I had my doubts, but the rest of our group wanted to try, so we loaded 9 people going on a caving trip into my 87 WestFalia, or is that WestPHalia? Anyway, there was one generous size person, and the smallest was a teenager. No kids, all adult size wearing caving outfits, with boots, helmets, backpacks, 150 feet of caving rope, and assorted gear. We put 3 across the rear bench seat, 2 in the floor, a driver and passenger, and 2 sitting in the far back, sharing the space with a large box of supplies. The two in the far back were the only ones that seemed cramped, and only because the low ceiling made them have to duck their heads down. But then again cavers are used to small cramped spaces. We only had to go a mile or so from the main parking area to the cave entrance, but it was on a narrow, steep and hilly road. The 87 Westy performed well, sagged and groaned a bit, but seemed to have plenty of power on the hills. We did the same thing on the trip back, but this time we had 9 tired and muddy people. I spread old towels around to sit on, which helped. Anyone on the List know how to deep clean a van? Any volunteers? The Westy purred nicely on the trip home from Harpers Ferry to DC, and with just 3 people for the homeward trip it was very roomy. Saw a 79 type 2 in Shepards town, and knew we passed List member Jamie in Harpers Ferry, and another guy I met at Tom Forhan's who lives in Frederick Md. I could now use my odometer, thanks to the list. Interstate speeds of about 65, tach solid in the green at about 3500, an automatic, temp pegged on the led center position. no leaks or drips, will have to check oil to verify if any lower, have been running synthetic 15-50.
Ed in Md 87 "A Van with no name." |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.