Date:         Mon, 8 Nov 2010 13:36:08 -0500
Reply-To:     Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      85 Heater & Coolant Line Question - and other non-tech Vanagon
              Love
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Hello Vanagonites -

It's getting cold out and my bus has no heater lines - so I was going to
install some yesterday - for various reasons the job didn't get done -
however the person helping me (a certified mechanic whom I trust) asked me
if I had considered using CPVC instead of hose for the heater lines (he also
mentioned doing the same for the metal coolant pipes when the time comes).

So I did a little research of list archives and the Samba forum - I saw some
mention of CPVC but no definitive answers about it. Without starting a big
debate please - can someone tell me why that might not work? I know the heat
ratings look like they would be high enough but those are tested with water.
So our question was if coolant would have some adverse effect on the CPVC or
even the cement that would be used to glue the darn things together. Seems
to me VW went to plastic in the later models (although I don't know exactly
what type). The other thing I considered is possibly having to worry about
cold weather brittleness or something to that effect.

Anyhow - your thoughts on that would be great - and again if we could
discuss without starting a huge debate that would be great.

Moving on - while I had Gertie up on the lift I was very pleased to see she
is in fantastic shape underneath. A few minor repairs need to be made (tie
rod boots, E-brake cable, etc. ) but she is remarkably clean and rust free -
BONUS. However, while I was looking around I found something VERY scary -
both lower bolts that hold the trans to the engine were loose!!! The stud on
the passenger side had come out and I could move the darn thing. We fixed
all of that of course - but that's more than a little scary.

A little Vanagon love while I'm at it - my son had a pee-wee football
tournament this past weekend. We parked the bus at the location the night
before (ensuring a good parking space) and used it all Saturday as a mobile
home base - it was great since his first game was at 9am and his last
didn't start until 5:00pm. We had a small propane canister heater in there
to stay warm. So we had privacy, heat, a place to nap, view of the field to
watch other games, entertainment (Laptop w/movies) - it was great. Could you
do that in another vehicle - sure. But not with as much style and comfort
(RV's don't count!). Gotta love having a Vanagon :)


--
Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
'86 (We call this one Scrap)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus