Date:         Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:15:27 -0500
Reply-To:     Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Advice request; 1986 Vanagon automatic
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

        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