88 VW Vanagon GL Westfalia just fully restored to perfection, GoWesty 2.3 motor

1988 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon GL

1988 VW Vanagon Westfalia GL, 96,400 original miles, 4 speed manual, power mirrors, power steering, power brakes.Clean California title, no prior accidents, clean CARFAX, zero rust.Hello and please excuse the long description and extensive list of items that I will get into below as I feel that it is necessary to delve into.
Click or copy and paste to YouTube video of my restored Westy:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7kTujiE5B0&feature=youtu.be
Click or copy and paste for over 200 pictures:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QAJ6zbDP88y0_BdcwoCJlnyf04s8I_aq

I purchased this Westy back in 2016 from the 2nd owner from Santa Barbar, California with 96,089 miles on it and drove it home to Morro Bay. I never bothered to register it since I was not planning on using it . It went straight into storage until summer of 2022 when I decided to put it through a total restoration.Carfax shows that it was purchased by second owner from Carpenteria and went to Oregon from 2001 to 2010 and moved back to Santa Barbara until 2016. When I purchased the west, the owner lost his Oregon title and had another Oregon title issued to me back in April of 2016. Confusing but it is now under my name with a California title. All DMV fees paid etc and it passed strict California smog with super clean results on 07/19/202, new registration expires 06/2024 and is fully insured.
I have done over 10 full VW Westfalia restorations in the past 15 years . They are all my personal vehicles that I have purchased to restore as a hobby. Some needed more extensive work than others, but this one is such a desirable model yea, was in very good conditio, rare low mileage, and it just deserve a full restoration.
I am looking for 1 new proud owner who will appreciate all the attention to details as I have given to this fully restored to perfection Westy.
Below is a list of things that have been done to it and total restoration was just completed July of 2023. Get ready
Before the restoration proces, the entire van chassis was pressure washed or hand scrubbed to rid of all dirt, grime, grease etc. I prefer to work on clean vehicles.
The paint was all origina, Titan Red which was oxidized. Zero accidents and a few dents from door dings and whatnot around the body, all remedied by my auto body shop.
This is an all windows out, all doors off ( both front driver door, slider door, rear hatch) stripped to the bare shell, all trim, pop top, luggage rack, lights, door seals, rear license plat, slider door cover, even all 4 body drainage plugs, entire dash boar, interior removed restoration. All body seams cleaned out and reseale, it was a Mega job.
Altogether I spent over $21,000 in just the paint restoration. Receipt included with the sale of my Westy.
Pop top stripped off all nuts and bolt, seals, skylight and all of its mechanisms, both rear hinges to the bare shell. The entire inside headliner was cleaned, repainted. All brand new skylight, seals, Skylight cover and knob color matched with original gre, new flex arm, new nuts and bolts, body color matched bolts, it's all in the details for me. Brand new OEM German pop top seal. Both rear hinges has been repainted silver.
Brand new cotton 3 window pop top tent sourced from GoWesty. I prefer the cotton model since originally these Westy came with cotton, they lasted for over 30 years, they fit better and they breathe better than the Acrylic made ones. Did you noticed in the pictures how nice it fit, nice and taught when fully opened.
Luggage rack stripped also and repainted with brand new stainless steel tie downs and stainless steel nuts and bolts. I also installed stainless steel mesh over all the luggage rack drainage holes to prevent future larger debris that tends to accumulate under it and a new OEM German seal.
The van spent over 6 months at the paint shop and he has done all my paint restorations in the past and understands how picky I am. All doors(both front doors, slider door, rear hatch) were prepped and painted inside and out, no over spray and no missed painted areas are seen especially at all door jambs. Primed, sealer and then base coat and clear coated. As previously mentioned all body seams were cleaned out and resealed super important.
The entire van was painted with all doors off, the entire rear cargo area and rear seat storage, area was repainted. I made sure all the slider door sliding areas were super clean and repainted. This area gets lots of dirt and debris over the years.
Slider door, and the rear hatch (inside of the doors) bottom drain areas also were super cleaned and prepped prior to paint, this area also gets dirty over the years.
Front and rear fiberglass original bumpers and both front door skirts were fully prepped and repainted to perfection. All hardware sandblasted and refinished.
Same attention given to both power mirrors, stripped off all parts for a complete base coat/clear coat inside and out. New stainless screws and anti seize to threads as well. Blind spot mirrors added to both mirrors for safety????.
