Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2005 13:00:14 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Let me introduce myself- finally!
In-Reply-To: <17700134.1117765064425.JavaMail.root@wamui-little.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Lisa, one more thing.........
You are going to discover that in time you will know more about your van
than just about any mechanic out there. This is both a blessing and a
curse. The curse side is that you are going to go through a learning
curve, some of which will involve mechanics that screw up your van and
you have to have things corrected - part of your learning curve. The
blessing side is that you will accumulate a mass of kowledge from which
you can draw and then direct unknowing mechanics in getting the job done
right, whatever it is. You will also be able to tell when work done has
been done right.
Most mechanics are diligent guys and gals who really want to do good
work. They have a good background in mechanics - systems etc, they just
don't know your particular vehicle. Your insightful understanding of
your van will enable you to be of significant assistance to anyone
working on your van.
A lot of garages won't work on Vanagons simply because they are an
unknown, and LOOK complicated. Truth is, they are really simple
machines, and once past the intimidation factor the vans present, they
are easy. You do need a good toolbox, but the work is not that difficult.
When you do tasks on your van, there come's with it a great satisfaction
and peace of mind. You KNOW what was done, how well it was done, and can
anticipate what might come of the work at a later time. Those things are
worth a lot!!
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL driver
Lisa Bliss wrote:
>Hi friends,
>
>I have been lurking around here for about a month and I guess it is time to introduce myself! First I was waiting for our westy purchase to go through. The seller was reluctant to part with it and now that we have officially adopted it, I think I understand why. I love it!!! My friends love it!!! My kid loves it!
>
>I am about to embark with my 7 year old daughter on a trip from Atlanta to Crested Butte, Colorado to visit a friend and bum around camping for the month of July. It was just going to be me and my daughter but my friend's brother is now coming along for the drive from Atlanta to Colorado. I am quite happy to have the company and the know how as he is an excellent outdoorsman. Husband will join us for a week at some point, but except for my passenger on the first leg I am going to be on my own.
>
>My van did not come with any manuals so I bought one on ebay for vanagons. I need to get my hands on instructions for the fridge and stove - I have no idea how to light these things and I think I will need some help. Does anybody know where to get instructions for how to light these two things?
>
> If I understand correctly, I should first cool the fridge for 24 hours on electric power and then switch to auxillary battery? Only power it with propane if going to be settled in one spot for the whole time?
>
>The van is at the mechanic now getting some things taken care of before the trip. Because I am going to high altitude, should I ask the mechanic to adjust for this??
>
>I have appreciated the suggestions on the list about what to pack and I am going to track down the list of repair shops between here and there if the need should arise. I have some extra belts. Gathering my other must have and like to have supplies and emergency items. Really looking forward to hitting the road for 4 weeks and hope that I meet some of you out there.
>
>Happy trails to all -
>
>Lisa Bliss
>1987 Westy "Bree"
>
>
>
>
| 
