Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:16:27 -0500
Reply-To: Art <awa0330@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Art <awa0330@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Advice request; 1986 Vanagon automatic Part 2
In-Reply-To: <9DCC3FD8-605B-4CED-89AA-9EA9B3AEA9B6@aol.com>
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Thanks to all for your input. You've alleviated my concerns about the
automatic, I found out after writing this that indeed the wheels and tires
have already been switched to 15", and hopefully I will find a mechanic not
too far from here that can help me with the AC. Indeed, Frank & Dennis, if
I do decide to buy the van, I would certainly do so with my eyes open. I'm
not a mechanic, and frankly I probably stopped working on my own cars when
we stopped relying on carburetors and switched to fuel injection. However,
for too long, I've looked with a bit of envy every time one would drive by.
In any case, I'm going to sleep on it, and decide in the morning. Hehe.
Then again, I think I've made up my mind, but just haven't admitted it yet.
Consequently the next question...
I live in Western Massachusetts, not far from the NY and CT border. I will
start searching for mechanics. As a shot in the dark, are any of you aware
of experienced mechanics in this neck of the woods for these vans?
Thanks again,
Art
-----Original Message-----
From: Frank Condelli
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2011 8:15 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Advice request; 1986 Vanagon automatic
Dennis, et al who's listening ! From the banks of the Atlantic
Ocean in Long Key State park I just read what Dennis had written. These are
the most profound, exact words of wisdom EVER expressed here. Listen, I
say, LISTEN and read and comprehend what Dennis has written. If you want to
be a Vanagon owner and driver you NEED to come to this realization ! 25
years of ownership. 650,000 KM under my belt and I have stories. We are
still moving forward with five more months to go on this trip. Come meet up
with us in Fort DeSoto next week. Be there Dec, 04, 05 or 06 depending
on..............
On 2011-11-26, at 2:21 PM, Automatic digest processor wrote:
> If you're planning to just buy this van and then go on a long journey be =
> prepared. While a 25 year old vehicle with only 108,000 miles seems like =
> a great deal you need to keep in mind that it is in fact a 25 year old =
> vehicle. If you think this is a bargain it may not be for long. If in in =
> fact it is low mileage and is great shape why hasn't it been used? When =
> you put it to use and make it work many parts that appear good now will =
> begin to fail. Cooling hoses and plastic parts will turn into engine =
> damage. Those 25 year old engine gaskets will seek attention. Tires, =
> brake hoses, suspension parts, heater cores, blower fans, air =
> conditioning. All these systems will reach into your wallet at some =
> point.=20
>
> As far as wheel/tire replacement yes there are a lot of reasons to =
> upgrade. But these vans can run fine on the original as designed set and =
> if money is an issue just work on proper tires. The AC being =
> disconnected is a sign that a previous owner sought to save money and =
> this may have transferred to other maintenance issues.=20
>
> Some points:
> It is for sale for a reason. Why does the current owner no longer want =
> it?
> Whatever you pay for it that is just the down payment. If you pay little =
> you know it needs attention. If you pay a lot you have high expectations =
> and you will want to get it there.=20
> No matter how much you inspect it you need to use as desired to find out =
> what it really needs.
> If you are not a mechanic you need to plan to become one. Supporting any =
> 25 year old vehicle that you plan to actually use becomes expensive real =
> fast.=20
> As you travel far from home be sure to have funds available for many =
> things. You won't be the frost or last that needs an engine or =
> transmission 1,000 miles from home. AAA! Rent a U-haul and trailer to =
> get it home. $$$
>
> I know I sound a bit harsh here but I have folks come to me all the time =
> with recently purchase Vanagons that develop all sorts of issues. There =
> are also a lot of issues due to poor workmanship and unknowledgeable =
> shops.=20
>
> Dennis
Please note that I will be away from my business travelling from
November 01 until April 30, 2012. Parts orders will be processed although
not as quickly as usual. I will always be available for contact by E-mail.
If you phone your call will be addressed by Greg T. Brown here and he will
either call you back or advise you to contact me directly by E-mail. Details
of this adventure are on our Travel Blog: http://frankcondelli.com/travels/
Cheers,
Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel
Trains (Collection for sale)
Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the
Ottawa Valley
Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10, 2012
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