Vanagon Reconditioning And Information

We are no longer recondition Vanagons cosmetically. We make sure the Vanagons we sell are mechanically sound, and that all camping equipment functions properly. Cosmetic repairs and reconditioning are at your discretion, and we can recommend shops that specialize in this service. Below is a list of some of the items we inspect and repair when necessary.  Scroll down for more information about Vanagon conversions and specs.
  1. Tire Wear Front
  2. Tire Wear Rear
  3. Engine Compression (Only if mileage justifies)
  4. All Camping Equipment
  5. CV/U Joints
  6. Front Shocks
  7. Rear Shocks
  8. Front Brakes
  9. Rear Brakes
  10. Hydraulic Lines
  11. Parking Brake
  12. Exhaust System
  13. Engine Oil
  14. Cabin Air Filter
  15. Air Filter
  16. Fuel Filter
  17. Drive Belts
  18. Radiator and Coolant
  19. Heater Hoses
  20. Battery and Cables
  21. Ignition System
  22. Wiper Blades
  23. Headlights
  24. Taillights
  25. Blinkers
  26. Heater
  27. Air Conditioning
  28. Restraint System
  29. Oil Leaks
  30. Transmission Leaks
  31. Windows Operation
  32. Mirrors Operation
  33. Door Locks
  34. Missing Interior or Exterior Parts
  35. Hazard Flashers
  36. Other Fluid Levels
About The Vanagon Camper (Syncro And Standard)
In size and configurations, the Vanagon stands apart from the pack. The models we carry were introduced in 1983 and are rear-engine, rear-drive vans. Our 1983-1991 Vanagon Campers feature a 1.9 liter (1983 - 1985) and a 2.1 liter (1986 - 1991) water-cooled horizontally opposed engine with Digifant electronic fuel injection and 90HP @ 4800RPM.  They feature a 4 speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission with an electronic ignition, dynamic oil pressure system, and a thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan.  The size of the Vanagon Camper engine limits its towing towing capacity, but if equipped with brakes, towing small trailers is not beyond its capability, and has a cargo capacity of nearly 100 cubic feet...even with the seats in!  Most of these versatile vans come standard with power windows, rear-blowing air conditioning, electronic locks, cruise control, cassette stereo, rear wiper/washer, and power mirrors.  Seating 4, the Vanagon Camper has a forward-facing center bench that converts into a 2-person bed. It also has a pop-up roof with 2-person bed, full-swiveling captain's chairs, window curtains, a second deep-cycle marine battery, a refrigerator, stove, sink, and much more! The Vanagon Camper is an excellent van for those looking for a bit more clearance for off-road excursions. Available in the 4WD Syncro model too!
  1. Sink, stove, 3-way refrigerator, and a storage cabinet.
  2. Top loading storage chests.
  3. Clothes/storage closet with hanger and mirror.
  4. Large storage space.
  5. Air conditioner and additional storage.
  6. Rear mattress.
  7. Rear bench seating for 3, and storage locker.
  8. Adjustable rear dinette table with swing arm.
  9. Adjustable front dinette table with swing arm.
About The Vanagon Weekender
In size, configurations, and convenience, the Vanagon Weekender stands apart from the pack. The models we carry were introduced in 1983 and are rear-engine, rear-drive vans. Our 1983-1991 Vanagon Weekenders feature a 1.9 liter (1983-1985) and a 2.1 liter (1986-1991) water-cooled horizontally opposed engine with Digifant electronic fuel injection and 90HP @ 4800RPM.  They feature a 4 speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission with an electronic ignition, dynamic oil pressure system, and a thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan.  The size of the Vanagon Weekender engine limits its towing capacity, but if equipped with brakes, towing small trailers is not beyond its capability especially since it does not have the additional weight of the Full Camper.  It also has an impressive cargo capacity of nearly 100 cubic feet!  Most of these versatile vans come standard with power windows, rear-blowing air conditioning, electronic locks, cruise control,cassette stereo, rear wiper/washer, and power mirrors.  Seating 7, the Vanagon Full Camper has a forward-facing center bench that converts into a 3-person bed, and 2 rear-facing seats that may be removed to increase cargo space. It also has a pop-up roof with 2-person bed, window curtains, an optional second deep-cycle marine battery, and much more! The Vanagon Weekender is an excellent van for those looking for a bit more clearance for off-road excursions and for use an everyday van that's still convenient for the occasional get-away.

