Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2004 00:10:30 -0700
Reply-To: James Lowe <james.lowe@COX.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: James Lowe <james.lowe@COX.NET>
Subject: New Member
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Andrew,
Thanks for the kind words. I've read some of the other new member's
introductions and I'm trying to come up with a story at least as compelling
as Kate from Okemos'. So far, I've got nothing to compare to it - Great
story, Kate.
I've had my '87 Syncro GL for about 3 months now. The PO kept pretty good
records, including the original window sticker from Campbell Volkswagen of
Burbank, California listing the standard equipment, options, VIN, price,
etc., and lots of maintenance records chronicling the deaths of various CV
joints, water pumps, power windows, and on, and on. If any statistically
inclined Listee wants copies please let me know.
She is as yet un-named and was kinda sorry looking when I got her - dirty,
no antenna, busted cassette player (only played Bob Marley) bad alignment,
(pulled pretty bad to the right), and the tire on the passenger side was
balding on the outside edge.
Getting the windshield wiper washers (front & back) to work was surprisingly
easy. It took about an hour and half and didn't cost a penny. Let me know
if you want details.
She's riding on Kelly Chargers 215/65R15 96H. I don't have anything to
compare them to, but it feels like its riding on rails (like Martha Stewart
says "it's a good thing").
A few of the things that I want to repair are:
1) Horn - the electrical contactor at the bottom of the turn signal/
windshield wiper assembly is missing, and I haven't been able to communicate
this to the kid at the VW Parts Counter. Does anyone know if this part is
available without buying the whole assembly?
2) Front Differential Lock Actuator does not seem to work. I tested the
four wheel drive small sandy hill and the front wheels didn't engage at all
on a couple attempts and did on others. The 4WD did not engage when I
pulled the knob on the dash. Also, the indicator lights on the dash don't
work. Does anyone have experience they could share about this?
3) CV Joint Boots - seems like there's got to be a paint on type rubber goo
that patches up holey boots. I don't really want to pull and axle just to
change a boot.
4) Cruise Control - She got a switch, but nothing happens when you flip it.
5) Minor body damage on the passenger side and at little rust at the front
and rear windows.
I could go on but thats enough for now
Thanks
Jim Lowe
San Juan Capistrano, CA
