Date:         Fri, 10 Feb 2006 07:48:10 -0800
Reply-To:     Pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      Re: FS: '91 Syncro SVX Ebay
In-Reply-To:  <200602100328.k1A3Slnq002207@ylpvm19.prodigy.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

9300$  Bargain!  But I have one.  Lets look at the figures for a moment.  IF
you were to convert YOUR syncro to SVX power you would of course need an
SVX, a Kennedy kit, a wiring harness and plumbing (make sure you route it
correctly)  a rebuilt transmission, new starter...lots of time, a garage
with a hoist, lots more time...

Now of course you'd have to get all the parts to your workplace in a
truck...

Here is a running example with syncro bits and pieces that you could DRIVE
home.  Add wheels and brakes for another 1200 and see if you like it.  If
you do, transplant to your syncro.  Sell the shell to BenT for $25 after
carefully removing the critical driveline bits and controls.  If not sell it
for 9300US.

At the end of the days you will have an svx powered syncro and enough spares
to keep it moseying along in fine fettle for a looong time.  AND you will
have intimate knowledge of the idiosyncratic Axis vehicle.  (Japanese +
German)  Best engineered vehicles to be had these days. DIY for the labor.

The outfit in Tacoma that did mine did an obviously poor job, seriously
overcharged me, and left me to fend for myself should anything go awry with
their tur(n)key installation.  ~16000$ later and ~40000 miles the van runs
pretty well for 150000+ chassis miles.  A good relationship with Stephan
White at Stephans Autohaus in Sacramento, Seth Hatfield at H&R in beautiful
Santa Barbara, and Jeff Field at Transaxle Engineering in Chatsworth, Bob of
FastBunnies,  saved what bacon remained.  Jeff at Vanagonparts, Ron and
others will keep it moseying into the backcountry for a long time.  The
local wizards at Maita Subaru provide the SVX parts and consultation, MAACO
muffler does the quarterly weld up of the POS exhaust system and Pepboys
sells the castrol that keeps it ticking away...(timebomb?)  Sears has the
tires.

All our vanagons are 15yr old cars with limited parts availability and even
more limited knowledge on repairs and vital maintenance.  Really high
mileage ladies will require the attention and homage that is customary.  But
to replace her with a modern 16' 4WD class C motorhome that has the charm of
Jerry, the lineage of Ferry Porsche, and the inimitable saltbox on wheels
shape, you'd spend 50K$ for a nice used one, Ford based plastic and lacking
soul.

So watch the moonrise over Mono Lake, park in the RV section of the Squaw
Valley Parking lot, sunset from a turnout high above the pacific on US 1,
languish in the flowers with the Kamchatka desert invasion team, watch the
alpenglow on the panamint dunes from Jerry's place, frolic in the warmth of
Spencer hot springs, catch the evening hatch at Silver Creek or the Henry's
Fork, watch the dancing cranes at Bosque del Apache, find out where your
road goes... You only get one turn on the carousel and in the end entropy
wins.