Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:22:23 +0000
Reply-To: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
In-Reply-To: <554236546.866357.1640560989825@mail.yahoo.com>
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We bought our '87 Westy in '06 and I've done all the maintenance until this month when I had our guy do the front brakes so I could concentrate on a remodeling project that's been dragging on. I'd have tackled the brakes myself but the bride insisted.
We've long considered a different platform for camping and actually bought a '94 Dodge highroof ex-wheelchair van to convert. That was three years ago and is itself a project that is dragging on; we bought it for the body and are encountering more mechanical surprises than originally planned. It's turned out to be an adventure van while sitting in the driveway
Build thread, if anyone's interested.Area Van - the B350 highroof ex-wheelchair Dodgect
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Area Van - the B350 highroof ex-wheelchair Dodgect
Two years to the day after dragging this thing home, and two weeks after finally beginning to work on it, here I...
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Anyway, we still have the Westy and we're keeping it up. Can't have too many camper vans, right?
Stephen
On Sunday, December 26, 2021, 06:23:05 PM EST, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
I've been a VW Van owner since 1974 ('70 Bus). Upgraded to 1985 Vanagon in '89. Always have loved the platform size...fits nicely into my garage, and of course everywhere else. Yes, am old enough to have enjoyed the Wallaced Experience!
Here's the thing: I've been noticing that many shops are closing. Many sources are starting to dry up. Mechanics that know what they are doing are retiring. With that in mind....I have been diligently keeping my Vanagon totally up to snuff as best I can. New Subie motor, new transmission, new coolant system and associated components involved in engine swap....getting ready for new front suspension stuff and brakes on all 4 wheels. Actually, those are the last two areas that need attention.... I'd be ready at a moment's notice to travel anywhere in the lower 48 tomorrow.
I'm 68. In 20 years I'll be 88. It will be time to let the Vanagon go to some younger buck....assuming any interest.
Yes...I've looked into the Sprinter/Transit/Ram platforms and am handy enough to turn any of these into a superb camper van....OK I guess...but won't fit into my garage. The money is no object.
Wondering if you guys, especially the elders like me, are having similar thoughts and concerns? How to keep Vanagon reliable and strong, no matter where I travel in the USA?
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