Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2005 12:18:40 -0500
Reply-To: Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Musings
In-Reply-To: <BAY106-DAV3490FC0F3B1AF177D0474D3670@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I bought a 1980 air cooled westy five years ago. When I bought my
first van the biggest thing I'd ever done mechanically was changing a
spare tire. About three years ago I sold the 1980 and bought a 1986
syncro westy. Over that time I learned a little bit here and there but
I would not say that I ever gained a high amount of mechanical
ability, but I stayed with the vanagon for a few reasons:
With the support of this list you WILL be able to fix the simple
things, regardless of how mechanically inept you are. For the things
that are more complex, at a minimum you will be armed with some
knowledge when you take it to a mechanic to have them do the work.
Its still not complex, but last summer I changed the alternator on my
1986 syncro, and in the process saved myself roughly $100 in quoted
labor on the job. Without the list (and my Bentley) I would never have
attempted it. Last summer the list support, my increasing confidence,
and the thought of what else I could do with $100 moved me a little
bit up the mechanical competency ladder.
I predict similar results for you and your 1984 Matthew.
Chris
On 11/9/05, Matthew Fredericks <fredericksmatt@hotmail.com> wrote:
> This brings up (or answers) a question of mine. I'm thinking of buying an
> 84 Vanagon. It seems to be well-maintained, but it would be my first
> Vanagon. I've been wanting a VW bus for some time, but after consulting
> some friends, I wonder if I'm actually 'handy' enough to handle a Vanagon.
> Truth be told, I've never really worked on my own car (I'm usually without
> one!). I know Vanagons are easier to work on than many computer-chipped
> cars, but if standard expectations for owning a Vanagon involve many hours
> with the hood up (or many dollars to foreign auto mechanics), uh-- I might
> be biting off more than I can chew.
>
> Any opinions? I'd appreciate any feedback.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Matt
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2005 5:44 AM
> Subject: Vanagon Musings
>
>
> > Seems there is always something to do on your vehicle if you own a
> > Vanagon. Mine has needed some attention for sometime and I finally broke
> > down and started in on the list of projects.
> >
> > 1)Windshield leaks - both bottom corners - and badly sand pitted
> > _Action_ - Installed a new windshield with new rubber seal 9Bus Depot)
> > without trim groove. CA look.
> >
> > 2) Leaking Power Steering Rack
> > _Action:_ replaced PS rack with rebuilt Mavel unit. New rubber and
> > bushings. Installed new PS system filter. (Ken at Vanagain.com)
> >
> > 3) Blown Seams in Muffler, Dead O2 sensor
> > _Action:_ new Muffler and Tail Pipe (Ken at Vanagain.com), New Bosch O2
> > sensor ( Small Car Parts, B'ham, AL)
> >
> > 4) Spark knock under load
> > _Action:_ Tune up - New plugs, rotor finger, distributor cap, air filter
> > (Small Car Parts, B'ham, AL) re-set timing.
> >
> > 5) Squealing Disc brakes, binding rear brake
> > _Action:_ Machine rear drums and front rotors, lube front wheel
> > bearings. Install new rear brake cylinders, install new front pads and
> > rear shoes. Install new front spindle locking nuts.( parts from Ken at
> > Vanagain.com)
> >
> > 6) CV Bearings
> > _Action: _Inject CV grease into boots under boot edge using hollow
> > needle greasing tool. Massaged grease into bearings.
> >
> > 7) Manual Tranny Service;
> > _Action:_ Bi-annual tranny fluid change - Redline MT-90
> >
> > 8) Oil Change
> > _Action:_ Change Oil - Mobil One 15W50, Mahle filter
> >
> > 9) Coolant Change
> > _Action:_ Flush system and fill with 4 gallons (est) of 50/50 Texaco
> > biodegradable orange, two bottles of Red Line Water Wetter.
> >
> > 10) Dead AC system
> > Action: Flush AC system, install new filter, new compressor, new seals,
> > test and service the system. (Parts from Ken at Vanagain.com)
> >
> > That is the current list just accomplished.
> >
> > Other projects in the next few weeks:
> >
> > Install headlight relay upgrade
> > Install Hella lighting upgrade 80/100 watt lights.
> > Tire balance and front end alignment
> > Por 15 the battery box
> > Touch up a couple of rusty spots where rocks chipped through the paint.
> >
> > I'm sure I will add addittional projects in time., but right now I am
> > getting the old girl ready for winter.
> >
> > John Rodgers
> > 88 GL Driver
> >
>
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