Date:         Sat, 22 May 2010 19:49:25 +1200
Reply-To:     Andrew Grebneff <goose1047@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Grebneff <goose1047@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: The TRUTH about Vanagons: info for newbies
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I'd hardly think that this was a Frydaeonly topic.

Newbies should also be informed that:

1) While the mechanicals and electrics may be iffy at best, the body itself
is a brilliant piece of design (possibly the strongest bodies on the road
apart from large truch chassis), as is the suspension.

2) The electrics & mechanicals can be upgraded, and there's a host of
options for every conceivable item. Japanese electrics, aftermarket electric
windows or mirrors, Subaru, Porsche or other engines, Porsche transmissions,
rear disc brakes or all-round Porcshe brakes, suspension bushes, dampers,
swaybars, springs, wheels... the list is near-endless. Spend as much or as
little as you like.

3) They are superadapable and can be: cargo-carriers, MPVs, campers, mobile
offices/HQs, stormchasers (better be reliable for that one!), sportscars
(despite the shape)... you name it. The only limitation on their
space-efficiency is the engine-compatment, which means that the tailgate
doesn't open to floor-level and long objects such as very large motorcycles
may not fit (a Honda CB750 Four should; I carried one in my Split).

4) Something constantly ignored by most people: Tires... don't skimp by
buying cheap & nasty rim-protectors. Saving money on tires can easily cost
your life.

The only vans better are the 82-and-later Toyota Hiaces and perhaps
(reliability excepted) the homely and less-advanced Nissan
Caravan/Urvan/Homy, and to my knowledge there are no off-the-shelf items to
make those anything but pig-understeerers. And of course they are not
(legally) available in the US, even though they are available in LHD... ask
Toyota management why that is.

--
Regards
Andrew Grebneff