some backstory and what I wanted my van to have.

Alright!!!  Onward with the information stream about our Shiggles.  Some background information I just found I thought was a good idea to mention.  I was looking through my photo archive and found the photos of craigslist vehicles that might have been a good candidate for our moving house on wheels adventure wagon.  Below are a few of the ones I looked at. 

 I was looking at newer eurovans

 Older 70's buses....

 Vehicles with BT4 diesels in them

 Box trucks

 Cargo Vans

 

And Vanagons!  

I ended up going with the vanagons for multiple reasons.  The most important one, aftermarket support, followed by Size, Design, cost, customizability, and looks.  I didnt like the 70's buses because they were just to damn small. Plus, the engine bay/engine was a nightmare to work on (ergonomics yo) and it was out of date and underpowered.  I just didnt want to hassle with trying to have to find 70's bus parts in the middle of montana when we broke down because something wasnt meant to go 60 mph.  All of the other options also seemed to not fit the criteria as well.  Either they were too large, not enough aftermarket support, didnt allow enough customization, or were just too expensive.  So the vanagon was the choice.

Inspiration and Examples of what I liked in Vanagons!

(not my vanagon/vehicles...)

 I would love to have a vehicle like this....but although out of my reach at the moment, it was something I consider a good representation of what I wanted.  I also think this vehicle was made in Europe....The place where alllll awesome cars are.  I hate the US for how limited we are on variety in vehicles. 

 The back shot showing a ladder and hitch stuff. 

 These sorts of little tricks were nice to see lots of vanagon owners doing.  Seemed people really loved these vehicles. 

 Again, more things to show how nice they could look if you spent some time on them.  I REALLY like how this looks.  Not really the colors, but the presentation and utility aspect of it.

 And who doesnt like sound systems?  What a nicely done door panel. 

 More little curtains and things to hang off of the back of the van.  I really enjoyed the automatic awning that the vanagon back hatch provided.

 OOOoooo Nice interior there mate

 Yeah I could dig some solar panels on the top of my van.  Its totally in the plan! And of course, my biggest pet peeve is NOT having enough light.  So a big part of my restoration plan was to make sure I had enough LED lighting for alllll different situations.  The photo below is a good example of nice lighting in a vanagon.  Even distribution, nice color, good locations...etc..

 

 Yay more stuff to hang off the back of vanagons.

 I was also at this time looking at photos of wheels and tire combos. I found these next few photos which embodied EXACTLY what I wanted to see on my vanagon.  The cream colored vanagon below will essentially be my Shiggles in a different color when Im done with her. 

 UGH!!!  Look at those RIMS!!!!  They will be MINE!!!

And that bitchin Tire Carrier!  I want it!!