Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2006 09:31:02 -0800
Reply-To: Mike Rouby <mikerouby@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Rouby <mikerouby@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Aircooled rules
In-Reply-To: <4572E6CB.6080001@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Well, if there is a Diesel Vanagon list which was only really produced for a year in the US/Canada, (82-83) never came with air conditioning, and had even LESS hp than the aircooled models... then you're right - we do deserve a list of our own. They made more AC Vanagons than Diesel ones for a start!
Our AC Vanagons are the vehicles some people wish to ignore. The "Classic" VW world would like to think only the 1950-1979 Buses really deserve VW aircooled recognition, while the Vanagon crew would have wished the aircooled models never existed in the first place (blaming things like fuel tank design on aircooled compromises) and citing the usual aircooled inefficiencies (lack of power, heat, etc.). Many of the "Classic VW" crowd don't even realize they were aircooled models of the Vanagon - and would sooner think that all Vanagons are watercooled and not worth their recognition.
However, those who 'appreciate and prefer VW of yore' prefer the AC Vanagon. Pinnicle of Type 2 design, it still incorporated air cooled design and robustness of Type 4 engine technology with modern safety, drivability and design of the latter Vanagons.
For starters, AC Vanagons are relatively simple to upkeep. I forgot the last time I had to change the antifreeze, replace the water pump, or dealing with head gasket leaks, coolant pipes or corroded head stud issues. Just a basic EFi and usual upkeep. And yes that includes living with the lack of power and strong heat, although one should point out the Vanagon offers the best heat delivery of all non-watercooled VWs.
Now there is a Type 1 engine versus Type 4 debate within the VW aircooled world which also helps alienate the AC Vanagon as a black sheep too. But anyone in Britian will tell you (since they also had a Type 1 1600cc aircooled option in pancake style ala Type 3) that the Type 1 in Vanagon fitment tended to crack heads even when new with a vengence. Goes to show that the Type 1 isn't all that wonderful after all. There was a reason why the Type 4 engine was developed. But that's a different subject....
This long response is case in point why we probably should have a AC Vanagon list IMO.
Mike
Wil Haslup <whaslup@GMAIL.COM> wrote: Nathaniel Poole wrote:
> So there's a diesel vanagon list. I see there's also a syncro list, a wet
> westies list, a subaru vanagon list, a type 2 list... How come there ain't
> no aircooled vanagon list, the *elite* of the bunch? Somebody said we were
> the orphans of the vanagon world - I prefer to think we are the misfits, the
> rebels, the vanagons you don't want dating your daughters. Spit-in-yer-eye
> vanagons. SO how come there ain't a list?
> Nathaniel
3 years worth of production, problems with heat and comfort in cold
climates, lower HP = fewer folks are willing to deal.
Probably just hasn't been anyone interested enough to start a Yahoo group.
You asked the question...sounds like you might have found your next
challenge. ...yet another VW group to join, c'est la vie!
--
Wil
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