Vanthropology

Nathan 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 that is based on your van, your use case, and your priorities. The goal isn't just to fix what's broken today, it's to understand you and your van and help support wherever you're going next.

*VIVID VANS is registered with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. *VIVID VANS is insured.

Every van has different needs and every owner has a different budget. Here are some of our most popular services:

• INSPECTION SERVICE - $300
• Projects typically start here. We inspect all of your van's systems , learn all of its little secrets and create a detailed inspection report documenting what we find. You'll receive an estimated to-do list that helps prioritize repairs, maintenance, and upgrades - both now and down the road..

 

• TUNE UP DELUXE - $198/HR + PARTS
• Vivid vans takes your van from a soggy 1, 2, or 3 to a 9 or 10. Performance tune-ups often involve fuel injector cleaning, air flow meter/MAF testing etc. 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 - $198/HR + PARTS
• ​​VW Vanagon and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter specialized mechanical service 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 INSTALLATION - $198/HR + PARTS
• We have extensive experience in the installation of aftermarket bumpers, tire carriers, pop top lift assists, skylights, lighting and all that kind of stuff.

 

• SPRINTER SERVICE A & SERVICE B

• We perform Service A and Service B maintenance along with a general inspection of the vehicle. Exact maintenance requirements vary by year, engine, mileage, and service history, so we'll review your van and recommend exactly what it needs.

 

• POP TOP CANVAS INSTALLATION
• 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 cotton or acrylic canvas.

 

• SOLAR/BATTERY INSTALLATIONS
• We can supply panels, chargers, batteries, and associated components or work with equipment you already have. From simple solar charging to more comprehensive camping electrical systems, there are lots of options in this ever evolving industry.
  

   

• INSULATION/SOUND DEADENING
• 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. 

  ​

• VIVID VANS TRIM PACKAGE
• 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.

​        

• ENGINE CONVERSIONS
• 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.

 

• WATERBOXERS
• New heads or full rebuild, just about every waterboxer needs it. We do some work in house, and source new engines from GoWesty as required.

 

• BODYWORK/PAINT
• We are currently booked out for infinity on paint/bodywork projects. Please come back later. We love you.

 

• WESTFALIA CONVERSION THERAPY
• 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. Arguably more popular. Please inquire about that service.

​   

• RESTORATION WORK
• Every build we do is unique in terms of budget, function and style. Just like you.

   

• Consultations. $80.00 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 you and your van.

*Cleaning rate applies if required to perform our work.
*We provide fuel if required at $6 a gallon.

CONTACT SANTA CRUZ SHOP