Date:         Wed, 31 Jan 2007 10:53:03 -0800
Reply-To:     Pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      VW Fanatics and grumpy old men
In-Reply-To:  <200701311735.l0VHZCFt002242@flpi111.sbcis.sbc.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Yep, most of the folks who know about vanagons at 'car stores' read
dealerships, have pretty much retired.  Those still carrying the flame are
usually specialty private shops such as the usual list of my faves Stephans
Autohaus, Mastercraft Motors, Larry's Bug Shop, Bus Farmers, Kombihaus, AVP,
Fred's garage, The Buslab, even Tassi's.

Last Vanagon sold here rolled off the line some seventeen years ago.  Others
long before.  Treasure your local wizards, visit them often, when they are
gone there are no more coming down the production line (applicable to lots
of stuff).  You will have to carry the flame yourself so best get ready, or
get out of the game.

If you think you have a limited following, search out the Vixen motorhome.
These guys along with the Cortez bunch have it a lot harder than we do in
getting stuff fixed.  The GMC motorhome folks have a pretty wide support
group.  PCA and the Ferrari owners, and the Alfisti have similar problems.
Magneti Marelli 12 point distributors are hard to find.  Campagnolo wheels
same.  Parts for an Abarth Simca, or an Armstrong Siddley, or a Spagthorpe
Whippet almost non-existent.

If you want to continue in the old van game, gird your loins with knowledge
and contacts because before you know it it will be up to you.  Our beasts of
burden are a rapidly aging set of divas who will require more and more
attention if they are to continue in the fashion to which we have become
accustomed.

Or you could sell me your pristine 2.5TDI Syncro Westie with Schvenkenstein
suspension and 15K$ worth of other upgrades for a couple of thou and simply
fade away.