Rear license plate housing was also stripped and sent out to sandblasting and repainted, that's why it looks like new. New screws and anti seized applied to threads.
The Westy was repainted in its original color, Titan Red metalli, 2 stage paint job, base coat and clear coat . I am pretty sure looks better now that it did new from the showroom floor. I made sure the entire( including all the bumpers, pop top, luggage cargo tray) repaint had 3 coats of clear, typical is 2 coats of clear. The paint shop also color sanded and buffed out the entire van to perfection.
If you see all the pictures and videos that I have included, I also included all the areas that most will never see has been painted like it came from the factory. It's all in the details for me, door jambs, slider door jambs and slider track areas, inside of slider door drains and rear hatch drains etc...
All door handles was repainted, new seals throughout
New washer fluid nozzles, main washer nozzle tank removed and cleaned, new windshield washer motor. All 3 wiper arms repainted New windshield and rear wiper blades . New Rain-X winshield washer fluid.
The engine is a GoWesty 2.3 liter motor , built on 02/2023 with approximately 200 miles on it now, brand new AMC heads, new Hepu water pump, new lifter, new thermostat housing, new thermostat, GoWesty high volume oil pump, rebuilt to spec fuel injectors, new distributor, new Bosch cap and rotor, new NGK spark plugs, new Bremi made in Germany spark plug wires, new low and high oil pressure sensors, rebuilt alternator, rebuilt MAF body, GoWesty rebuilt throttle body, new throttle body seal. New air filter. All new Cohline German fuel lines from the engine to the fuel tank throughout with Oetiker pinchless clamps used. All the engine bay metal coolant lines as well as intake body and intake manifolds were all sandblasted and refinished with engine enamel. New intake manifold boots . Most of the engine and exhaust nuts, bolts, washers screws are all brand new.
91 octane fuel is recommended for these bigger motors, so it's got a full tank of it.
All engine bay ground connections are all brand new, I routinely replace all ground connectors now since ground has wreaked havoc on these VW's when it comes to running issues.
The engine mustache support bar, all engine tin, motor mount bracket was sent out for sandblasting and repainted, 4 brand new motor mounts with new bolts and washers.
The entire stock exhaust pipes were sandblasted cleaned and repainted with high heat paint ( I prefer using stock original exhaust pipes because they are thicker gauge and does a better job of noise insulation vs stainless ones), the California emission catalytic converter and stainless steel exhaust muffler/tail pipe and brackets are sourced from GoWesty. New Bosch oxygen sensor .
All glass was removed including both slider door glass and sent out for window tinting, 30% tint throughout, ceramic tint was used. Windshield is brand new of course, why spend all the money on a restoration and see through a pitted original windshield, it too was ceramic tinted 70, this is great as it keeps the heat out. I prefer the 30% tint so you can actually see out of the van at night and it looks great. Both slider windows have brand new felt strips. All glass have brand new window seals sourced from GoWesty( the good stuff).
Front doors have brand new window seals throughout.
Sound deadening used on all doors and rear hatch. They all closes with a nice thud.( see pictures)
New GoWesty coolant aluminum tank along with new coolant level sensor, new overflow tank, new radiator, 3 brand new radiator baffles( GoWesty) new radiator fan switch, new stainless steel coolant lines, new coolant temperature sensor, all coolant hoses are brand new. I try to source hoses and use German ones when possible. New heater core hoses from the engine bay to the core. I use all spring clamps ( like they are originally from VW, no screw on clamps are seen anywhere) and oetiker clamps.) The entire cooling system was completely clean internally and brand new 50/50 mixed coolant phosphate free of course mixed with distilled water. I have done numerous bleeds on the entire system now, it's perfect. The van runs very cool, no issues.
Brand new radiator, new radiator hoses. The radiator housing and both support brackets were prepped and repainted as well (see pictures).
Transmission serviced with a brand new Sachs clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, resurfaced flywheel, new o ring seal and bearing, new input shaft seal, new transmission oil. Brand new GKN axles, these are the best aftermarket ones you can buy and made in Europe. OEM multi point bolt heads and serrated washers for all axle mounting and torque to specs. New clutch master cylinder.
The entire rear shifter mechanism was cleaned, greased with all brand new seals/boots. It shifts perfectly now.
Front brakes are all brand new, new ATE rotors, new ATE brake pads, new Meyle brake hoses, remanufactured front brake calipers, new bearings and seals. Brand new backing plates.
