The History of Volkswagen Van Life with Trafton’s Foreign Auto

Volkswagen Van Life

At Trafton’s we have a long history as the premier NW shop for VW Bus, Vanagon and Eurovan service and repair. From Engine Overhauls to Canvas (pop top) tent replacements, we know Volkswagen vans as much if not more than any other VW shop. 

The VW Eurovan

Volkswagen’s Eurovan was introduced to the US market in 1992 with the 2.5 liter 5 cylinder timing belt engine. And yes, despite the age and parts availability, we still do work on these early model eurovans on a regular basis. We work hard to keep these fascinating adventure wagons on the road despite the parts rarity of these early 2.5l engine Eurovans.

Fortunately in 1996 Volkswagen introduced the popular and powerful chain driven VR6 Engine into the beloved Eurovan which was used to power the Eurovan until VW ended it’s manufacturing in 2003. The later model Eurovan also came with an upgraded exterior look as well as an upgraded interior, brakes, transmission and more. 

The Eurovan has continued to grow increasingly popular because there is really nothing quite like it. Its size has allowed the versatility of a daily driver as well as similar luxury to that of an RV. If you want to load up the dog, surf board, kids and head to the coast, this is the rig for it. 

Volkswagen’s Eurovan is the successor to the Vanagon and though there are many similarities, it is a completely different chassis, drivetrain, powertrain, and overall driving experience. And though it is considered by many to be a more reliable choice over the Vanagon and VW Bus, it does have it’s areas of needed attention.

Here is a list of common repairs and services we perform on Eurovans. 

We take pride in being the number one Eurovan specialist in the NW. If you have an early or late model Eurovan, short or long wheel base, tin top or Westy, we are happy to help you with it any way we can.

VW Vanagon

At Trafton’s we have been working on vanagons since the 80’s shortly after their release in the US in 1980. We have vast expertise in the Aircooled vanagon 2.0 liter engine (1980 through 1983) and the 1.9 liter water cooled engine (1984 through 1985) and the 2.1 liter engine spanning from 1986 to the last year of Vanagon’s in 1991. We service all Vanagon  models including those with Subaru conversions, and Diesel conversions. 

Vanagon production lasted 12 years in the US market and quickly became one of the most popular family vehicles due to its reliability, driveability, and extreme amount of interior space. Vanagon’s are now incredibly popular among the trending VanLife community as they have proven to be great adventure wagons with several factory camper arrangements as well as endless customization possibilities. 

Though Vanagon’s are a niche vehicle with fewer qualified specialists that can confidently service these vehicles, there are several manufacturers of quality vanagon parts and countless performance upgrades. Because of the Vanagon cult following, there are so many resources for these vehicles. 

Take a look at the list of common Vanagon services, repairs and upgrades that we perform at Trafton’s VW.

Split Window Bus

Arguably one of the most nostalgic vehicles of all time is the VW Bus. This vehicle has been integrated into countless logos, often found on art and clothing, and has become one of the most icon symbols. Representing a culture of fun, adventure, peace and love. 

The classic Aircooled VW Bus is a cherished vehicle. Spanning 30 years of production from 1950 to 1979 (and later in non US countries). What was created as a light commercial vehicle, quickly turned into the flagship vehicle of the hippie movement. Now the vehicle carries so much nostalgia for those that owned or drove in younger years making it one of the most popular vehicles for restoration. 

Because of its popularity and classic car designation, many mechanical parts are still available and many cosmetic parts are available for certain VW Bus model years. The versatility of the air-cooled motor in the early VW Split window bus made it nice due to the shared engine with the famous VW Beetle.

Bay Window Bus

Successor to the Split Window Bus which ended in the US market in 1967, was the Bay Window Bus. A re-designed bus was introduced in 1968 (bay window bus) which did away with the iconic ‘V’ body lines and split front windshield in the front of the vehicle. And in 1972 the VW Bay Window Bus introduced a more powerful Type 4 engine which was a 1.7 – 2.0 liter engine. 

Most all Bay Window Buses with T4 engines from 1972 to 1975 have been upgraded with 2.0L engines since with larger bore typically ads no extra cost during engine rebuilds due to availability of larger cylinders. After 1976 the Bay Window Bus came stock with 2.0 liter engines. These more powerful buses quickly grew in popularity and became easier to obtain than the sought after iconic Split Window Bus. 

Though these cars are aging and becoming more rare, our team at Trafton’s have continued our expertise with these vehicles into the next generation and will continue to take pride in servicing, repairing, and restoring these fine Busses with the delicate care that they deserve.

Trafton’s Continues to be Your #1 Source for VW Auto Repair

Trafton’s will continue to promote the Volkswagen Vanlife legacy into the future as VW introduces the 2025 ID. Buzz. Though this all electric VW Bus may be viewed with apprehension from the purist VW community, it is creating a lot of “Buzz” among EV enthusiasts and VW drivers alike. Trafton’s continues to be one of the most unique VW Repair Shops simply because our staff is trained and equipped to work on the earliest vintage VW’s alongside the newest most technologically advanced VW’s. We are committed to keeping you Volkswagen dream alive no matter how old or how new your VW is.