Date:         Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:31:09 -0800
Reply-To:     Melissa Mourkas <westywoman@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Melissa Mourkas <westywoman@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Vanagon Life Before Computers
Comments: To: Bernie <berniej@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <2d5213e00912181721n291ea796o48507ac006a8cd75@mail.gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

>
> How did people travel in these vehicles before we had computers?
> Thanks folks!
>
> Bernie

Thanks, Bernie, for a wonderful segue.  I purchased my first 1985
Vanagon Westfalia in 1989.  At that time there was no Vanagon list.
My van started spewing coolant out the rear onto my Jet Ski trailer in
1989 and I said WTF?  The VW dealer in So Cal said, "honey, let us
know if it gets any worse".  Just keep an eye on it.

So, in 1993, on the cusp of a cross-country trip to go to grad school,
I went to a VW dealer in the Bay Area (No Cal) and said, what up with
the coolant loss?  After inspection, they recommended replacing my
head gaskets, and at the time, there was a VW rebate amount of 25%.
IIRC, it cost me about $900.00.  I did it and off I went to
Massachusetts.  Where I encountered an entirely new set of problems
(accelerator cable freezing, no start below Zero F, Vanagon syndrome,
etc).  Had I the resources available then that this list and other
forums provide now, well, I would have saved time & money and been a
much happier Vanagon owner.

I have persevered, however, and am on Vanagon #3.  If not for this
list, I would have given up many years ago.  Please keep it coming.  I
must be feeling the Holidaze spirit.  You all are awesome!

Cheerio!
Melissa

Melissa Mourkas
'84 Westy Honey Bee
Sacramento, CA
www.westywoman.com