Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2005 18:49:18 -0600
Reply-To: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Musings
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
If you don't like auto repair work, don't buy a Vanagon.
It stands to reason if you paid more to get a really good and dependable
Vanagon Westy then you wouldn't have to worry much about working on the van.
Not so! Vanagons require a considerable amount of preventive maintenance and
a great deal of mollycoddling just to keep them on the road.
I've stated this before but here goes again; "You will probably spend as
much on maintenance and parts within the first year of ownership of a Westy
as you paid in the purchase price".
As for me I paid $2000.00 and spent well over $3000.00 that first year.
I replaced both the engine and transmission that first year, along with
tires, brakes etc. etc.
If you've been lurking on this list it should have scared the hell outa you.
Get yourself a nice Chevy or Dodge conversion van and fly past the Vanagons
and Westy you see on the highways struggling to keep them up to 68 mph.
Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew Fredericks" <fredericksmatt@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2005 10:32 AM
Subject: Re: Vanagon Musings
> 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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