Date:         Thu, 20 Jun 2002 12:34:33 EDT
Reply-To:     FrankGRUN@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Grunthaner <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Installing cruise on 81 aircooled Vanagon
Comments: To: vgonman@MSN.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 6/20/02 4:07:44 AM, vgonman@MSN.COM writes:

<< I have read about the Rostra Ultracruise and the Audiovox.........I
searched on the web about the Rostra and talked to a few dealers, and they
claim no vanagon application, although a few listees have done it.  One
dealer claims there is a unit by ARA that will work on a vanagon, however I
can find nothing on it.

 >>

Let me repeat my reply to the general cruise control question. I have mounted
more cruise controls than I can readily count since I first encountered the
Dana unit sold through Sears. These have gone on gasoline ('56 Ford, '63
Rambler, '68 Rambler, '57 VW Beetle, '67 VW Camper, '72 VW HighTop with VW,
Corvair Automatic and Manual powertrains and my '82 Vanagon Westfalia) and
diesel (Peugeot 504, VW Rabbit and the Vanagon Diesel). Most of these
vehicles have been severely underpowered.

In my opinion, the vacuum actuated servo systems are completely inadequate.
Two reasons: poor load response and rapid thermal failure (average life - 2
years). Yes, I have mounted any number of vacuum storage cells, valved and un
valved. I have mounted the units in the engine compartment, on the frame
rails, in the wheel wheels, etc, etc.

After all that work (the first time is a charm, the third replacement is just
boring) I found the Rostra Ultracruise II which uses an electrical servo.
Mounted it. Hasn't failed yet. Doesn't know the difference between part and
full throttle. Superb high quality unit. Worth every penny. Do it once!

My two cents!

Frank Grunthaner