The Vanagon Dictionary

English · machine-assisted draft

The unique visual appearance of a vehicle's original paint, worn through to primer or bare metal over time.

• paint
• wear
• appearance

English · machine-assisted draft

Metal tabs for welding upholstery to seat frames

• seating
• upholstery

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of clear plastic material used for corner windows in Barndoor era deluxe buses before glass was used.

• material
• window
• barndoor

English · machine-assisted draft

Type of seat belt that restrains occupants in their seats

• safety
• restraint

English · machine-assisted draft

Flat piece of metal on hinge side of door that prevents the door from opening too far out

• door
• hinge

English · machine-assisted draft

Slang term for the vent wing windows on 1952 and earlier Buses, characterized by their hinge design.

• bus
• window
• hinge

English · machine-assisted draft

Slang term for the larger glove box button used on 1961-early 1963 Notchback and Squarebacks.

• glovebox
• interior

English · machine-assisted draft

A safety feature that can be retrofitted to certain vehicle models

• seatbelts
• safety

English · machine-assisted draft

Seal for the movable vent window in the cabin door

• vanagon
• t25
• vent

English · source definition

Any Volkswagen Transporter from 1980-1991, distinguished by squarer body contours and extremely large windows and windshield. Also known as T3 Transporters , or Caravelle.

English · machine-assisted draft

A kit for the cabin door handle, including a black handle and a key

• door
• handle
• vanagon

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of seat belt that retracts and has three points of attachment

• safety
• interior

English · machine-assisted draft

The area where a seat belt is attached in a vehicle's cabin

• vanagon
• t25
• seatbelt

English · source definition

Usually refers to the buses made from 1968-1979, due to the resemblance of the body shape to that of a loaf of bread

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of seat belt that does not retract and has three points of attachment

• safety
• interior

English · machine-assisted draft

A camper roof section that lifts above the body, usually with a flexible fabric enclosure when raised, adding standing room while keeping a lower profile when closed. Gerry’s 1998 camper-conversion discussion contrasts pop-top layouts with the fixed high-roof Adventurewagen conversion; they are different body configurations, not interchangeable names. Roof design and interior details vary by builder and model year.

• pop-top
• canvas

English · machine-assisted draft

System designed to reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions by coordinating deceleration of the torso and head.

• safety
• comfort

English · source definition

An RV manufacturer chosen by VW to convert basic EuroVans into full camper units for sale within the United States. Winnebago also manufactures the Rialta from the standard EuroVan body.

English · source definition

Any Volkswagen Transporter of any model and any year. Specifically those VW Transporters from 1968 to 1979, distinquished by a large one-piece windshield and rounded body contours. all had double-jointed independent rear suspension. also called T2 Transporter .

English · source definition

Winnebago converts some EuroVans into mini-motorhomes, by adding Winnebago's own body (aft of the front doors) that's about 20"-24" wider than the normal EuroVan. Inside they install sink, stove, refridgerator, toilet, bed, & cabinets. The Rialta is sold through Winnebago's own network of RV dealers.

English · source definition

Any Volkswagen Transporter from 1949 to 1967, characterized by a split (two-piece) windshield and rounded body contours. all were powered by beetle Type 1 engines and all had 'reduction gears' on the half-axles. known also as T1 Transporters . This term is also used by VW SA for the present 5 Cyl. (Vanagon-style) van without exclusive options.

English · source definition

(Technischer Überwachungs Verein) An agency of the German Federal Government. sort of a combination of DOT and EPA , as well as being responsible for inspecting cars every few years. They very thoroughly checks the car's safety features (breaks, body rust, steering). Older cars often fail, so they head for Eastern Europe, while Germany is left with only spic-and-span cars. Some people believe there is a collusion with car manufacturers to increase turnover.

English · machine-assisted draft

In Gerry’s preserved terminology FAQ, “generation” groups Transporters by body series: T1 (1949–1967), T2 (1968–1979), T3 (1980–1991; called Vanagon in North America), and T4 (1992 onward in that FAQ). In Gerry’s September 2008 “lowered and chopped Vanagon” exchange, contributors identify the same T3 generation as Vanagon in North America and T25 in the UK; replies disagree over whether “T25” is proper usage. The name therefore depends on regional convention and is not a precise model-year identifier. These are historical ranges and naming conventions; verify market and model year.

• generation
• model