Date:         Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:09:16 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Subject:      Re: buying a syncro in PA- shop recommendations anyone?
Comments: cc: rphdiego@HOTMAIL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Re: "Tuesday I am picking up a 1990 Syncro Camper in Lock Haven PA and plan to drive it back to San Diego CA. I have brought belts and filters with me and would appreciate any recommendations for a good Vanagon mechanic in the area to go over the van before I head home. Thanks! I will have my laptop w/internet access the entire 2800 mile trip."

I can't offer shop suggestions but I support your plan to drive it home. We purchased our `87 Westy Syncro in Berkeley, CA four years ago and drove it home to Anchorage, AK.  A much more remote drive than you will be taking, no internet access, few repair shops and what shops exist are far apart and NO vanagon parts.  Our trip was not uneventful, clutch failed in Whitehorse, YT on a Friday night, but by Monday evening we were on the road again.  We would do the trip again in a heartbeat.
Have it inspected, fix whatever it needs for a road trip and drive it!  If it is that close to Ken's shop find someone to get it there and have him give it a good once over, fuel lines, brakes, engine, trans. & clutch, cooling system, etc.  Then drive it and enjoy the trip, you will be driving across the US should you have a problem and need parts or a shop to fix something you will never be that far from assistance.  As long as you are resourceful and know where to turn for any parts or technical advice that you may need you will be fine.
Mark in AK