Vanthropology

Nathan Ryobi Daigle is trained both in the automotive industry and academically in anthropology. Anthropologists approach issues in a holistic manner by taking into account how systems work together as a unified whole. ​Our van services take a holistic approach in maintaining your vehicle. It's how we bring your van to its full potential. Check out our reviews on google.
VIVID VANS employs both licensed mechanics and restoration specialists to properly maintain every working component on your van.

Our process

Projects typically start with an inspection. We learn all of your van's little secrets, we document and present our findings to you, and together we come up with a proactive maintenance and upgrade plan together.

*VIVID VANS is registered with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair
*VIVID VANS is insured.
Every van has different needs and every owner a different budget. Here are some of the popular services we offer:

  • Vanagon/Sprinter inspection. $299 USD
  • We offer the most comprehensive inspection service in California. We inspect all of your van's systems and create a detailed inspection report. We provide you with an estimate to-do list which helps plan your vans maintenance now and down the road.
 
  • Tune-up deluxe. $179.00 hourly plus parts
  • Vivid vans takes your van from a soggy 1, 2, or 3 to a 10. Performance tune-ups involve an evaluation of your vans fuel, air, water, and electronic systems. We identify deficiencies and correct them in a holistic manner. We restore reliability, fuel mileage, horsepower and sweet torque. The result is a happy van that runs like it did in the 80’s (early 90's). Easy.
 
  • Mechanic services. $179.00 hourly in Santa Cruz, California.
  • ​​We are a VW/Mercedes specialized mechanic shop. Brakes, coolant system, suspension, exhaust, transmission, engine work. We keep vans running tip top. We help travellers get back on the road. We love you.
   
  • Upgrades and accessory install. $179.00 hourly in Santa Cruz, California.
  • We have extensive experience in the installation of aftermarket bumpers, tire carriers, pop top lift assists, skylights, lighting and all that kind of stuff.
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  • Westfalia pop top canvas installation. Takes a day @ $1044.00 (but give us a day and a half).
  • We take the roof off your van, clean up the mold inside your top, and install a fresh canvas for a happier van. We can provide either synthetic or acrylic canvas'.
 
  • Solar panel installations. This is an ever changing industry. Please contact for quote
  • We can provide the panels and charger and stuff, or work with a system you already have. Lots of options so it's hard to ballpark this one.
   
  • Insulation, and sound deadening. Please contact for quote
  • We use Siless, and 3M Thinsulate insulation and sound deadening in our projects. We remove your interior panels, install layers of varied deadening materials for greatest effect. 
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  • VIVID VANS trim package. Please contact for quote
  • Make your Vanagon shine with a VIVID VANS custom tailored trim and stainless hardware package. No we aren't telling you what size screws we use.
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  • Engine conversions. Please contact for quote
  • VIVID VANS specializes in installing Subaru 2.2L and 2.5L engines into Vanagons. We have extensive 1.8t and diesel engine experience as well.
 
  • Waterboxer engine rebuild. Please contact. (We likely need to see your engine bay).
  • New heads or full rebuild, just about every waterboxer needs it.
 
  • Vanagon/Sprinter bodywork and paint. Please contact for quote
  • We are currently booked out for infinity on paint projects. Please come back later. We love you.
 
  • Westy conversion. Please contact for quote
  • We can convert your pig tin top to a westfalia. Proper method. Takes four weeks, we can provide a donor. We can also convert your 2WD to a Syncro. Please inquire about that service.
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  • Restorations. Syncro's 4WD and 2WD
  • Every build we do is unique in terms of budget, function and style. Just like you.
   
  • Consultations. $79.00 an hour USD
  • Inquiries always free.  Expert advice to help you build the van of your dreams. More often than not this service is used to just have us tell you what's wrong with your van.

*Cleaning rate applies if required to perform our work.
*We provide fuel if required at $6 a gallon.
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© VIVID VANS. 2027
Santa Cruz, California