Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2021 08:52:35 -0500
Reply-To: Pete O <pnoceanwesty@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Pete O <pnoceanwesty@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
In-Reply-To: <554236546.866357.1640560989825@mail.yahoo.com>
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I'm 61 - will be 62 in May this year. We inherited our 1987 Titian Red
Westy from my wifes' grandfather in 2002. Been diligent about upkeep and
it's never let us down. Many of our Buses by the Beach friends have bailed
out of the Vanagon business - sprinters, trailers or just giving up the
camping life. We have looked around and not found anything that fits
our needs and travel goals like the Vanagon Westy. At this point every
major system has been upgraded and we are riding on 16" wheels, new shocks,
struts, bushing, Schwenk Springs and such. Starting a Bostig conversion
this winter soon and will complete our package of new gas tank, fuel lines
and pump, new coolant lines, new power steering lines, new radiator, SA
Grill Kit with LED headlights and Truck Fridge powered by 100 AH lithium
and a Renogy 200w panels. Bostig means a brand new harness with OBD and
modern diagnostics. Our original 2.1 has 185K on it and keeps on trucking,
but is getting tired and eats a half quart of oil for each fill up. So, we
are staying on the Vanagon path with a new heart for our bus, JoesVan.
(Named after grandpa Joe)
Have to say - this email list was the very interactions I had with the
whole bus community and it has always provided great knowledge and
camaraderie. . So many good Volks are gone now, but we continue on. It is
always fun to meet a young newbie that "gets it" and is very excited about
the "new" Vanagon!
Pete Owsianowski
On Sun, Dec 26, 2021 at 6:23 PM 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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