Vincent is an early 80's Westfalia brought over from Germany. He now sports a Subaru conversion, among a few other tricks.
He was dirty so I gave him a bath.
Note the concentration.
Vincent was converted by a shop in Boulder called Wild Westy. It's run by a guy named Lucas Hofgard.
This is what the shop looked like if you happen to randomly swing by in mid-January and start taking photos. It's very cozy. I wouldn't even call it a garage, it's a workshop and Lucas is a craftsman. Yes, I have a serious case of garage envy.
The Syncro in the shop is undergoing a Subaru conversion. Let's take a closer look.
Here's the old engine coming out. It's a little worn out and consumes oil, a lot of oil. Like a quart every hundred miles or something outrageous. I think Lucas said that once upon a time, this motor was modified by Go Westy in California.
Out with the old, in with the new. This particular van is heading back to California and that required some special considerations for the new motor to be smog compliant. More on that later.
Here's the shiny new, modified Subaru engine ready to go in.
Tell us about the engine, Lucas.
Fair disclosure: I've driven quite a few buses but I haven't driven any that had the pickup that Vincent has. The Subaru conversion is lovely, really. Sign me up.
I should also note that I have not had work done by Wild Westy (yet). On my short, more or less unannounced visit, I spent a bit of time with Lucas. I was impressed by the depth of his knowledge. He also clearly cares about his work. He's a craftsman and building his rep one van at a time.
When I'm ready Lucas, you're doing my Westy conversion.
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