Date:         Thu, 18 Apr 2002 13:51:02 -0700
Reply-To:     Matt Ratto <mratto@WEBER.UCSD.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matt Ratto <mratto@WEBER.UCSD.EDU>
Subject:      Strange offer(trade for Vanagon work)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi all,

I recently purchased an '82 Diesel Westy (I emailed about it a few weeks ago
and got lots of help getting it roadable, thanks to all). I've been doing my
best driving it around San Diego but am having a lot of problems getting
used to the lack of power. This isn't just due to the diesel - the engine
has low compression in two cylinders and other than a rebuild there doesn't
seem much I can do. I bought it with the expectation that I'd put a new
motor in it at some point, either a gas I-4, a turbo 1.6 diesel, or a 1.9
N/A diesel. I was hoping that I'd be able to drive it around for a year or
so while I saved up money to get the new engine, but I'm worried that it
just isn't going to make it.

Here's the strange offer part. While I don't have much ready cash, I do have
a 1963 Dodge Dart 270 Convertible that was my previous vehicle. I've owned
it for 6 years and have done lots of work on it. It's been in storage at my
brother's in Sacramento and this Christmas I drove it down to San Diego,
hoping to make it my daily driver again. But then I fell in love with the
idea of a Westy and purchased the 82 diesel. I'm about to sell the Dart, but
before I did, I thought I'd put this offer out to the Vanagan group to see
if anyone was interested. Basically, I was wondering if anyone in the San
Diego area was interested in trading labour and parts for the engine
conversion (of any kind,) for my Westy in exchange for the Dart. It's
probably worth ~$2000 so I would be ready to put it a little cash as well.

If you're interested, email me directly (mratto@ucsd.edu). I'll have
pictures of the Dart up soon. It's in pretty good shape, could use new paint
and some minor body work. Also, I just lost a brake line and it could use
new ones all the way around. Still a great California '60's 'vert, and a
great ride. The only thing better is a office and home I can drive around.
I'm currently working on my dissertation and I have set my Westy up as a
mobile office. Rather than be stuck behind a computer at home or at school I
can jump in the Westy, drive down to the beach or out to the desert and
still get some writing done. Make a little coffee on the stove, take a nap,
etc... It's a great plan but it requires a reliable vehicle.

I know that most of you probably have lots of cars and projects already, but
I thought I'd give it a whirl. I'd love to have the feeling that the Dart
somehow was connected to the Westy.

best,

Matt Ratto
Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Communication
UC San Diego
mratto@ucsd.edu