The Vanagon Dictionary

Term referring to smaller window sizes used in VW vehicles from 1958-1964

• vw
• windows

Term referring to the smaller rear axle nut and reduction box design used in pre-1964 VW Buses

• bus
• vw

A small tray for storing items

• storage
• interior

smaller portion of front suspension arms

• suspension
• front

Compartments or containers used to store small items

• interior
• storage

Vehicle construction method employed by small volume manufacturers

• coach-built
• construction

small plastic clips that hold the grill in place

• grill
• interior

Small devices used to secure trim panels in place

• interior
• trim

A tiny imperfection in paint, resembling a small hole made by a pin.

• paint
• imperfection

Chrome that has been damaged by water or age, resulting in small blemishes.

• chrome
• damage

A Carat with a Westy poptop for extra sleeping space and a smaller rear cabinet.

• vanagon
• variant

Small rings or tubes that protect wires from damage when passing through holes or edges

• grommets
• wiring

A container used to store small parts or tools, often made from margarine tubs.

• container
• storage
• parts

A small, flat sheet of film or paper containing a large amount of information in a compact form

• documentation
• reference

Small, flat washers that help to absorb thrust loads on the front bearings

• bearings
• thrust
• washers

Any of Volkswagen smaller trucks and vans. known as Type 2 , they evolved through four (4) 'generations': T1 , T2 , T3 , and T4 , but the entire line of vehicles has always been called ' Type 2 '.

A small radiator that transfers heat from engine coolant to air for the cabin heating system. Vanagons may have front and additional rear heat exchangers, depending on equipment and market.

• engine
• water-cooled
• heating

A model of early buses that had the highest level of interior features and trim levels. Usually with the small sight-seeing windows in the roof and either 21 or 23 side windows. Also a HUGE fabric sunroof was available as an option.

The belt-driven pump that circulates engine coolant through the water-cooled Vanagon engine and cooling circuit. It is different from the small electric pump used to deliver water to a camper sink.

• engine
• water-cooled
• cooling

The small electric pump that moves water from an onboard camper tank to the sink faucet when the tank-water mode is selected. It is separate from the engine's coolant-circulation pump.

• camper
• water-system
• electrical

Special model of the bus , based on the Standard bus , first available in 1951. The most notable feature was the smaller engine lid than the previous Barndoors , and a rear hatch hinged at the bottom, which allowed stretchers to be loaded into the interior of the bus . The gas tank and spare tire were moved in order to accomodate the rear hatch.

( Constant Velocity Joint ) One of the small circular devices at an end of an axle on a bus . Buses , Vanagons , and EuroVans have four of these, while the Syncro Vanagons have a total of eight. These are necessary to allow the axle to move up and down while still turning to propel the car. the joints need to be keep greased to function properly. when they are worn, they make a knocking-noise that strikes fear into the hearts of bus owners everywhere. Microbuses do not have CV joints, but use a 'swing-axle' and reduction gear box instead.