Date:         Thu, 27 Jun 2002 21:09:49 -0400
Reply-To:     Maynard Southard <echomhs@GIS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Maynard Southard <echomhs@GIS.NET>
Subject:      Re: Installing cruise on 81 aircooled Vanagon
Comments: cc: "FrankGRUN@AOL.COM" <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM>

Frank:
Can you share with us a source for this cruise control unit?  Is there a part
number specific to the Vanagon?
Thanks,

Maynard Southard  (OvO) '79
'86 Double Cab Diesel "Col. Potter"
'82 Westy Diesel "Reinhardt"
'82 Vanagon GL Diesel "Sluggo"
'93 EV GL "Klinger"
'00 Golf GLS TDI "WooHoo"
'84 Jetta GL TD "Donor"

On Thursday, June 20, 2002 1:56 PM, Frank Grunthaner <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM> wrote:
> 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