vanagon full camper restoration
peace of mind for all your adventures
A full restoration is typically defined as a complete overhaul of the exterior of the van (body/paint + rust remediation) and a complete reworking of every mechanical system, followed by the proverbial cherry on top of a revamped interior. It’s not unusual for these projects to take 1 year in length and approach $100,000. Depending on rust, quality body, and paint work alone can run $25-30,000. A complete mechanical restoration (engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, fuel delivery, coolant, etc.) can approach $50,000, and an interior overhaul…well…you can see how it adds up.
Body and paint work is the trickiest. We no longer do that work in-house, but we have a network of excellent partners we do work with. We are also pleased to offer an introduction to our trusted partner, Shane Jordan of Live The Van Life, who runs a Vanagon restoration business in La Paz, Baja, Mexico, and is our business partner down there. Customers will often take on the mechanical restoration work here in Seattle, and then we help get the van to Shane in Baja, where the body and paint work is done. Most people then fly down to Baja to pick up and have the road trip of a lifetime back home. We love putting these journeys together for you.
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Completely refresh and update your Vanagon's look, feel, sound, and comfort.
Interior Options:
Seat upgrades (we love Recaro). These are indeed a class above and often worth the price difference from recycled mini-van seats you see in many projects.
New carpet
Cabinet and pop-top restoration
Dash restoration and replacement/repair of the many other plastic bits throughout
Please chat with our team about other options.
For the outside of your van, we can do all sorts of things:
Wheel and tire packages
Bumper upgrades
Roof racks and other accessories
Awning installs
& more!
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Replacing old worn parts with the best available new features. We will touch and replace every single system in your van. We often unearth those long, pesky noises and issues you’ve had and correct them for the next generation.
Enhanced Suspension for Smooth Rides
Transform how your van navigates through various road conditions and speeds with our upgraded suspension system. Experience improved handling and comfort on any road, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
Advanced Power System for Effortless Drives
Upgrade your van's power plant for efficient freeway cruising in the fast lane. Our modern engine management systems replace outdated 80s-era technology, ensuring you have ample power for climbing and more, delivering a superior driving experience.
Comprehensive Upgrades for Peak Performance
From the brakes to the fuel system and hardware, we offer a complete overhaul with the best available new parts. Enhance your van's performance with upgraded, restored, and replaced components, ensuring optimal functionality and safety.
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You likely have your van to camp, so how about updating all those systems to meet your needs and even exceed them? Sample projects as part of a more extensive restoration might include:
Fridge upgrade
Heater install (we install the safe and convenient Webasto gas-powered units - we have over 200 of these installed and on the road)
Overhaul of water systems
LiFEPO4 battery systems with plenty of power for whatever you want to do
Sound deadening to quiet the ride.
Interior lighting upgrades
You dream it, we can do it, most likely.
testimonial
“I’ve come to know a lot of shops and a lot of shop owners in the five years of my Vanagon-owning career. More than once, I’ve found myself in a situation I thought was surely the end of the line for me and my rig, but Harley has always been there to help me through it and get me back on the road. Truly a generous and kind person running the best shop I’ve come across. They’re knowledgeable, reasonable, quick, and above all, they care—and that last part is really what separates them from so many others. I couldn’t recommend them more.”