Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:04:38 -0500
Reply-To: JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: On the Road Again
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I got a '91 Carat that had been stored in a garage for about 10 years.
This - I stored it for about 5 years. Yesterday - as owner - I drove it
on the highway for the first time ever and it handled and drove
oh-so-sweet!!
However - needless to say there are things to be done after siting for
near 15 years.
I was told the transmission was bad, from the get-go so I moved it to
Jim's VW in Leeds, Alabama for a tranny rebuild and some cleanup on the
engine. Jim cleaned it up - got the engine running, rebuilt the front
brakes, turned the rotors, and replaced the front wheel bearings. I had
him replace all the fuel hoses while he was in there. He test drove it -
then called me to come and get it. Said there was nothing wrong with the
automatic transmission except it needed servicing - which he did. I was
prepared for the worst - but that saved me a bunch of money!
Kudos to Jim Connel at Jim's VW in Leeds, AL.
I drove the van home, and the list making began. Things that needed doing.
Wiper arms missing - Replace (get from Jim's - which I did)
New Wiper blades
New Gas Cap
Tail Lights/Brake Lights stay on all the time
Passenger Door all apart.
Passenger electric window inoperative
Passenger electric door lock in operative.
Passenger door panel missing
Brake pedal a bit soft - needs checking out
Brake pedal goes pretty low - needs checking out
Front blower inoperative
I'm sure the list will get longer - but these things are where I will start.
In addition - I have headlight relays and an a hard start relay that is
waiting and ready to be installed.
While at Jims - I scored a passenger door panel that is a perfect match
for the drivers side door panel. And - a pair of round headlight mounts
- to be used when I install the new SA Grille.
I'm pretty excited about this one. Never driven an auto-tranny Vanagon -
so if any one has any commentary in that regard it would be most
appreciated. You know, what to expect, how the van will perform, things
to watdh out for, improvements, etc.
And any other comments would also be appreciated.
It's begins!!!
The labor and the fun of it all!
John