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Date:         Sun, 4 Nov 2001 16:17:44 -0600
Reply-To:     Theresa Reinhardt <wordbridge@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Theresa Reinhardt <wordbridge@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Down and out in MD; now: Back in IL
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Hi Guys:

First of all, I'd like to thank list members for their incredible support, and for not writing what must have been on everyone's mind...

While I was not able to communicate very well from on the road, I'd now like to take the time to thank Ed, Rachel, Jerry, Steve, Tom, Phaedra, Bill and KARL for their advice, encouragement and, in the case of the latter, competent investigation/diagnosis of the sick van. Thanks especially also to the person who alerted Karl!!! If I have forgotten to mention anyone, please forgive me; I am now juggling messages on two computers...

Not to mention that I am still fuming. While it has been suggested that I sue [PO, the shop] I accept full responsibility for my less than stellar decisions (both in the process of purchasing the thing and on the road). But I thought I had good advice from the shop...

Overall, things could have been much worse (e.g., I could have been rear ended by one of the many big rigs trying to get home on Friday night on the Penna Turnpike, I could have broken down nowhere near Karl's shop, he might have thought it was more important to get moved, this list might not have existed...). Instead, it was sunny, people were helpful, nobody was hurt in the process (other than the van), and except major communications problem with the cell and long distance phone/e-mail communication, everything worked out OK.

So, now I have an '82 Diesel Westy in VA that needs a new head and some creative improvements made by the PO's reversed (aftermarket turbo...Karl knows a lot more about this) and sits in Karl's brother's drive. I have to decide what I want to do - while I think the van is in good shape (though grungy) and it would be worth investing some more money in it, I have some reservations:

1. I do not know of a reliable shop (or any at all) that will work on these in IL (my concern: maintenance in the future, even if/when Karl does the work). 2. Karl will not have time until the spring; I'd rather not have the vehicle sit that long/not being able to use it. Anyone have any ideas about getting it here so I can at least work on the inside etc.? 3. Other than fixing this engine (which Karl seems to think is a viable option and should cost me about $1,000), should I go for a bigger engine? I did get to ride in Karl's van which is awesome, but I don't need that kind of performance. I am after the (supposed) longevity, fuel economy, and "torque rather than top end speed" of a Diesel I admit my Diesel experience is limited to Mercedes). Should I retain the aftermarket turbo (which Karl seemed to think definitely improved the performance of the engine, compared to regular Diesels). 4. Does anyone want to buy it before I start sinking money by the grand into it (I wouldn't do any of the serious work myself; so I have to pay for it - retail) and before I get attached to it (getting close)? 5. Any other words of wisdom?

Thanks again, Teresa


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