2005 Safari AWD new owner come tomorrow

[tequilasunset]

Current Vanagon freak getting the above mentioned van.

Clean Carfax
AWD
134K ODO
Rear AC/Heat
Tow package
Brand new tires,battery, intermittent wiper and blades.
Passenger PW reg replaced about 100K
Rides great
Going to convert to a camper...

Question... any know "Gotcha's" I should look at right away/replace/change/ etc...?

[Astrophysics]

Very nice van!

An easy, low cost improvement is to install Sylvania 914 LED replacement bulbs in the 4 map lights, and LED replacement festoon bulbs in the dome light sockets.

AP

[Astrophysics]

Another low cost upgrade is a gray or taupe colred carpet dash mat to protecpt dash and make easy place to store cell phone or gps mount or tray with velcro.

AP

[Astrophysics]

Camper conversion ideas

1. Remove rear bench seat and install sideways plywood bed shelf.

AP

[Captn. Crunch]

When the time comes-make sure you don't try to save a few bucks on your new fuel pump. The lower priced aftermarket ones will not last. They WILL let you down. AC Delco.

And more importantly... Nice van and welcome to the site. I think you'll like it here. EVERYBODY'S nice here.

[Herbie]

Congrats! I too am a Vanagon enthusiast. I'm one of those looking to replicate all the amenities of a Syncro Westy in a slightly more affordable and serviceable platform. Welcome to the fold!


To add on to what the Captain posted: Your fuel pump is the "big gotcha".

After 100k miles, you're on borrowed time. Don't make a habit of running the tank down to E (keeping the pump cool in a bath of fuel seems to help extend the life), and expect that it will need replacing at some point soon. Maybe a good idea to order the replacement now so you have it on hand. A spare pump and filter are just about the only spares (besides a tire) I feel compelled to bring on a road trip.

Next up is Transmission Cooler. Get one. There are several good threads in the Transmission section that give the exact part number you need for a good fit, along with excellent instructions. This is especially necessary if you plan to seriously work the transmission via towing, wheeling, or other slow driving that builds up extra heat.

After that, its just fluids. Unless you have a very detailed service history, it's probably a good idea to refresh Oil, Transfer Case, Transmission, and diff fluids. Coolant change too, but check your labeling and drain a bit of the existing fluid to ensure that it's correct before adding more. Your 2005 should have Dexcool (orange color). It's not better than normal green coolant, but you absolutely MUST NOT MIX green and orange coolant. Previous owner may have done a flush and changeover to green (unlikely, but possible), so make sure you know what's in there before you just throw coolant in.

[tequilasunset]

Thx Herbie... good times ahead

[Stroverlander]

Congrats on the new van! Looks like most of the stuff has been covered by the others so the only gotcha I see is you gotcha new van!

[tequilasunset]

Congrats on the new van! Looks like most of the stuff has been covered by the others so the only gotcha I see is you gotcha new van!

Ba dum tish...