Date:         Sat, 12 Mar 2005 07:51:00 -0600
Reply-To:     Maggie Dew <maggie@WESTFAM.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Maggie Dew <maggie@WESTFAM.NET>
Subject:      Re: Wilder's Law
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I can certainly help pull the average up.  I bought my '85 Westy almost
a year ago for $200.  It wasn't running and the tranny was out so I knew
I was looking at spending some money, especially since planning a Subie
conversion.  Put the Subie 2.2 in, with lots of new stuff (head gaskets,
timing belt, water pump, fuel filter and lines, hoses, etc.), new CV
axles (old ones fell apart as we pulled the 1.9 out).  Then ended up
getting new power-steering rack, ball joints, radiator, and starter.
Drove it and discovered the tranny was noisy and jumped out of gear.
Pulled it back out, had it rebuilt, put it back in.  I'm sure I'm
forgetting something.  Also got a new paint job, new 15" wheels & tires,
new canvas and seal, stereo w/satellite.  Got some upgraded seats from
Chris.  When I get time - after the semester is over perhaps - I will
add everything up and divide it between the necessary conversion
expenses and the overall expenses and the list will be available if
anyone planning a conversion is interested.  I'm guessing I spent around
6k but not sure.  I consider it a bargain.

Stan, you're the second person to mention being buried in it.  That's my
plan - to baffle future archaeologists, who relegate every puzzling find
to the "ceremonial" category.  They'll be wondering about the Japanese
engine, German body, woman with camping gear--  The high priestess of
Westaru.   BTW, I still have to replace or fix my propane tank, the
brakes are starting to get mushy, and I want to get an auxiliary
battery.

Maggie
'85 Westaru "Anne Bonney"