Date:         Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:18:25 +0000
Reply-To:     J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Opinions-More Thoughts
In-Reply-To:  <1260319903.10136691277471254626.JavaMail.root@sz0063a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
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OK, well I had a night to sleep on it. I appreciate all the responses from everyone. I think on the way home last night I had convinced myself I was going to buy it. I emailed the pics I took of it with my cell phone to myself so I could open them up on my laptop when I got home to show my wife. She called it a big brown turd. (something else the seller and I have in common, his wife doesn't like it either) I think my wife is afraid it will be a(nother) money pit. If I buy this one, it will be my 10th VW bus (probably 25th+ VW in total, I can't remember) Even though my wife wants me to get another one, she wants me to find one that needs no work and is in excellent condition. With what I have to spend that ain't happening. Now I have in the past worn the numbers down on my credit cards over these things. I've paid all that off now, but I think my wife thinks I'll do it again. I've been to the Bus Depot website and figured out that it needs about $250.00 in parts right away, exhaust is toast (needs new muffler and tailpipe, and I'm betting the cat is shot as well). I'd also like to do the pop top seals as well. Rear hatch struts need replacing too. As for the upholstery, I'm OK with the seat covers for now. Sewfine? Yeah, absolutely. I'll get an envelope, hide it in my sock drawer and start squirreling away 5-10 bucks a week until I've saved up enough to recover the seats. I've learned my lesson on the credit cards. The interest alone that I used to pay in a year would be enough to restore this Vanagon. Back to the Vanagon itself: I like the fact that it is a Weekender. After owning a few Bays and Vanagons that were full Westys, I rarely used the stove/sink. I used the fridge for dry storage. I also like the fact that it is an automatic, so my wife and daughter can drive it. I like that it has air conditioning that I *might* be able to get working again (I had an '84 with air that I fixed) I don't like the power steering, but then again if I want my wife and daughter to drive it that may be a good thing. So, immediate needs: brakes and exhaust. In N. Virginia I have to face emissions and safety inspections, but short term I can register it as an antique and get around those. Still got some thinking to do... Jeff 

Forgot-One more good karma thing. It has a sticker on the dash of a guitar, and a Fender guitar sticker on the back. My wife is learning to play the guitar and is getting quite good, too. I'm trying as well (with my First Act VW guitar, of course) but, well, I stink.