The short version of this is that I see parts being available for the Vanagon as long as people continue to support Vanagon-centric businesses and parts dealers. I am one of these and I know first hand that if there is a part that becomes NLA the first thing that happens is that you scour the world trying to find it. If that doesn't work then you see how much of a pain it would be to have it made or you try to source it elsewhere. Usually within six months to a year after it is discontinued there is at least one person making it. If the demand is high there will probably be three and they will keep the price down because they are competing with each other on it. Over the next ten years I think we will see an even more dramatic shift in Vanagon drivetrain. Forget all of the conversions out there now, what if you could put an electric motor in your van. I know I would if I could get some decent range out of it and it wasn't $15k to do it. It would benefit you in so many ways. No more coolant system, no more fuel injection, no more ignition system. So many parts that are critical now would not be with an electric power plant. This upcoming year is going to be an historic year for the electric car. Over a hundred years in the making but it will finally come out in several different forms in large numbers and be supported by several dealer networks. This is the first time this will happen. After this can the electric conversion for the Vanagon be far behind? Just my vision of the future. You can debate the impact of this until the cows come home. I am not talking about that. I am talking about how much more simple of a vehicle it would be. I like that side of it. Just rambling, Ken Wilford John 3:16 www.vanagain.com |
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