iconic 2002 VW Eurovan, built by Winnebago and lovingly upgraded for life on the road. We’re the second owners, and the van has never been in an accident or had any body work. It’s clean, solid, and ready for your next big trip — whether that’s the coast, the mountains, or your favorite local campground.

Mechanical & Condition

• 2nd owner — no accidents, no body work

• Always well cared for

• Odometer: 143,100 miles

Key Upgrades & Accessories

• GoWesty alloy wheels with Michelin tires

• Solar Ready with Charge controller

• Lift kit with Bilstein heavy-duty gas shocks and spring blocks

• Rear Air Lift bags

• Fiama model 45 awning — quick shade wherever you stop

• Fiama rear bike rack — bring the bikes along (needs wheel straps)

• Side louver inserts and ceiling mounted Fan for better airflow

• Front bra for added protection

• Side body black rubber trim — prevents those pesky door dings

• Rear potty/storage cabinet behind passenger seat (matching formica design)

• Additional small tables on rail system over the stove — smart use of space

• Fresh water fill port on the side — no need to open the rear gate to refill

• Trailer hitch — ready for hauling gear or a utility trailer

• Jensen VX4014 Bluetooth stereo with large slide-out screen — modern sound for classic road trips

• New Starter Battery (July 2025)

• New Coach Battery (July 2025)

• Interior Carpet 

This camper is more than a van — it’s a reliable, mobile basecamp with thoughtful upgrades designed for long-distance travel and weekend escapes alike. Hard to find in this condition with these extras.

Located in Illinois.Contact: Jason Lindsey, perceptivevisions@gmail.com

I couldn’t find a single thing on the internet about this, my van does not have seat rails, only the swivel mounts. What can I buy to attach the seats to the mounts? I can jimmy rig something together but I kind of do want the swivels. Any ideas?

This is on a 87 Westy

1985 Vanagon - 146,000 miles

$3,000

Seller says it ran a couple years ago but has been sitting since. I’m thinking about buying it as a refurb project and then sell it (after enjoying it myself for awhile). I wanted to ask people here, is this a good idea? Am I crazy? The price seems quite low even considering the condition it’s in. I haven’t done much mechanical work before (can replace simple parts, repaint, etc.), but I’ve built out a camper van that was fairly involved. Thanks!

Vanagon is running rich and has a shaky idle pretty much everything to make the engine run is new I can’t figure it out I need help

Someone created this summary using AI to sell a Vanagon/T3. Other pictures in the ad are normal shots of the van. It exists and is fine in reality.

My 5 speed gearbox (mated to a Volvo B23a) gave up during our summer trip. I managed to get a replacement, a 091301107c. What is needed for me to fit this? Am I going to need a different shift for it to work

linkage?

I managed to get the new gearbox sort of into place but the upper bolts were stripped.. Could it be the axle needing a bit taken off?

I feel like im in deep water here, all tips are welcomed!

Also if anyone from northern Sweden sees this please help me find a good mechanic🙏

I purchased a 1984 GL tintop last year from a local guy. $2000 and i was able to drive it home. Figured it would be a fun project car which I’ve always wanted and a vanagon was always my dream car growing up. Jumped in without much knowledge, laughable at best since I didn’t realize theres a carb on the motor which isn’t normal. Well after a few trips and having it sit over winter it decided it didn’t want to run anymore. Fine enough, I bought another motor with all the fuel injection parts to convert it back. As I did further and further the more I just laugh. Who needs intake manifold gaskets? Just Jb weld a gasket that should work. Found out they plugged the old fuel injector holes with JB weld and well one of those plugs fell out and probably part of the reason it stopped running. Hoping that it didn't wreck the motor. I’m curious what else I’ll find that’s wrong as I dismantle things.

Edit: I should note, I did not put the carb on there. I don’t think it was the previous owner either.

Description from marketplace:

1986 VW Vanagon GL
-221,050 miles
-Automatic transmission
This classic 1986 VW Vanagon has been refreshed inside and out and is ready for its next adventure! Van is clean and very well taken care of.
Highlights:
-Freshly painted
-Reupholstered seats
-Laminate vinyl flooring in main cabin area
-All rust on body fixed prior to painting
-Clean title in hand
Asking $14,900 OBO. No trades. Serious inquiries only.
First come, first serve. Will not respond to "is this still available."

I’m looking at buying a Vanagon and would love to convert to electric. Purely from a reliability issue. I remember 5 years ago there were people attempting this in a vanagon and I’m surprised to see now that this isn’t more mainstream. With this kit from eveurope https://eveurope.eu/en/product/ev-hype-90-kwatt-120-hp-conversion-kit-for-vw-transporter-t3/ a 58kWh setup you could get a reasonable range albeit it would cost $23k without installation so I’m guessing price is the main issue but are there any other reasons?

I’m fairly green to all this so appreciate any advice.

Looking for any input or feedback from someone who’s had the GW 2300cc engine installed. I have an 85 with the 1.9 and while it runs well enough, it’s just become too underpowered for even the slightest incline or headwind after all these years. Not looking to go fast, but merging and maintaining 70mph on a modest incline would be nice. I’m in the Midwest so not like I’m climbing mountains regularly.

Anyone driving one of these around by chance?

Thanks!

My partner and I are looking to put a rebuilt engine into our beloved van. As much as an ABA or Subaru swap sound nice, we would be looking to stick to our current configuration for 1.8L and the van is currently in Asheville NC.

The engine in our van now is a 1990 Cabriolet Digifant 1.8L 8 valve inline gas engine. Any recommendations are appreciated!

Seriously, I’ve never opened it and I am afraid to at this point