Date:         Thu, 3 Sep 2009 07:50:10 -0400
Reply-To:     Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      On parts availability and the Vanagon
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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