Date:         Mon, 8 Dec 2003 06:55:38 -0700
Reply-To:     "T." <midgard@DRAGON.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "T." <midgard@DRAGON.ORG>
Subject:      Please buy my 1984 Vanagon!
In-Reply-To:  <011e01c3ac92$00738800$fc00a8c0@ibmt22laptop>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=WINDOWS-1252; format=flowed

Hi all,
I live in Phoenix. I’ve got a Vanagon that I’ve had for 3 or so years 
now. His name is Sparky. He’s the best little Vanagon; he’s dependable, 
reliable, and leaks neither water nor oil! Sparky has 122,000 miles on 

his engine and he doesn’t burn oil or smoke either. I always use 5-30 

or 10-30 multigrade detergent oil in his crankcase. It runs smooth and 

clean without leaks or burning. His dash is not cracked or peeling. His 

interior is in great shape; he even has new radio speakers (though his 

radio needs to be upgraded from factory!) He has that nice velour tan 
interior with the Captain’s chairs and the middle row seat. The 
headliner is intact and not ripped up. No stains or spills on the 
seats. The carpeting is in what I would call acceptable and worn 
condition; I would try cleaning it before replacing it. It if I had the 

money as it no longer looks clean and new. You’ll love the tinted 
windows for privacy when parking somewhere. I’m telling you, he’s the 
best little Vanagon I’ve ever met. His body has no rust, there are a 

few places where he’ll need some TLC to take out a couple of dings in 

his body, but nothing major. I doubt he’s ever been in a major 
accident. I would not be selling Sparky if I could find a way through 
my current financial dilemma, but I can’t. Tough times are ahead for 

me. I am broke and have been told I am to be laid off for the next 8 
weeks or so. Unfortunately, that came at a bad time as I just spent my 

savings to overhaul my project van (we all have a project van, don’t 

we?) Mine was to the tune of over $4500! So, I am broke and need money. 

If I sold my project van, I would not get nearly the $4500 that I just 

spent on it. So, I have to part with Sparky. But, I don’t want to sell 

him to someone that lacks the love of the Bus, you know? Anyway, I will 

post my pictures for Sparky at this URL for you to see him.

http://briefcase.yahoo.com/tec4357

When you get to the URL, click on Public, then choose Sparky. There are 

4 pictures of his exterior. I need to snap a few of the interior, but I 

assure you, he’s pretty in and out.

I don’t want to put him on eBay as I don’t know what kind of person is 
likely to buy him, whether for salvage or some crazy ideas that involve 

cutting torches. I just couldn’t see that happen to him. He’s been too 
loyal of a family member to have that happen to him.

Maintenance and Fixes to make him A-1 shape:

1.      I replaced his water pump a while back (1 year ago) and had a hose 
replaced at that time.
2.      I had the clutch pressure hose replaced in the past 3 months.
3.      His front tires are in great shape, the rear tires will need to be 
changed next year.
4.      Brakes are good all around (rear replaced 3 months ago). The front 
ones squeal a bit during stops, but I was told that was because the 
pads were a cheap brand, but adequate to the task.
5.      I’ve never used phosphate coolant; I’ve always used the Peak 

environmentally safe brand.
6.      The cooling fan is stuck on high speed and won’t shut off (which is 
how I wanted it for the hot Arizona desert).
7.      The rear seat heater seems to not blow hot enough. I suspect it is 
the shut off valve in the wrong position. I’ve never had cause to use 

it as I just don’t get cold enough to turn it on and spend the time to 

figure out what is up with it.
8.      The front heater works, but the blower doesn’t. I figured out the 
fix for that: replace the blower or... open the defroster vent and 
crack open one of the little triangle windows. Then it blows great (ram 

jet action). This fix also works for the floor vent for driver’s feet.
9.      The gas gauge never worked. But, I’m of the old school, when gauges 
were a luxury item. My work around was simple: I use the trip meter. 
Every time I refill the tank, I reset it. At 200 miles, I look for a 
station. At 250 miles, I’m kicking my butt because I didn’t look for a 
station.
10.     The windshield would need replacing eventually if you want to get 
rid of the couple of chips, but there are no running cracks.
11.     The analogue clock sometimes works, but I wouldn’t trust it. I bet 
it needs to be cleaned.
12.     I just replaced all the interior passenger lights and the rear 

radio speakers, but the door speakers sound cracked and I haven’t done 

them yet.
13.     The radio antenna cable needs to be replaced. I bought it, but I’ve 
not correctly installed it was not high in the priorities.
14.     The sliding door has a new handle and lock. The key didn’t come 
with it. So, either rekey it, or do what I do: open the passenger door 

and un/lock from inside.
15.     The rear bumper is needing the end caps and probably straightening 
a bit. It came that way when I bought him. I hadn’t bothered as I was 

lining up a body man to do all the work at once and build some real 
bumpers for him. That fell through when my niece stopped dating him.

I’m asking $2,000 for him, but will help out if you plan to ship him to 
you. He’s been a daily dependable driver and made long treks to LA and 

Torrance, CA. I really hope someone loves him as much as he has loved 
me and I him. I thank you for reading this long love letter about my 
faithful friend and hope to hear from you soon!

Timothy in Phoenix, AZ