Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:51:04 -0500
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: The Otter Has (CRASH) Landed!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed; delsp=no
Well, one thing this reveals is that in B.C. you have safety inspection
requirements with some teeth. Here in Oklahoma we aren't even required
to have an inspection, period, to register and operate a vehicle. I
suppose one could even have a car with no brakes, and register and drive
it legally. In fact, lots of vehicles here are involved in accidents
due to failure of what one would think would be normal safety features
like tires with tread (or lack of tread). No safety inspection, period.
David
On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 11:46 PM, neil n wrote:
> On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 8:37 PM, Pat Sloan wrote:
> ....
>
>> Today I went for the final step - Prov. of BC inspection prior to
>> registering and insuring her. To my great surprise, she failed (!!!!)
>> and
>> (Gulp). Here's what needs fixing:
>>
>> 1. Turn signals and 4-way flashers are blinking too quickly.
>> Wiring
>> issue. A few hours work.
>> 2. Left rear bumper missing corner. Allowing sharp edges to
>> catch.
>> 3. Fuel lines leaking fuel. Siliconed and held by electrical
>> tape
>> 4. Fuel filter not secured
>> 5. Multiple stretches of loose wiring. Must be resecured.
>> 6. Front wheel bearings have too much end play. Must be
>> replaced.
>> 7. Sway bar bushings are cracked - all 4.
>> 8. Upper and lower ball joints all have split boots.
>>
>> I wasn't at a VW garage since, of course, this inspection was only
>> going to
>> be a formality. They estimated that the repairs needed would cost
>> about
>> $3000. They referred me to Justin at Capilano VW for a more informed
>> opinion.
>
>
> There should be tips the Vanagon archives
>
> http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?S1=vanagon
>
> on how to deal with eBay sellers. If that's needed/warranted. (there's
> also lots of other great info there)
>
> The bumper cap is not an expensive part.
>
> Securing the fuel filter(s) should be simple. The metal canister type
> is secured to frame with simple parts. Not sure about the square type.
> Mine had nothing securing it.
>
> Sway bar bushings aren't too expensive. (parts)
>
> The larger part of that cost of upper/lower ball joints and wheel
> bearings is labour. i.e. the parts themselves shouldn't be too high.
>
> Wiring? I bet they saw this while inspecting fuel filter and hoses.
> This might simply mean loose wiring harnesses near the frame. As long
> as wiring isn't molested in some way, it is *likely* a matter of
> securing these harnesses to the frame or wherever.
>
> Fuel lines have to be done regardless. Just good practice when
> purchasing a used Vanagon. Personally I'd consider that a "given".
>
> I guess what I'm saying, is that this shouldn't be thousands of
> dollars to fix. And, except for the poor work done to fuel lines, and
> possible messed up wiring, the rest is normal maintenance.
>
> There are other VW mechanics that could do this work.
>
> Rudy and Peter Vancouver
> Wetmore in West Van
> Van Wonder in North Van (he likely has some spare used parts.....
> where appropriate)
>
>
> Hopefully that sets your mind at ease.
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
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