Full front end alignment just done after restoration, drives perfectly straight down the road.
Rear brakes are also brand new. New ATE brake drums, ATE brake shoes, ATE wheel cylinders, new left rear wheel bearings and seal. New Meyle rear brake hoses.
Brand new master brake cylinder, brake fluid reservoir was fully cleaned. I used over a gallon of new brake fluid during the entire flushing. It is super clean now and brakes work as it should. Stops nicely with a firm pedal feel. Hand brake properly adjusted.
The entire original gas tank was removed for inspection, it is super clean on the inside so I opted to use the original tank. The aftermarket gas tank is not as well made and not made as well as the OEM ones. I only use aftermarket tanks as the last resort. Entire fuel tank was cleaned inside and out and repainted. Brand new seals / grommets throughout, new breather pipes, new German hoses used throughout. Pinchless clamps used here also. New fuel sender( super important). New fuel filter, all new fuel lines. Both bottom gas tank brackets refinished and new bolts. See pictures.
The propane tank was sent out for powder coating color matched grey, the original grey ones was painted as well as new ones from Manchester. I prefer to get them powder coated as they will last longer and will not start to rust like the new ones. New filler valve, new bleeder valve and new regulator valve and new topped off propane of course. Both burners work like new( see picture)
Front suspension has been thoroughly inspected and everything replaced as necessary. New radius arm bushings, new sway bar end link bushings, new upper ball joints, new tie rod ends. New Bilstein shock absorbers. Everything else is still in good condition. Front end complete alignment was done, it drives perfectly straight down the road. Rack and pinion is in good condition, no issues. Full drain and refill of the power steering fluid, power steering fluid resevoir was removed and cleaned, new power steering filter .
Brand new power steering pump replaced on 08/01/2023, I noticed there was a single drop of oil on the floor after a long test drive on the original pump.
Rear suspensio, both rear coil springs repainted, new spring pads, new Bilstein shocks, both trailing arms were cleaned inside and out and repainted.
While the entire dash was removed, entire dash blower motor/heater core was fully cleaned. All the old vent foam was replaced with new foam and seals. New blower motor. This was a huge job. The heater core is still in good condition.
All the air duct hoses were cleaned as well as all the vents.
Fan works in all 3 modes, the heater works as it should.
Brand new Pioneer model MVH-S320BT Am/Fm/Bluetooth, USB quick charge outlet, compatable with all i phones and androids stereo, 4 new Pioneer speakers TS-G1020, new Hirschmann antenna .
New 12v dash outlet
All dash lights are replaced with LED bulbs along with map and overhead lights.
The instrument cluster was inspected, cleaned, upgraded with GoWesty instrument cluster fix kit, new speedometer cable GEMO, the good one that the cable is greased prior to install at the manufacturer.
The speedometer now reads approximately 5 mph under the stated speed, I checked the speed with my GPS. Cruises at 70mph at 4k rpms.
Wheels are from a Mercedes CL, I prefer these 16 inch wheels over any other wheels available out there because they are forged super strong and only weighs in at 13 lbs each as compared to GoWesty 16 inch alloys which are 23 lbs each. These wheels fit perfectly, no wheel spacer, and the offset are perfect. I had all 4 wheels polished and put on brand new Michelin Defender2, size 215/60/16 with a tread wear of 840, the latest tires they make today. Brand new center caps and brand new VW logos. This set up cost me over $2100.
The spare tire and alloy wheel is from a VW Carat model. The spare tire has a DOT of 2020 and is like new. Pressure checked and ready to go.
The spare tire carrier has been cleaned, along with both supporting arms sandblasted and repainted. Spare tire carrier bolt, anti seize applied so it will come off easily .
Also included are 10 lugs for the spare wheel, new lug wrenc, some tools, gloves, original floor jack and a carrying bag.
4 Brand new cut to code keys, 2 of the keys are brand new original OEM VW metal keys. I only do it this way, because the feeling of using a brand new cut to code key feels so nice when turning the ignition / locking and unlocking the doors.
Both headlights, low and high beam housing was cleaned inside and out, they tend to get condensation inside. It is now super clear as seen in pictures. Brand new LED bulbs both low and high and properly adjusted. New headlight adjusters were replaced where necessary.
Both front top and lower grill were refinished and brand new VW grill badge. Brand new rear hatch VW badge as well as rear VANAGON GL badge refinished to like new.
