Date:         Thu, 10 Aug 2000 09:17:16 ADT
Reply-To:     Dan Landry <landry_skidd@hotmail.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dan Landry <landry_skidd@hotmail.com>
Subject:      new 86 Westy Nova Scotia owners
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our question concerning the
price of an 86 Westfalia.  You confirmed our suspicions that it is a good
deal, and we have purchased it.  We paid about US$8300 - no rust, stored
indoors, 37500 miles.

However, considering the amount of messages and topics that I have read from
the list in the first 24 hours, we are a little surprised at the club
(cult?!) like atmosphere surrounding these efficient campers.  We were happy
to find that there is help beyond the local dealer.

So, I had a very close look at this 86 Westy again and had it inspected by
the dealership.  They were very surprised at how clean it was.  Everything
is fine except two small things, both of which have been topics in the list
since we joined yesterday:

1.  It needs a new battery.  I think I would like to install a house battery
under the drivers seat as well.  A type 41 will fit under the passenger
seat, will a type 41 fit under the driver seat?  If not, is this Optima
battery that is being discussed THE way to go?  With our intended use of the
camper, I do not forsee a need for a gel battery.  If we get one battery -
how powerful should it be?
I have read the battery info at vanagon.com but it really doesn't address
one battery vs two battery issues.

2.  The struts on the back door don't work very well! HA! Imagine that.
Anyways, anything wrong with getting new struts from the dealership - they
are CA$46.00 ea (US$30.60 ea)? Or should we get these super duper struts
from the Bus Depot that the list mentioned yesterday?

Thanks again for your encouragement yesterday.  It appears that we are in
for some fun......

Danl
new owner, 86 Westie
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