Date:         Thu, 25 May 2006 13:22:50 +0000
Reply-To:     joe trussell <vanagongl@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         joe trussell <vanagongl@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Where to start?
Comments: To: mprui07@yahoo.com
In-Reply-To:  <11dcddf80605250353p1ebef1b7gf80a6f4b015118d1@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Mindy and List,

I had a very short-lived experience with a 1967 Westfalia Splittie about
four years ago.

I posted news of my purchase to the Vanagon list and I received a mountain
of emails both through the list and p-mail from members recalling their own
experiences (and several cash offers.)  So, it's my turn...

I bought it, running and in surprisingly good condition, albeit with the
usual rust and tired motor, for the mind-blowing deal of $800 with every
intention of turning it into an all-original beauty.  I quickly found that I
was short of time and money, not to mention a gross lack of knowledge on how
to repair rusted rocker panels.

I grudgingly sold it for the same price I paid to a friend at work who had
just lost his wife to a heart attack and his son to a far-off college.  (And
as a selfish secondary aim, I hoped that the act would appease the VW Gods
and bring me good fortune with my Vanagons...)

He ordered all original interior pieces, curtains, fabric, etc. from
Germany, put in a dual port 1776 motor (I think?) and freeway flyer
transmission, disc brakes up front, and new suspension parts all the way
around.  He did all of the body work himself, perfectly.  As the restoration
progressed, he would bring it up to work occasionally and let me take it for
a spin.


I saw it about six months ago and it is absolutely stunning.   The owner and
his new fiance can be seen on weekends in campgrounds all over Colorado...

While I didn't actually bring one back to it original beauty, I feel like I
had a hand in its resurrection.  I dig Vanagons more than any other vehicle,
but there is something radiant, positive, and just intrinsically cool about
a Splittie.

Congratulations Mindy!  Have fun and keep us updated!

Joe T.
Denver
'85 Wolfsburg Westy EJ22



>
>On 5/24/06, Mindy Pruitt <mprui07@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>well I probably know this is the craziest question... Where exactly do i
>>start?
>>
>>I bought two vanagons (split front windows.)one has a motor and the other
>>doesn't. The owner (my uncle) has never heard them run but I really want
>>to get this great classic up and running and looking great but I have no
>>idea where to start. Any tips or pointers would help a lot! Thanks!
>>Mindy
>>

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