VIVID VANS in Santa Cruz

After having my van rebuilt up in the Bay Area with a Subaru engine, I was experiencing several strange occurrences that seemed too confusing for the people who actually rebuilt it… and then I found VividVans… After a couple days, they addressed three serious situations with my engine, coolant system, and solar system… Now everything works perfectly… Of course we had to dress up my van with more lights super loud horns all kinds of fun new goodies… They can do it all! I highly recommend them. You’ll be glad you went there… I certainly am… And they’re super nice people too!

I recommend Vivid Vans to anyone who has a VW Vanagon they care for (like I do). They are honest, communicative, and detail oriented. They “get it” and understand the van ownership journey with its blood, sweat, and tears. Since bringing my van here, I understand it’s mechanical health more than I did before, which gives me more confidence to take it out on trips and enjoy it. Nathan and the team gave me the information I needed to make informed decisions, and it is clear that they care about what they do, their customers, and their vans. Thanks guys!

It is my pleasure to write this review for Vivid Vans of Santa Cruz. I truly appreciate your business expertise and attention to detail and giving an EXTENDED LIFE to Marco's beloved 1987 VW Vanagon. Thank you, Nathan, for being so patient with me in explaining in detail the work needed to install trans and cooler, radiator, fuel tank repair and so much more via long distance calls and emails. Awesome team effort - Tim, Dana, Chica and Pau. Next time I'm in Santa Cruz visiting Marco I'll stop by and meet everyone.

This is the place to get your Vanagon serviced in Santa Cruz! Nathan, Dana and Pau are super knowledgeable mechanics and great people. They did an engine swap on my ‘83.5 Westy and I’m really happy with the result. They’ve also done other work on my van and are generous with giving me advice for projects I DIY.

It would take a page to explain what is special about Vivid Vans, but I’ll just say this: there is a serious need in Vanagon repair/restoration for a shop that operates with the passion and attention to detail that Vivid does. They’re not shying away from the little things and details that will make a van safe, functional and unique. They don’t skip over issues for the sake of turning around vans at scale. Nathan and his team communicate well, they know your name and which van is yours and they think about these projects when they go home at night…and they keep it fun. Whether it’s a small fix or a full restoration like mine was, Vivid applied a level of attention and investment that I wasn’t sure existed anymore. Running with the big dogs was a pleasure, I’ll be back again and again.

Nathan at Vivid Vans has done a remarkable job on our Westy, from new canvas and headliner, steering linkage, master cylinder, sliding door panel, etc. They have been prompt, efficient, and very friendly. We'll have them do more work.

Coolant loss solved, but more importantly Nathan saw some oil pooling on the top of my head, found the leak, fixed the previous less than work someone else did….with the correct washer. Beyond service oriented and knowledgeable. Thank you! Additionally, added a high top, professionally done, timely and totally stoked.

The guys at Vivid Vans are the real deal. Met with Ralph and Dana originally and they were extraordinarily patient and helpful in answering my questions. I came back a week later since we bought a new Westy and I brought it in for a quick check. Met Ben and Ralph both of them were just super cool and looked over the van and they found a couple minor issues and addressed them for me so quickly. I can’t say enough good things about this shop. They have earned my business for life. Excellent shop for anything and everything VW Vans you will need if you’re in the vicinity of their shop I would highly recommend them. You won’t be disappointed. These guys live and breathe V-dub Van Life. From repairs to restoration they do it all and know it all.