Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2021 15:20:22 -0700
Reply-To: rowan@DRAGONHOME.ORG
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Rowan Tipton <rowan@DRAGONHOME.ORG>
Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
In-Reply-To: <73044103.47818.1640814164982@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed; DelSp=Yes
Taking the rear axel, cutting off both ends,
making a higher middle and welding the ends
back on.
r
Quoting ddbjorkman@verizon.net:
> 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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