I've had 80/81/82 with the metal vents.
Also I've had late 81 and 82/83 with the plastic vents.
I think it breaks down to the inventory at the production site and
ultimately some Westys were held by the conversion company into the next
year model. I think the date of export would be more accurate.
My Westy was a door sticker that says September 1982 but was sold as an
83.
On other Westy I've restored I've found May 81 manufactured dates with 82
titles.
Seems to often be a case with Westys that got sold with one year later
titles.
There is also one more strange thing ......... check out Diesel 80/81/82
and you'll find some plastic vents.
All very confusing.

Stan Wilder
83 Westy Air Cooled

On Tue, 21 May 2002 23:40:21 -0400 Michael Nichols
<msnichols@MINDSPRING.COM> writes:
> Hello from Smoggy, Unwalkable Atlanta, Ga.   I noted the pics. of the
> lovely
> "1981 Westy" for sale in Austin TX.  Question for the list----the
> rear
> engine air intake vents are not the black plastic insert type found
> on '81
> and later air cooled Vanagons.  The vents pictured are found only on
> 1980
> air cooled Vanagons.  Hey fellow listees, am I correct?  Thanks!
>
> Regards,
>
> Michael and Christina Nichols
> 2--1981 air cooled Vanagons with black plastic vents
>

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