Date:         Tue, 20 Jul 2004 23:59:57 +1200
Reply-To:     Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Subject:      Re: What is the worst design part in the Vanagon WAS-Re: OEM Pop
              Top              Seals
In-Reply-To:  <BAY9-DAV15HvnNFmXNZ0003d797@hotmail.com>
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>1.  needs a bigger fuel tank, cruising range is too low.

True. I didn't trust my Caravelle 2WD to do 365km on a tank.

>2.  needs more power

Needs an SVX engine.

>3.  needs a five speed (OD top gear) to get the rpms closer to 3000 at 70
>mph rather than 4000+.

Stock 5-speed is OD. No great shakes. Top is little higher than that
of 4-speed.

>4.  Needs a better ventalation system up front, foam seals get old, and the
>vent can't be shut off.

Pull them out and glue new modern (long-lasting... try archival) foam on.

>   Love it cause it is roomy, very roomy.

yes but...

>  has good ground clearance,

... not nearly as good as the older Type 2s

>ok gas
>milage for the size of the car,

hmmm...

>up front driving postion simular to the old
>Microbusses,

wheel is closer to vertical, though not nearly as much so as the
car-style wheels in all  the Japanese vans

>lots of windows which is great for sight seeing.

But rather small (high waistline)... however this is better for privacy

>   If only VW had used a big subaru type motor,

Do it yourself! Lots are...

>  installed a 25 gas gallon
>tank,

aftermarket tank way too expensive

>  OD tranny,

standard... just not in USA

>and did something a little better on ventilation seals,

quality German plastics...

>they'd still be selling them today!

I wish!!
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin
New Zealand
Fossil preparator
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut