Date:         Mon, 14 May 2001 22:49:29 -0500
Reply-To:     andrewbell <andrewbell@qwest.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         andrewbell <andrewbell@qwest.net>
Subject:      Re: Met The Westy owner from OZ
Comments: To: wilden1@juno.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; x-mac-type="54455854";
              x-mac-creator="4D4F5353"

Castrol makes the K-Mart oil filter ... for what that's worth.

AB

Stan Wilder wrote:

> I took a look at an 81 Westfalia today that was advertized for $5000.00
> US Dollars.
> The lady on the phone raved about how nice the unit was. I was really
> curious.
> I'd be willing to pay five grand for a show quality westy so I couldn't
> let this one pass.
> Here is my report.
> #1 cylinder 58PSI
> #2 cylinder 40PSI
> #3 cylinder 00000000 PSI
> #4 cylinder 40PSI
> FI Wireloom burned out, alternator wire loom burned out.
> AC wired direct to the battery, wires fried, belts greasy and worn almost
> completely through.
> Sliding door handle missing, holdback broken.
> Front seats covered with sheepskin covers, they needed to be hidden.
> No spare tire, 1 bent wheel. No hubcaps.
> Rear bumper missing. Southern Mexico trailer hitch installed, bent pretty
> good crushing the rear body panel.
> Aftermarket exhaust, no emissions, no catalytic converter, no crossover
> pipe. No chance of getting an inspection sticker.
> Both front turn/park lights taped up and holding water.
> Engine covered in fresh blown out oil top and bottom.
> Star Wars plumbing for LP Gas regulator.
> Refigerator had been removed more than once, was loose in the Sink, Stove
> console. Console showed pry bar marks on both sides.
> Holes both sides of pop-up canvas, pinched too many times.
> Pop-up gaskets and seals stuck on with blue silicone.
> Wrong spark plug wires (resistance set)
> New Battery!
> Very clean engine oil, could hardly see it on the stick.
> Oversize oil drain plug installed.
> K-MART oil filter.
> Both front vent windows missing latches.
> Both gas cylinders on rear hatch dead.
> Oil filler cap missing.
> Rubber grommet on dip stick missing.
> Radio antena broken off at base.
> Sun Visors in neutral position straight down and floppy.
> Rear view mirror hazed over and back side of plastic broken out.
> She said "It won't start right now, the alternator is out"
> Last registered 1998, same inspection date.
> I properly insulted her by offering a salvage price and wrote up a list
> of repairs very similar to this report.
> I told her I would estimate that it would cost between $2 and $3 grand to
> make this vehicle worth owning, and dependable with a state inspection.
>
> Stan Wilder
> 83 Westfalia Air Cooled