Date:         Sat, 7 Jun 2014 07:33:15 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      I rather drive the Vanagon
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

  I posted a Friday bit on my new to me GM Safari AWD van...then, after
working on it most of the day, doing my post-purchase fluid changes and
checks....I got in my Vanagon (84 tin top faux-westie with ABA inline and 5
sp)...all my toys were still loaded in there, ready to use, just like in
my  'grand plan'. One of my main goals (shh! don't tell my S.O.)  was to
remain "Rec-Ready" at all times... that was why I bought the second worker
van...and I drove 25mi to one of my favorite bicycle routes for a quick
spin.
  After the Safari, driving the Vanagon was really fun!  It felt quite
nimble and it sounded marvelous!   I have a non-cat custom exhaust with a
magnaflow muffler.   It's not loud but it sounds like a real motor...and I
do like shifting for myself.  Plus, I found it easily in the parking lot of
Fred Meyers, unlike that generic Safari in 'boring mini soccer-mom white....
   Don't get me wrong, that Safari isn't a bad ride...it just isn't as fun
as my Vanagon...  I will say,  I have had the Vanagon now for 3-4yrs and
I've got it 'dialed-in' pretty well, it wasn't always so pleasurable to
drive.. Also,  the 2wd Vanagon is ~1000lbs lighter then the Safari AWD, so
there is that.    I bet the Safari would be the better ride during a long
day on the highway or bashing through the back country in Baja...
      I 'noticed' how much pleasure I got, just driving my Vanagon 50 miles
around the Columbia River Gorge.   I rinsed off in my sink after the bike
ride and changed clothes inside, got a cold drink out of the fridge and
went on home...a happy guy..