Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2021 21:42:44 +0000
Reply-To: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
In-Reply-To: <20211228114942.Horde.IruRDhjF3PunDfSDID9EDEh@box5453.bluehost.com>
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With a lift kit in the rear?
Dave B.
-----Original Message-----
From: Rowan Tipton <rowan@DRAGONHOME.ORG>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Tue, Dec 28, 2021 1:49 pm
Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
Ram vans are a bit better. The worst part is the rear axel but that
is fixable if you weld.
r
Quoting ddbjorkman@verizon.net:
> Those Sprinter/Ram/Transit platforms do not have good ground
> clearance also.� Not only have i noticed that while having similar
> thoughts, but while at Boyd's Campground in Key Wes5t a Sprinter
> camper owner remarked to me that he had already knocked his
> generator exhaust pipe off and had other problems in campgrounds due
> to the lack of ground clearance.
> Dave B.the boston one
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pete O <pnoceanwesty@GMAIL.COM>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Mon, Dec 27, 2021 8:52 am
> Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
>
> 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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>>
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