Date:         Sun, 22 Jan 2023 22:13:36 +0000
Reply-To:     Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Vintage  machines
In-Reply-To:  <260468068.219130.1674357596696@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

 One of the most amazing inventions that happened in late 80's?  Stepper motor.  This is an electrical motor that moves in "steps".  You can gear it down as much as you want.  In doing so, you get incredible precision.  That is what made CNC happen....and also the MicroProcessor.  Chips.  Became available around that time.  So, mate a stepper motor with a Microprocessor.  That was the huge success of those inventions, and we almost take them for granted now.  Assembly robots use both of those.  I love all of it!

    On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 07:19:56 PM PST, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:  
 
  And....did you ever hear the phrase CNC back in 1985?  I didn't, and I was fully in the game.  So...precision, metallurgy, electronics.  Yes, these things all happened around then.  It blossomed around 1990...I was there.

    On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 06:28:07 PM PST, Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:  
 
 Subie 2.2?  Early nineties 2.2?

30 year old engine type. Not as great a following of the original vehicle it was fitted to compared to vanagon…

1992 legacy …. Thin on the road here :-) 

> On Jan 21, 2023, at 6:04 PM, 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  
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>> 
>