Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:43:46 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Reviewing what's been done
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
In 1998 I traded my first vanagon - a brown 1985 GL bought when I still
lived in Alaska - for a Red/Burgundy 1988 GL in Alabama. I still have
it. In 2005 I acquired another 1988 GL that had been stored for 5 years,
and I put it into storage for another 6 making 11 years of storage. In
2009I picked up a 1991 Carat - dark blue which had been in storage about
10 years. Keeping the Red 88GL going, and restoring the other two has
become somewhat of a hobby and on going project. Since 'ol Red is my
daily driver, I have put most of my effort into keep it up almost
exclusively. Recently, a change in lifestyle made it desirable to have
two full operational vans, so I began in earnest restoration of the
other '88 GL, and where I could, put some time into the Carat.
The intensified maintenance on Red and the other two vans has been a
journey of sorts, into understanding and appreciating more fully how
truly marvelous these Vanagons really are. Here is what I have done so
far - and BTW - the Blue 88GL is now on the road, fully functional - and
it is sweet!
Fuel injectors - cleaned and serviced by Cruzin Performance - (3 vans)
New fuel lines - (3 vans)
Power Steering Rack - (2 vans)
Power Steering Pump - (3 vans)
Power Steering Pressure Hose with Banjo Fitting - (2 vans)
Service Alternators - (3 Vans)
Brake Master Cylinder (1)
Brake Cylinder (wheel) (1)
Front Rotors (discs) (1 van)
Brake Pucks - front - (1 van)
Rear Brake Shoes (1 van)
Headlight Relays Upgrade (3 vans)
Starter Relay Upgrade (3 vans)
Remote Start Switch Kit - (3 vans)
Engine Bay Wiring Harness (1 van)
General Altimax RT 205R14" Tire Set - (2 vans)
Replace Front RH turn signal receptacle, bulb, and cover - (1 van)
Tune-up - Plugs, Ignition Harness, Rotor and Cap, Filter and Oil Change
(3 Vans)
Rebuilt AC System - new AC compressor, receiver dryer, expansion valve,
new seals, R134a Kit, (1 van)
SA Grille and Lights upgrade - (Blue 88GL)
Serviced Dual Quad Lighting on front of vehicle
RainX windshields - (2 vans - 88GL)
New Wiper Blades - full set (2 Vans)
That is the list so far. There is much more to do. No heavy body work,
just nicks and dings mainly. Except the Carat - it has no rear bumper -
but in time, in time.
Some have wondered about the effacacy of having three vans. Well, I'm a
potter and clay artist. "Ol Red - my primary '88 GL - is my Daily
Driver. Hauls all my stuff for daily operations. The Blue '88GL is my
show van..I will be keeping it loaded out with inventory (pots, platters
etc) plus all my art show set up, ready to go at a moment's notice. And
finally there is the '91 Carat. It is very clean, very comfortable, nice
to drive, with auto tranny, a pair of very nice jump seats behind the
driver and passenger seats. folding table, curtains, cup holders, etc.
Plush. It will be my touring vehicle for long trips.
So there you have it - my van story to date.
John
--
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com
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