Date:         Sat, 8 Aug 2009 02:32:16 -0500
Reply-To:     Douglas and Annie Dodson-Mäuck
              <primalflow@SUDDENLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Douglas and Annie Dodson-Mäuck
              <primalflow@SUDDENLINK.NET>
Subject:      New lister & first time owner of '87 Vanagon GL
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Greetings,

I just recently parted ways with my '62 Swiss UniMoG to pay off our '04 Honda Civic, the result of financial straits.  Still feeling some separation anxiety,  yet nothing like it was right after the transaction.

Anyway, I had a little $$ left over from the sale that I was holding onto until I found another suitable vehicle, preferably another 4x4, when I came across a '87 Vanagon GL for $920.  Not a 4x4, albeit still very well made.  I'd seen a few pics & vids of Vanagons in action on some of the MoG sites and I was quite impressed.  

Just as I did with my MoG, I've been doing a lot of research on this recent acquisition, just read Joel Walker's "Things to do for new vanagon owners", T. P. Stephens' "Observational Inspections" and the article "All About Lubricants" by Richard Golembiewski.  I've also decided that acquiring a diesel Syncro Westy will be my next endeavor.

Introductions aside, the van's mileage reads 187,705 with an alleged engine rebuild at approx. 120k.  It has a few issues,  i.e.,  slight brake pulse when rotor heats up,  minor oil leak w/ possible origin between block & water-pump (crankshaft seal perhaps?).  It starts right away,runs pretty well and rides smooth.  I had a few initial questions to ask,  viz.,  oil & coolant recommendations,  thermo-switch f/ radiator fan stages?   However,  while composing this correspondence I was also poring over the BTDT site and found answers to most of my queries in the above mentioned articles so I just want to say thanks to all for the invaluable experiential resources contained in this list, links and it's contributors.  It is a wealth of knowledge just as the Mog list was.

I still have questions to pose yet it's late and I'm feeling tired so I'll sign off for now.


~ Douglas Mauck

'87  Caravelle