Date:         Thu, 20 Jan 2000 08:50:17 -0800
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Organization: The Cobalt Group
Subject:      Re: Replacing burnt EV w/Westy - What should I look for?
Comments: To: Richard Golen <rgolen@UMASSD.EDU>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Ric,

If you want simplicity (i.e., fewest number of things to break) get an
'83-'85 with no power steering, A/C, or power anything. You will spend
more time driving and less time fixing, even the trannys are stronger
(better ring and pinion).  I am very satisfied with my simple '84, and
don't need A/C here in the Northwest.  I have 206,000 miles on the
original engine with the last head replacement 100,000 miles ago. It
smokes when cold and the neighbors are giving me dirty looks, so I have
a used 2.1 in the garage I'll pop in when it warms up outside.  But it
still doesn't leak!

If you have to have any of the above, go with '86 or newer and take
advantage of the 2.l engine to run all that stuff.

It is worth the time and expense to find a West Coast rust free one,
then do some rustproofed on your own.  Your climate and salted roads are
tough on cars, and you'll be looking at vehicles that have spent many
years in those conditions.
--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext 208

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