Date:         Sat, 26 Mar 2022 23:07:44 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      My Vanaru
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Well Gang, out with the old, in with the new. My '91 Carat now has the
virtually new ej2.5 engine installed, coupled to the stock Vanagon
automatic transmission. The engine came from a 2005 Outback. It had 150,000
miles on it and I decided to have it rebuilt so it would likely last as
long as I do - I'm 82 soon to be 83. But still able to get a wheel once in
a while - if there is enough gravel or sand on the road. Now I really spin
a wheel. This old van is a beast with that new engine. This project has
been 4 years in the making and saw a lot of hiccups but is finally done.
There is but a single item not finished and that is the AC hookup. Had to
have special hoses made to the right length. That job will probably be done
next week. When done, look out road, here I come. Got some traveling to do.

While all this was going on the whole front end was rebuilt. New
power steering rack, all new bushings, bearings, rotors, wheel bearings,
brake pads. Even put Mercedes reusable locking wheel retaining devices on
the spindles. Great innovation. Beats the heck out of the mickey mouse
peening nuts VW uses. Not to say they are no good, but the Mercedes devices
are so much easier to work with. They are about $8 each and usable over and
over.

And now for the body work. Electric door lock, electric windows, electric
hatch lock, all not working properly. Going to put on a different front
bumper. So I've got my work cut out for me.