Brand new front turn signal lens and new bulbs, new stainless steel screws.
Brand new side marker rear lens with new backing sealing foam so dirt does not accumulate between the lens and body and new LED bulbs, new stainless steel screws.
Tail lights have all brand new bulbs, new stainless steel screws.
Brand new GoWesty hookups, 110, sink faucet, and water tank fill.
Brand new driver side mud guard to protect the propane tank, this is how they came from the factory.
Interior as previously mentioned was removed and thoroughly cleaned. All bedding mattress covers were removed and hand washed and sun dried. All curtains were hand washed multiple times and sun dried, these things collect dirt like you won't believe over time. Interior smells fresh now.
All interior carpets were remove, shampooed, scrubbed and sun dried. All new all weather floor mats added throughout to keep original carpets nice and clean.
Both clutch and brake pedal rubber pads have been replaced with OE German ones.
Both front seat belts are brand new, as the old ones have slow retractions and often does not retract all the way and it's irritating to have the slack hit the door causing paint damages when you are exiting the van. None of that any longer.
All interior closets have been cleaned also.
The stove top was cleaned, both burners work perfectly, see picture.
The sink has a brand new submersible water pump, all lines have been cleaned, it works perfectly. I cleaned out the entire water tank and sanitized it. It is now empty to keep clean. See picture.
The stock refrigerator worked but they were a total gimmick, it gets cold but just barely when they do work and does not freeze at all. I opted to replace it with GoWesty fridge elimination kit for additional storage. I will be more than happy to include the original working fridge if you want it. I prefer to use a portable 12 v or 110v top loading fridg, Engel makes good ones and there are plenty of other brands out there.
Both table legs, stove top panel, sink/stove hinge housin, fridge lower grill, and rear seat rail were sent out for powder coating to match original grey.
The rear heater, the one that sits under the rear seat that no one ever uses has been removed for additional storage. I will be more than happy to include it for the new owner.
Brand new Kidde fire extinguisher rated for all A,B,C fires with a 12 year shelf life.
I took extra time to use anti seize on many of the nut, bolts, screws to prevent any future seizing .
I have a thick folder of receipts, I have estimated that I have spent over $25,000 in parts, $21,000 for the paint restoration ( receipt included), I have over 400 hours into the van, labor hour rate is $120 around here. Some VW shops are charging $160 now. I originally paid $18,000 for the Westy.
Both brand new Interstate starter and marine batteries.
The van passed strict California emissions on July 19, 2023 see picture of test results.
I have put over 200 test miles on the van to make sure everything is in proper working condition, bleeding the cooling system, adjusting the brakes, checking all lights, adjusting timing, adjusting belt tensions, check axles bolts, checking for any oil or coolant leaks, plus a bunch of other big and small things, it's a big check list .
Zero oil leak anywhere, I made sure of that.
I have done over 40 start ups running up to proper running temperatures and complete cool downs. Never taken it over 4000 rpms. never over 1/2 throttle. This is recommended by GoWesty for proper break in periods. This is recommended until it reaches 1000 miles then another oil / filter change is recommended. Conventional 20/50 motor oil is best.
I would not hesitate to take this Westy cross country and back as long as you realize that it is still in its break in period until the 1000 miles has been met.
As compared to the stock 2.1 liter motor, the GoWesty motor you will notice a bit more torque at around 3500 to 4000 rpms.
This van never came with factory Air conditioning so it does not have A/C.
It has not been camped in or used in any way. Just road tested miles to make sure everything is in proper order.
Has been garaged since full restoration and since I have owned it since 2016.
I am pretty sure there are many other things that I have gone through and forgotten to mention here, but if you have any questions or want additional pictures. Feel free to send me an email we can chat that way or I can call you back.
Regarding transporting or pick up. I will be more than happy to work with the buyer to help you find one or work with one you have sourced.
Deposit of $300 is due after you win the auction and the remainder we can work it out to your preference.

• Make: Volkswagen
• Model: Bus/Vanagon
• Type: Van Camper
• Trim: GL
• Doors: 3
• Year: 1988
• Mileage: 96400
• VIN: WV2ZB025XJH073424
• Color: Red
• Engine size: GoWesty 2.3 liter fully rebuilt engine
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: 2WD
• Interior color: Gray
• Drive side: Left-Hand Drive
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!