Date:         Sun, 17 Jun 2007 10:31:02 -0500
Reply-To:     Jon Joyce <deluxeokc@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jon Joyce <deluxeokc@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Returning to the List/Vanagons after long hiatus
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hello all-

I'm happy to report that after three years of being Vanagon-less (I've been
daily-driving my '79 Westy in the meantime), I came across a screaming deal
on an '87 full-Westy 4speed with a bad waterpump. A good friend and I ended
up going in halvsies on it, figuring it would be good to split up repair
costs etc, and share joint custody once it's back on the road.

In the three-odd weeks since we brought it home, we've replaced said
waterpump,  along with lots of other small parts. We were able to fire it up
last week, and were pleased to discover that it runs like a champ and is a
great driver. Lots left to do, as all the empty antifreeze containers
stashed around the interior would suggest. There's a fair leak in the pass.
side head gasket, and a smaller one on the driver's side, although they seem
to seal up well once the engine warms up. Otherwise, there's no visible
smoke (white or otherwise) from the exhaust, and no strange bottom-end
noises. We flushed the coolant system and are just running water for the
time being, as we have the parts to do both heads and are planning on
tearing into that job in the next week or so. I drove the Westy to lunch on
Thursday, in stop-and-go construction traffic in 90+ degree heat, and the
temp gauge stayed right in the middle.

Overall, the Westy is in good condition, although it suffered some obvious
signs of neglect and was appallingly filthy when we bought it. Several
machine washings, lots of 409 and Simple Green later and it's much improved,
but there's still lots of tinkering to be done on the inside, too. All of
the appliances work great, however, and the canvas is in good shape, too.

Alright, I'll shut up now and get back to lurking, but I'm sure we'll have
some questions in the weeks to come. Thanks for listening and it's good to
be back!

JJ
Oklahoma City