Specifications on the 1983-1991 Vanagon
These specifications have been gathered from many sources, and to the best of our knowledge, they are correct.  Some specifications to not apply to all models, but they will give you an education on most of the standard features for all Vanagon models.  Please call if you don't find your answer here, and we'll get it for you.

Afraid of High Mileage?
It's not a problem.  Our pros here at Pop Top Heaven make sure all our Campers have been thoroughly cleaned, repaired, and all camping equipment inspected and repaired if necessary.  We've seen these engines go to 300,000 miles and more! We also perform tests for compression, transmission performance, etc.  If there's a problem, it's fixed or replaced before it's sold!

Common Features (Some Were Optional)Seating Comfort
  1. Two full-swiveling front captain seats with adjustable armrests (Full Camper Only)
  2. Three-person rear bench
Standing/Sleeping Room
  1. Pop-up roof raises to create up to 7' of floor-to-ceiling room
  2. Canvas side-walls with screened windows
  3. 74"x43"bed for two in the pop-up roof
  4. Rear bench unfolds in to a second 84"x43" bed
Storage Areas
  1. Wardrobe closet with sliding door access (Full Camper Only)
  2. 15 cu. ft. of enclosed cabinet space (including wardrobe) (Full Camper only)
  3. Storage under the rear bench
  4. Silverware drawer (Full Camper only)
  5. Roof-top luggage carrier with tie-down bars
Camping Supplies
  1. Front seats swivel 360 degrees (Full Camper only)
  2. AC/DC/LP gas refrigerator (2 cu. ft.) (Full Camper only)
  3. Two-burner LP gas stove with stainless steel splatter shield (Full Camper only)
  4. Stainless steel sink and counter top (Full Camper only)
  5. Dining/utility tables
  6. Auxiliary battery
  7. AC-to DC power converter with coach battery charger (Full Camper only)
  8. 110-volt access when plugged into campground power (Full Camper only)
  9. LED monitor panel for water tanks and coach battery (Full Camper only)
  10. Fluorescent lights over gallery and lower bed (Full Camper only)
  11. Room darkening, pleated curtains for side windows
  12. Privacy curtains for front cab and rear hatch windows
  13. Marine grade vinyl flooring rear of driver's cab
Storage Tanks
  1. 15.9-gallon gasoline tank
  2. 12-gallon fresh water tank (Full Camper only)
  3. 5.9-gallon LP gas tank (Full Camper only)
Automotive Equipment (some optional)
  1. Rear-blowing air conditioning
  2. Front and rear heating systems
  3. Power front windows
  4. Electric door locks (including side door and rear hatch)
  5. Cruise control
  6. AM/FM/Cassette stereo
  7. Beverage holders
  8. Interior lighting, front cab area and side entrance
  9. Power outside mirrors with electric defrost feature
Technical Information
  1. 1.9 liter water-cooled engine (1983-1985)
  2. 2.1 liter water-cooled engine (1986-1991)
  3. 3087lbs/4100lbs (Weekender/Full Camper)
  4. Digifant electronic fuel injection
  5. 4 speed manual transmission
  6. Rear wheel drive
  7. Electronic ignition
  8. Dynamic oil pressure system
  9. Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan2.5-liter, five-cylinder Broad Torque engine
         90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
         Towing capacity, maximum 2,400 lb. braked-trailer
  10. Rear-wheel drive
  11. Fully independent suspension, front and rear
  12. 4-speed automatic transmission or automatic transmission
  13. Power assisted brakes, 10.9" front solid disks, 9.9" rear drums
  14. Power assisted rack & pinion steering
  15. Steel belted radial tires, size 185/70 R14C
  16. 14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide
  17. Chrome hub caps
  18. Reinforced floor panels, B and C pillars
  19. Height-adjustable head restraints for each passenger
  20. LP gas and carbon monoxide detectors
  21. Fuel-tank capacity/EPA city mpg - 15.9 gallons
  22. 21mpg highway, 18mpg city
  23. Power steering
  24. Power brakes
Safety Features
  1. Three-point belts for front seats
  2. Height-adjustable head restraints for each passenger
  3. Side impact beams in front doors and sliding side door
  4. LP gas and Carbon Monoxide detectors (Full Camper only)
  5. Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protection on 110-volt outlets (Full Camper only)