Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2012 10:19:35 -0500
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Recommendations, anyone?
In-Reply-To: <CAArYBE7Qo8-YW9Rx1WZ7it2g8jf1wsPEYrMa=mnhPN_-ooKwXQ@mail.gmail.com>
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Gab, two things to do for certain before going on any trips: Replace all the coolant hoses, and all the fuel hoses. When you replace the fuel hoses, make sure you eliminate the connector at the front engine bulkhead (firewall). The hoses, and particularly that plastic connector, if not known to have been replaced, are a fire in the making. They are 26-27 years old. The same is true of the coolant hoses. Though they won't start a fire, they will stop you, absolutely, and damage your engine if they fail. At the same time, replace plastic parts in the cooling system.
So far as the tires are concerned, you can review the specs for the tires at the manufacturers web site, or on Tire Rack.com
The Kumhos are being sold now as "Trailer Tires," but have not changed and do not carry the trailer tire restriction. They are described by the manufacturer as being for vans, transporters, and buses. I have had them on my 1991 VW Vanagon GL Campmobile for three years, 25k miles. They still have 8/32" of tread, the van handles really well with them, including on highway and on back country roads. I am pleased. Others like the Hankook tires very well.
I buy tires from Discount Tire in the U.S. They will get any tire sold in the U.S., match any price you find including online pricing, mount and balance the tire, and provide a no-charge road hazard warranty in addition to whatever manufacturer's warranty comes with the tire. I have now bought 4 sets of tires from them over the years for various vehicles, and I could not be more pleased. They keep the tires rotated and balanced as long as they are in service.
Whatever tires you get, make sure they meet the factory spec for load, and are designated for light truck use. I also made sure to buy five of the same tire, so I at least have an equivalent spare, furthering my chances of getting back on the road more quickly should I damage one while traveling.
The "GL" in the model designation is an option package that was included when new. It applies to Vanagons, and I believe that all Campmobiles were so designated.
The Bentley reference manual is available from the list vendors like Bus Depot, Van Cafe, GoWesty. Also check on Craig's List, eBay, and The Samba, all online of course.
Frank Condelli is a Canadian source for parts, repairs, and advice. His stuff is pricey, and he only works half the year, travels the rest, but he seems to be well respected, seems to know his stuff.
Good luck, David McNeely
---- Gab and Em <shoesandbikes@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Hi,
> I am in Oakville, Ontario and new to the list, new to my 86 Westy and have
> two small children that want to go on a road trip starting next week:
>
> Challenges:
> -REPLACE FOUR PASSENGER TIRES;
> -POWER STEERING -- RIP as of last night -- PS fluid all fell out -- front
> and back after I put in some Lucas.
> -AIR CONDITIONING -- RIP as of Y2k;
> -JUMP SEAT;
> -ALTERNATOR
> -REFERENCE MANUAL -- where can I get one?
>
> Other vehicle details:
> -Vanagon GL (what does the GL mean?)
> -odometer: 235000km'ish (odometer axel that holds the digit wheels in place
> keeps sliding out of place so that the odometer gear (in the dasboard) does
> not engage the driving worm-gear, so I question the odometer!)
> -"gold" colour with gold colour (light brown) interior)
>
> I am so far behind the eight-ball that I would appreciate ANY advice! This
> is a general call for any comments or recommendations that are jumping up
> to to anyone.
>
> Thanks in advance (I am digging through the List Archives -- lots of neat
> stuff to read; but there is so much to read and it a bit slow to
> peruse...so I am falling behind a bit).
>
> Gabby
> that guy with too many questions.
--
David McNeely
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