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Date:         Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:50:09 -0400
Reply-To:     Craig Cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Craig Cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      A glorious day, a lesson in happyness.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Its strange how some things that seem so little to some, can be so important to others. Furthermore, how much of a difference these little things can make in the life of said person. Clearly we all have one thing in common, a love for these strange vehicles that at least in my area, no one ever knew existed. I thought all was well, i had a pretty good summer. I worked every day, kept extremely busy, paid for a truely rediculous exhaust gasket replacement, but never REALLY got a chance to drive my van (i'm now totally 3 days of "function" in at least half a year). It had a somewhat permenant home in the back corner of the parking lot at work. I kept making appointments to get it fixed....they just never did anything about it. I was patient, and was getting a good deal (not paying at all....), and told them simply "i'm taking it on the last day, make it work!". Well with today being my last day and they only started to tinker (wouldnt start AT ALL) yesterday, i was uncomfident. I was out running around in a Mercedes Benz SL600 (V12 Twin Turbo and 10mpg!) most of the day and when i got back, i had found that the entire group of mechanics had turned a wrench at one point today....and might i say......i am far to happy!

I'll be taking pictures of the spark plugs, you will all be amazed. The mechanics keep saying in all seriousness they think they're original! I've never seen such horrible plugs on an engine that actually "ran". The ignition problems ended up being a bad fuel pump relay, and improper ground to the ignition module (completely broken somewhere within the wire but no visible breaks), and new plugs/ timing set. Might i say, i am pleased. Suddenly i have no exaust leaks, a new muffler, and an engine thats EXTREMELY responsive and feels like its almost adiquite as far as power goes. I thought i'd been pretty happy these past few weeks but can honestly say if there was a way to hold on to a moment..... it would be that first turn into traffic after a long hiatis from my baby. She purrrs.

I hope the feeling continues and that you all have found and kept the joy that can live within these cars. They have a mind of their own, and it helps to know that they can really make ones day.

I hope all is well. You guys have been so helpful, i wish i could personally shake the hands of everyone, even those who have never responded and buy them a good steak dinner with a large baked potato and a cold micro brew. Maybe i cant, but if anyones ever in my neck of the woods (pittsburgh PA), i'll do my best to at least shake your hand. You all deserve it. And a good day to you!

-Craig 1985 GL (Still a few issues, but happy none the less!)


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