Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2023 19:02:43 -0800
Reply-To: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Vintage machines
In-Reply-To: <6EDDEC37-5C6C-4FA8-BB9E-674A92AB4DF3@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Sounds great Eric. But I am at the break down stage myself (I mean
personally, getting a bit long in the tooth), and adding a vehicle break
down to the mix is getting a bit risky. I want to drive my Campmobile
across country, but I don't want (and actually can't, given Bonnie's health
concerns) to have days of being stuck somewhere. So I am going to have to,
reluctantly, relinquish use of it for long trips.
mcneely
On Sat, Jan 21, 2023 at 6:57 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> Hi Richard,
> Your van sounds great.
>
> I just got back from a bus event where many Bay windows and type 1 buses
> traveled long distances, Impressive. I feel less adventuress in a
> vanagon. My 84 has a water boxer needing some care but basically it served
> its owners well on trips back and forth across the US and south to Mexico
> and Belize. I then drove it from Florida to VT and am now hoping to use it
> for long trips.
>
> The Subaru powered van we borrowed was grate, but on a previous trip it
> lost it’s coolant due to a hose failure.
> Hec, on the way to the air port for Florida our Honda had a sensor
> failure that caused all kinds of issues.
>
> These vans have good karma with whatever engine you put in it as
> long as you maintain the support systems and the general care.
> Perfect, no, but all cars break down. And If I’m going to break down I
> want the comfort of the vanagon and the kindness that it brings out in
> those around me.
>
> Nothing makes me smile more then a long trip in a vanagon.
>
> Eric
>
>
>
> > On Jan 21, 2023, at 9:31 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
> wrote:
> >
> > Simply.....if you are going to run your Vanagon 2-4K/year miles on local
> camping trips, you are fine. If you want to take your Vanagon across the
> country, say like 8K miles per trip, better rethink.
> >
> > On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 06:04:30 PM PST, Richard Koerner <
> rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> >
> > About 15 years ago, water pump on my 1.9 failed. No problem. Install
> new waterpump. But a huge problem: during disassembly, cracked the
> thermostat housing. NLA. I drove all across county, and got a used one at
> VW junkyard. Mechanic smiled when he saw that.
> > I have noticed....GoWesty now provides same. Of course, it took a
> decade. So, my Vanagon sitting on lift for a decade awaiting part.
> > Meanwhile....Subie 2.2 motor transplant. Super HP and Smog pass no
> problem. Parts readily available anywhere in USA. I love it! Just saying.
> >
> >
> >
> > On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 05:43:45 PM PST, Eric Caron <
> ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> >
> > Yes,
> >
> > This seems to be generally true for most car things. My Honda
> was needing parts and the cost and quality had the same issues.
> >
> > But, I’m pretty happy generally with most parts I am getting for
> my vanagon.
> >
> > And, fingers crossed one can be an optimist and a realist. That seems
> like a nice combination.
> >
> > Eric
> >
> >
> >> On Jan 21, 2023, at 8:35 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:
> >>
> >> I think the bottom line is…
> >>
> >> It’s all going to be more expensive
> >>
> >> Not always as good
> >>
> >> And not everything
> >>
> >> :-)
> >>
> >> Ab
> >>
> >>> On Jan 21, 2023, at 5:34 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> The key word you suggested: maybe.
> >>>
> >>> You describe yourself as an optimist; I describe myself as a realist.
> >>>
> >>> I hope you are right.
> >>>
> >>> On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 05:28:52 PM PST, Eric Caron <
> ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Absolutely,
> >>>
> >>> Getting good parts is a challenge.
> >>>
> >>> My fingers are crossed that they will improve. Maybe more 3D
> printing out of metal for example. I’m a optimist.
> >>>
> >>> I’m often surprised by things like the return of items at venders like
> Uniwerks, or creative solutions like the Mullendore starter adaptor. Folks
> seem to be continuing to support our vans. Even metal evaporation tanks
> and now even replacement alternators and starters that folks report are
> good.
> >>>
> >>> Fingers crossed for good CV boots.
> >>>
> >>> Though. I may have a lead on some good ones. I’ll get back to
> everyone once I secure a set to check out.
> >>>
> >>> Eric
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>> On Jan 21, 2023, at 8:21 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> They made a WHOLE lot of aircooled Beetle engine stuff. All around
> the world. Vanagon stuff: Not so much, and in my locale in San Diego,
> resources are drying. I don't mean to be negative.
> >>>> But for sure...even with a skilled mechanic....if he can't get the
> part....you are in for a bad time. Just saying.
> >>>> I wish I could be more enthusiastic. But I'd be lying if I said
> otherwise; and I won't do that.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 05:12:05 PM PST, Eric Caron <
> ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> Yes,
> >>>>
> >>>> No denying that the machines are getting older. But the drivers
> and mechanics? Some are getting younger. At the recent bus event. Most
> vans were older air cooled. But most of the drivers I met were fairly
> young. From 22 years old to 58. Many young families as well. Many
> venders were younger then I would have expected.
> >>>> I have heard many say the vans and fouls wanting them will fade
> away but I’m not so sure after seeing that gathering.
> >>>>
> >>>> Fingers crossed we keep a support network going.
> >>>>
> >>>> And, hopefully the young folks can afford the vans.
> >>>>
> >>>> Eric
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>>> On Jan 21, 2023, at 7:48 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> We all know..this is the crux of it. Vintage Vanagons, vintage
> mechanics. Just the way it goes.
> >>>>>
> >>>>>> On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 04:37:24 PM PST, Alistair Bell <
> albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> It does and good man Dennis!
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Things would be a heck of a lot tougher without list and guys like
> Dennis. Seriously , we are driving vintage machines ….
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Ab
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >
> >
>
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