Date:         Sun, 3 Mar 2002 17:24:35 EST
Reply-To:     TLSpear@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Lee Spear <TLSpear@AOL.COM>
Subject:      My first Vanagon/A few small problems, Help?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

       I just purchased my first Vanagon about 3 months ago.  I bought it
with the intention of using as a stelth construction vehicle (you know those
side jobs that you forget to get permits for), but it's become the main
vehicle.  I use it to haul my dogs to the beach, construction, and for
something to tinker with on the weekends.  In a nutshell, I've become
obsessed.

       My very understanding girlfriend even bought me the factory manual,
which is now my Bible.  I do my nightly readings religiously.  What a gal?

       I'm new not only to Vanagons, but the internet, too.  I made my first
internet purchase a few days ago.  Of course it was something for the
Vanagon, hatch struts (used-German-made $20).  I've been lurking on this
message board for over a week, and thought I'd throw out a couple questions
to the masters.

       First, I've heard you gentlemen refer to the archives several times.
Where are they and how does an internet newbie get to them?  Is there an
index?  I'm just looking for a little help on how that works.

       I've heard that you've got to be able to tinker to own a VW, well I'm
up for that challenge.  I'm a natural born "tinker-er" as is evidenced by the
fact that my '86 Ford F250 has 400,000 miles, with original ash tray (I don't
smoke).

1986 Vanagon GL
       Just did a brake job: new pads on front; wheel cylinders and shoes on
rear; BUT it didn't solve my soft brake problem.  And just for the record,
the brake problem was there before, this isn't something I created.  While
bleeding the rears, I noticed that the brake fluid was pretty nappy.  So, I
just flushed the whole system until clean fluid came out.  The brake pedal
doesn't loose pressure, but goes 3/4 to the floor.  I looked for master
cylinder leaks, but couldn't find any.  If I hit the brakes hard, it nose
dives, so I know the rears aren't grabbing in time.  Both wheel cylinders
were seeping, don't know for how long the rears haven't been working.  Could
the brake regulator be clogged?  This is definantly the first time the brake
fluid has ever been changed.
Any guesses, suggestions?  From what I've seen from the message board, I know
ya'll will be able to help me!
Oh, and does anyone know where I can buy a callper kit?

  Thanks for any help you can give.  I have a lot more questions, but I'll
save them for later.

Euroslide (the Vanagon's pet name)
Lee Spear
Miami, FL
tlspear@aol.com