Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:53:17 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
In-Reply-To: <098BBCC2-1CF7-4B8A-9553-7F1074B858CE@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
> On Dec 27, 2021, at 5:49 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Hi Richard,
>
> We are running antiques, and some are running Frankenstein multi car creations. We are all going to face some challenges on the road.
> Hopefully your set up will turn out to be perfect but, a well maintained vanagon engine with a experienced owner may be just as likely to solve an on the road problem as a person with a variety of conversions.
>
> You're set up sounds great, but your posts seem more than a bit dismissive of those currently choosing to maintain a vanagon system.
> Sorry if I’m reading into your comments.
>
> At the current age of our vanagons each successful journey is a treasure, no matter what engine you run.
>
> I have a friend running a Passat engine altered to run backwards. He loves it. But, man getting it fixed on the road is going to be a challenge. Still, it is currently working well and a joy for him.
> So far I can still get Vanagon engine parts, and I hope that continues. Some parts like alternators and starters are getting even easier to find. And yes, the price on GW items can be high, but it is great to call a place like Vanagain,GW, Bus Depot,or Bus Lab and have a needed part in the mail same day. They still do that when needed.
>
> I think it is great you love your Subaru conversion, but your van has a magic history powered by a vanagon motor.
>
> I wish you excellent engine support systems, a sturdy engine, and a solid transmission. Excellent wiring and the spirit of a Vanagon.
>
> But, stop sending ouches at the proud maintainer of a Vanagon slightly updated 2.1 motor.
>
> This motor was gifted to me by a VW air cooled mechanic. I followed his early 60 bus to his house and he gave the low miles 2.1 engine to me.
>
> It was rebuilt by Dennis, What a great bit of kindness and fun is included in it.
>
> I’ll likely not have the advantages of a newer designed engine, but man I have some seriously good karma. I have found that on the road with a Vanagon that counts for a lot.
>
> I wish I had better skills, as my choice would have been to maintain a mostly stock 2.1 system. I have a friend that has done this with a 88 weekender and it is a solid van. Only problem is I don’t like driving his usual 75 MPH cruising speed. I just feel much more solid at 60.
> Hopefully sounding only a tiny bit defensive!
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto
> 2.3 GW
>
>
>
>> On Dec 27, 2021, at 4:58 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net <mailto:rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>> wrote:
>>
>> Example: Year was 2003. Water Pump in 1.9 motor wore out at 118K miles. Took to local extremely knowledgeable mechanic. He busted Thermostat Housing while trying to remove, it happens. Replacement part is NLA. Suddenly...here is an otherwise perfect Vanagon...crippled. I took action; found a VW wrecking yard nearby (40 miles), they had the Thermostat housing for I think it was only $20 or so. Bought. Raced back to VW mechanic. Installed. All OK. Just saying....mucho patience may be required for repairs on old VW motors. Sure....folks like GoWesty now have a CNC machined equivalent for that Thermostat housing. Now.... But that is no use to me back in 2003. Going for a modern motor replacement including all the $$$ and heartache might not be bad move. And for sure....the first time you press the gas pedal and that beast responds?..... Oh yeah!
>>
>> On Monday, December 27, 2021, 01:34:46 PM PST, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Ouch!
>>
>> I’m running a GW 2.3 just broken in at about 3,000 miles. Very happy so far with everything about it. I’m totally good with conversions. If I had not gone this route I likely would have gone with the FAS new Jetta conversion. But, I enjoy the way this vanagon engine is running and I like keeping it somewhat original.
>>
>> However, after I’ve put on 150 K miles I may be considering a conversion but likely then it will be to electric.
>>
>> Eric Caron
>> 85 GL 2.3
>>
>>
>>
>> > On Dec 27, 2021, at 3:55 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET <mailto:rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>> wrote:
>> >
>> > Lots of good reviews about Bostig conversion. And of course Subie conversions (am extremely satisfied with mine at 60K miles). They made a LOT of both of those motors; abundant parts and knowledgeable mechanics. Vanagon motors...not so much...unfortunately.
>> >
>> > On Sunday, December 26, 2021, 06:07:42 PM PST, rowan@dragonhome.org <mailto:rowan@dragonhome.org> <rowan@dragonhome.org <mailto:rowan@dragonhome.org>> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> > Quoting Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net <mailto:rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>>:
>> > Richard,
>> >
>> > My wife and I are 77 and 79. We bought a new Promaster in 2017. Last
>> > year I bought an '89 Syncro tintop. I like it much better than the
>> > Promaster. Easier and more fun to drive, fits in smaller parking
>> > places, is more like camping and less like RVing. This winter it
>> > will get a Bostig conversion for dependable driving.
>> >
>> > r
>> >
>> > Rowan Tipton
>> > Knoxville, TN
>> >
>> >> 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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