The Vanagon Dictionary
Get to know your Volkswagen.
Look up Vanagon, EuroVan and Volkswagen Bus terms, then follow the definitions to their sources.
About the Dictionary and its data
Definitions and source records come from the shared Dictionary, which remains available at dictionary.vanagon.com.
API and data detailsResults for “Van”
154 public entries · page 5 of 7
Roof finishing strap
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A strap for finishing the roof of a Westfalia camper van
- strap
- roof
- finishing
Cabin door handle
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A handle for the cabin door, available in black with a lock
- door
- handle
- vanagon
Sliding door snubber
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A component that helps to slow down and stop a sliding door
- vanagon
- t25
- snubber
Rear wheel arch repair panel
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
Replacement panel for the rear wheel arch area
- vanagon
- t25
- repair
A-pillar grab handle underlay
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
Trim piece under the A-pillar grab handle
- interior
- vanagon
- t25
oil cooler seal
Engine and fuel systemsEnglish · machine-assisted draft
a seal used to prevent leaks in an engine's oil cooler system
- vanagon
- engine
Carat
Vehicle models and historyEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A seven-passenger version with a lower stance and additional features like body cladding and power windows.
- vanagon
- variant
Door window dividing bar
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A bar that divides the door window, for fixed vent windows
- door
- window
- vanagon
Monza exhaust
Engine and fuel systemsEnglish · machine-assisted draft
An aftermarket exhaust system sold under the Monza name. Paruzzi describes chromed rear outlets and lists this Vanagon/T25 configuration for carbureted Type-4 engines. The name refers to exhaust hardware and its sound/appearance, not to an engine upgrade or proof that it fits every Vanagon powerplant.
- exhaust
- type4
T3
Bus terminologyEnglish · source definition
The 3 rd generation of Transporters , from 1980-1991, known in North America as Vanagon , and elsewhere as Caravelle or just Transporter .
Transaxle
Transmission and drivetrainEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A component that contains the parts that supply power to the rear wheels, located in front of the engine.
- vanagon
- transmission
Tilt roof sealing rubber
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A rubber seal for the tilt roof on a Vanagon or T25
- seal
- roof
- tilt
Guide roller bearing
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A bearing that supports and guides a moving part, such as a sliding door
- vanagon
- t25
- bearing
Microbus
Bus terminologyEnglish · source definition
Any Volkswagen Transporter from 1949 to 1967, characterized by a split (two-piece) windshield and rounded body contours. all were powered by beetle Type 1 engines and all had 'reduction gears' on the half-axles. known also as T1 Transporters . This term is also used by VW SA for the present 5 Cyl. (Vanagon-style) van without exclusive options.
Waterboxer engines
Engine and fuel systemsEnglish · machine-assisted draft
Type of engine used in Vanagon/T25 models, with 1.9 or 2.1 liter displacement
- waterboxer
- engine
Movable cabin door vent window seal
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
Seal for the movable vent window in the cabin door
- vanagon
- t25
- vent
Seam rust
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
Rust that occurs in the seams of a vehicle's body, often due to moisture entering from the inside.
- rust
- vanagon
Cabin door handle kit
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A kit for the cabin door handle, including a black handle and a key
- door
- handle
- vanagon
Shift rod bushing
Transmission and drivetrainEnglish · machine-assisted draft
In this glossary entry, “shift rod bushing” refers to the rear guide bushing listed for Vanagon/T25. Paruzzi gives different VIN breakpoints for Syncro and non-Syncro applications around April 1987, so the generic name does not establish fitment. Confirm the chassis/VIN and linkage position before treating a catalog match as compatible.
- transmission
- vanagon
- t25
Generation
Vehicle models and historyEnglish · machine-assisted draft
In Gerry’s preserved terminology FAQ, “generation” groups Transporters by body series: T1 (1949–1967), T2 (1968–1979), T3 (1980–1991; called Vanagon in North America), and T4 (1992 onward in that FAQ). In Gerry’s September 2008 “lowered and chopped Vanagon” exchange, contributors identify the same T3 generation as Vanagon in North America and T25 in the UK; replies disagree over whether “T25” is proper usage. The name therefore depends on regional convention and is not a precise model-year identifier. These are historical ranges and naming conventions; verify market and model year.
- generation
- model
Cabin seat belt mounting location
Body and interiorEnglish · machine-assisted draft
The area where a seat belt is attached in a vehicle's cabin
- vanagon
- t25
- seatbelt
Campmobile
Bus terminologyEnglish · source definition
Another name for camper versions of the VW Transporter . For whatever reasons, this term seems to have been dropped for the Vanagons , except in Canada.
Shock absorber
Brakes and suspensionEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A suspension damper that controls spring oscillation after the wheels cross a bump and helps maintain tire contact and road control. Paruzzi’s front oil-filled listing is for Vanagon/T25 except Syncro, and the catalog lists Syncro dampers separately. “Shock absorber” describes a function, not a complete fitment; front/rear position and Syncro configuration matter.
- suspension
- vanagon
- t25
Sway bar link
Brakes and suspensionEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A short link connecting the sway bar to the suspension, transferring relative movement so the bar can resist body roll. Paruzzi lists one Vanagon/T25 version through July 1984 and a later version from August 1984 that excludes Syncro; the earlier and later links have different catalog numbers. The name describes the component, not one universal replacement fitment.
- suspension
- vanagon
- t25