Date:         Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:29:54 -0500
Reply-To:     Dean Staltare <predsmaniac@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dean Staltare <predsmaniac@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Hello
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-15; format=flowed

Hello all, though I joined a few months ago I never introduced myself
and our new Westy to this group. We are from Central Florida and
recently purchased a1985 Westfalia Vanagon;incidentally she has the
original fuel lines which are finally being upgraded to ethanol standard
lines. She has issues but has the original motor and 4 speed manual
Transmission. The engine has much pep and the tranny is quite
tight,although the nylon gizmo or whatever that thing is called that
prevents one from accidentally shifting into reverse is worn out and
needs replacement.

Our mechanic is a local Volvo legend (going on 35 years locally)and has
quite a bit of experience with the VW buses and Westy's... thank
goodness. The vehicle is all original even the porpane tank and sink
still work but upgrades will take place after full mechanics and a/c
have been set right. Then a new set of larger tires and shocks and
finally we will attend to that rusted kitchen panel and all...going to
cut that old one out and replace it with a new panel.

The odometer reads 228k miles but I 'suspect' a new odometer has been
put in. Further inspection by my  mechanic may prove this to be true.
She came with limited receipts but all the original manuals are
accounted for including the camping module one. Apparently we are the
3rd owner. The dreaded or so called  rebuilt starter needs to be
replaced also which looks to be rather new....after researching the
archives here the term rebuilt has new meaning to me now...haaaa!

Hopefully this all makes sense....sorry for my ramblings.
Anyway's greetings to all and I look forward to your sage advise and
interesting Westy stories in the future.  Hopefully very soon I will
post some trip reports myself.

Ciao Dean
--
"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the
liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally
corrupt." --Samuel Adams (1749)