Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 2002 10:59:55 -0700
Reply-To:     Ward Smith <wsmith@SAN.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ward Smith <wsmith@SAN.RR.COM>
Subject:      New Project....HELP!!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hey all,

Well I finally did it. I bought a non-running Vanagon Westy. Yeah...or maybe
Boo. Don't know yet. The P/O bought it a couple years ago from an auction
and never got around to it. His mechanic said one head was bad (He pulled
both of them), and never finished the job. Typical. It now resides in my
driveway, and I need the space, so I will work on it till it's done (or full
of new dents/curse words). The body and interior are in extremely nice
shape. Stove/fridge don't look like they have been used more than once or
twice. It's an 83.5, watercooled, no air.

What I really need is someone that lives locally that has a WBX that is
complete so I can get a reference, or someone that can loan me a manual or
help with the rebuild. I have two new(er) heads, and the pistons and rings
look fine. I am going to try and put the heads back in with the engine still
in the body. That is the easier way, right? Also the injection wires going
to the passenger head are cut, so I need to find out if I can splice new
ones in, or should I go all the way back to the box. Also, is there an easy
way to find which ones go where.

I have 0 experience with watercooled VW's, but have tons of experience with
the upright air cooled, and a little with the pancake (courtesy of an
A.I.R.S. member that found himself stuck at my house for a month while we
rebuilt his engine). I have all the tools necessary, so if you can give a
hand, let me know. I'm in the San Diego area, near Mesa college.


Thanks,

Ward

Oh, btw, when the vanagon is done, I will probably drive it for a week or so
to check everything out, and then sell it. I just can't afford a 7th bus
right now, and need this one done to get money for the other projects I have
waiting. So, if anyone has interest in seeing it before it's finished, let
me know. I have a digital camara, so if any of you guru's can operate in
"virtual space" let me know.