Date:         Mon, 2 May 2005 08:56:18 -0500
Reply-To:     Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: My hats off to you do it yourselfers
Comments: To: aatransaxle@DIRECWAY.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Daryl,

I dunno. I think you deserve some kudos too.

In performing my engine conversion - 3.2 liter Porsche Carrera engine and
G50 transmission into an '87 Vanagon GL - I experienced most of what you
were talking about: no hoist (engine hoist only), no welder (I did have to
hire a guy just once), no air tools, no special tools to speak of other than
a well equipped rolling tool chest, no large shop space (conversion
performed in my driveway), no a/c (hey, I'm in the south), etc. Not to
mention that there was no book, instruction set, or guide to tell me what to
do. Oh, and don't forget that it lasted 16 months and cost about a bazillion
dollars. Both of those things became points of contention with my wife.

At least you go areas that I care to tread no more. I've done transmission
work. I prefer not to do that again. Ten days after I bought my first car
ever (a '77 Triumph Spitfire), I learned how to rebuild a simple
transmission - and that with only a very modest tool box (18"x10"x10") - no
big rolling tool chest here. No more, please.

I admire anyone that regularly, and voluntarily ventures inside
transmissions. And this is not to mention someone that has built a national
reputation as being the best in the business. And being a super-nice guy
besides. And regularly giving advice and wisdom to those in need.

Kudos to Daryl!

Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce
motorbruce@hotmail.com


>From: Daryl Christensen <aatransaxle@DIRECWAY.COM>
>Reply-To: Daryl Christensen <aatransaxle@DIRECWAY.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: My hats off to you do it yourselfers
>Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 21:08:15 -0700
>
>After just removing the fuel tank from my syncro westy...(Don't ask me how
>I
>am going to squeeze the silly thing back in....
>I realized just how tough some of these projects are for those of you
>without a hoist, air tools, welder(s), multiple special tools, large shop
>space (with heat),etc...reading how you have to put carpet on the gravel or
>create a way to get a pilot bearing out or get a rusted/broken bolt
>out....not to mention those of you in the rust belt areas who have to deal
>with the corrosion on a regular basis..
>I am just plain spoiled rotten here in the NW. Having been a VW tech for
>most of 35 yrs I have collected the goodies to do this stuff and I couldn't
>imagine being without any of it...
>You guys are better men than I for sure...(as far as working on cars I
>mean..) Keep them Vanagons on the road...
>Daryl of AA Transaxle
>Duvall, WA. (Seattle area)
>1-877-377-0773 toll free
>425-788-4070
>aatransaxle.com
>86 Syncro Westy Turbocharged