Date:         Tue, 27 Mar 2001 21:24:30 -0600
Reply-To:     "Smola, Tony" <TSmola@TRIBUNE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Smola, Tony" <TSmola@TRIBUNE.COM>
Subject:      HORROR STORY
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

When I had my front wheels balanced at a local allignment shop, the guy who
did the speed balance, lifted on the gas tank supports and crushed the gas
tank.   I showed him the damage and gave him an estimate for a new tank and
hoses.  He asked if he could do the work to save on labor. I agreed if he
would install a gel-coated tank and replace all of the vent lines and fuel
lines and grommets.  The loaner car he gave me was a 83' Tempo with no
operable windows, no A/C and smelled like mildew. When I picked up the van 4
days later I noticed he had installed a nasty junk yard tank which spilled
gas when filled up ( probably those vent lines).  Anyway called him and told
him I was going to bring the van back to him to do the job rightthe next
week.  Of course the next day on the way to work,  the fuel pump failed.  I
took it to the dealer, chunks of rust had gone from the tank into the pump
and locked it up. ( no filter between the tank and pump)  I had the mechanic
that screwed the whole thing up go to the dealer to confirm that the tank
had chunks of rust floating in it.   When the service manager gave him a
hard time for doing such a shoddy  job he agreed to pay for a new VW tank, a
new fuel pump, sending unit and all of the necessary hoses.  The total was
over a $1000.  And he had to pay for the car rental ( 2000 jetta) for 3
days.

So the horror story has a happy ending, but only after alot of anguish,
being late to work twice. Driving a Tempo for 4 days. And the grilling by
the wife who said I should have demanded the new tank by the dealer in the
first place. I fought for her like a knight when her car was damaged by the
valet. And here I slack on my own behalf just because I felt sorry for that
mechanic who crushed the tank.  I lucked out.  He could have fought it all
the way until small claims court.

So protect your own ass and get the job done right, especially on a van
which you drive into the boonies, ( westy)


Is there a filter that goes between the tank and the pump? I have the new
tank design with the larger diameter feed line.

Malibu Tony 85' Westy  8 degrees BTDC