Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:04:21 +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: Vintage machines
In-Reply-To: <1233055839.219652.1674354669684@mail.yahoo.com>
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Wait a minute. I use my 87 for many cross country trips. 10 to 15 k per trip. Sure, there are breakdowns, but never one that holds me up for long (some of the pain of a breakdown gone since in a beautiful area). Thanks to this community and the VanAlert rescue squad, I have met many great people and mechanics. Most times when on the side of the road, out of the blue, another Vanagon has pulled up behind me and helped out with info or repairs.
Dave B.the Boston one
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Sat, Jan 21, 2023 9:31 pm
Subject: Re: [VANAGON] Vintage machines
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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