Date:         Tue, 17 Feb 2004 04:27:07 EST
Reply-To:     Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Oxroad <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:      83 coolant expansion tank/more troubles
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

My coolant expansion tank on my 83.5 Vanagon has cracked and sprung a leak. I
was looking into changing out the coolant expansion tank in my 83.5, which is
an "early" 83.5 with the expansion tank used on late 83.5 Vanagon (we'll say
84-85 Vanagons for ease). The early 83.5 Vanagon used a "square" expansion
tank (068 121 405D) which had a metal cap (025 121 321). The cap is no longer
available from VWOA--I also checked Bus Depot etc. with no luck although I'm
still checking with NAPA which lists the metal cap on its website as available but
we'll see.

I figured I might as well upgrade to the 84-85 expansion tank set up with the
"oval" tank (025 121 403A) with the green plastic cap (025 121 321B) that
most of you probably have in this vintage bus. I actually have used parts for the
upgrade including the "obsolete" Double T (025 121 438). But I figure, not
knowing the history of the used stuff, it would be safer to go with a new tank
and ho$es so as not to get stuck somewhere in, let's say, Wyoming with coolant
leak. The hoses are expensive of course--especially since we're talking about
only a total of 15 inches of hose or so for $90--the tank not too bad at about
$25. and cap $7. BUT the double coolant T repro from VolksCafe.com is $90!

"I'm sorry. I thought I heard you say $90?"

Fortunately I was born rich. I'm willing to pay the $90 provided this is my
only choice for a new double T and it will last. Anyone have experience with
the VolksCafe double T and have comments on it's quality and longevity?

Tanks to those who have offered help and ideas earlier in this thread.

I wasn't really born rich, and the expense of this thing is becoming a bit
overwhelming--but more expensive IMHO to go with the used parts and get
stuck--like I am now--in the middle of a trip to the middle of nowhere.

And I'm in no way putting down VolksCafe. My guess it to reproduce these
suckers on a small scale is a bit pricey in itself. (And in other news the guys at
Santa Monica VW are morons..and what's with VW discontinuing the Double T let
alone the old school expansion tank cap. They expected their cars shouldn't
last this long?????)

Thanks
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA