Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 12:49:21 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: ultimate vanagon challenge
In-Reply-To: <BAY104-W2A33CCDD45DB33022D74EB65D0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
So you are about to do it, huh?
Well, buying blind can be scarey. In spite of all the encouraging words
from any dealership - DON'T TRUST NOBODY!
Before you start your journey, get a complete, behind- the-firewall fuel
line kit including injector hose and seals - and take that wih you.
Before you leave the pickup point try and get those fuel lines changed,
or as soon as possible there after. It doesn't matter that the van has
been in the desert, rubber rots, period!! It has more to do with the
oxidizing effects of the atmosphere on the rubber, rather than the
humidity. So being dry doesn't help preserve the rubber. Same applies to
the coolant hoses. If you spring a leak in a coolant hose you can pull
over and park it, but a hole in the fuel line????.........if a fire
starts you will never get it put out in time to save the vehicle. It
will be beyond stopping the blaze by the time you realize it's happening.
As soon as possible, before really starting on your return tirp, have
the vehicle inspected by a mechanic other than the dealership. Take some
silver duct tape with you on your return journey, and include with it
some hose clamps of coolant line size..
I'm sure others can add to the list.
I haven't done an engine upgrade, but from all my reading, the Suburu
engine seems made for the Vanagon. Practically slides right in. A boxer
type engine but of newer technology.
While the engine is out for the swap, send the tranny to Daryll at AA
Transaxle. He's the best, period.You can find him on the vendor list at
vanagon.com.
Good luck on your new adventure with a vanagon.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Helena Troy wrote:
> so. I'm re entering the arena, with style.You remember me from before, where is the best place to get your vanagon? Coming happily back to weekender package vanagon ownership after flirting with Toyota siennas for a few years. Before the toyota, I had nothing but vw busses for 10 years from a 77 to a 89 wolfsburg to a 88 7 seater then a 1991 carat. Joel W gave a great post about how to do it right and he suggested the desert. SO off I go.I found a 1989 wolfsburg, with 160,000 miles on it. Vanagon maroon. It was a stolen vehicle, so it has a naughty "Rebuilt" designation on the title which made it CHEEEEP... i have never laid eyes on it, but I am already in love.She's in Nevada, a little desert orphan, the insurance company bought her off from her poor parents, who probably dont even realize that she has been found and is ready to start a new life with her new mom. Spent her whole life without winter weather (sorry to take you east dear, we will return to god's country soon) The dealer ship assures me they have looked it over and made it road ready, but I don't believe it. No one looks after Vans correctly, except those who are called to take the role, I know the sting of not having your van properly cared for....OK so this is one hell of a road trip, with an unproven vehicle. But i believe in Vanagons, and this one likes me.So I would like the list opinion on a few options:A; Do I get it out of there an into the nearest vana-friendly mechanic (perhaps that is also open on saturdays?) or should I just get it home (a mere 2500 miles) to the van spa at Vanagain after checking what I can to make sure its not all gulliwumpus? B: I'm plotting out a course through Nevada, Colorado, Kansas, MO, Ill Oh to PA...(pick up Saturday, back by Tuesday) i have the list of mechanics in every state along the way and super AAA plus with 100 miles of towing. I know the name of someone decent in Denver, but I would like to have a list of numbers and names of the best Mechanics along the way.C: im excited for true trouble. I saved so much money that even if if I blow an engine I could pay for a rebuild or new engine easily. I want to replace it with something with more power (perhaps subaru, the legendary porche engine??). could any one suggest dream rebuilds or engines to stick in to make this van a "super vanagon?" i feel the same about the transmission... Also I would like to know who is the best in the country (i'm open to having it done right and well the first time) to take it to? East of the missisippi would probably be best.D; does anyone want to bet on which state I break down in, or perhaps where I will pick up a serial killer? or perhaps would anyone like to lend a driveway, favorite scenic spot that I could sleep in? I am excited for the pilgrimage and all the possible directions that the trip might takeE: What tools/parts/supplies should I take along to be sure that can handle most of the major possible little problems (can you use stopleak for hose pinholes?)Thanks in advance for all your helpful and optimistic support.BTW(Just so you know joel, a friend of mine bought the 1989 Blue Star on
> ebay, and we took it to vanagain for a little rest and relaxation by
> the lake, after its's spa treatment (hoses, fixing that annoying
> jump-to-start problem -not quite mentioned in the ebay listing there
> btw--, pa inspection readiness) it will be loved and coddled by girls
> who love her.
> All the vanagon love in the worldKatie
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