Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2023 21:02:03 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Vanagon update paying to undo other's work
In-Reply-To: <135065615.3294183.1685742333665@mail.yahoo.com>
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Nope,
I prefer working on the older cars. But that is just me.
I think it is wild that I currently have three vintage vW bus resources in little VT and nearby NH less than 30 miles away. One is the parts yard with a basically retired owner. The other is an older experienced VW person reengaging in older VWs. And the last a young man with a tech and his wife running the office. They don’t want more business as they can’t keep up with what they have and they like the current amount. I’m in the vW bus community but it took years to find these folks making a living or supplementing mostly under the radar. Two out of three are continuing on quietly. But at least one of them is training a young mechanic to carry on.
Not everyone wants to work on the newest cars.
And, some younger folks are still working on these vans.
I don’t expect it to last forever. In fact, I kind of look forward to eventually converting one of the vans to electric or hydrogen.
Call me a optimist but our buses have a strong following and there are still mechanics out there.
eRic
> On Jun 2, 2023, at 5:45 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
>
> Excellent synopsis, Eric. We all share your pain and frustrations and Dollars.
> Here's the thing: Old school Vanagon mechanics are closing shop. Put yourself into their situation. They have done a good deed, maybe 40 years. Meanwhile, there are tons of modern cars that need attention! If it were me, I'd go after modern cars. I think you would too.
>
> On Friday, June 2, 2023 at 02:28:04 PM PDT, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Hi folks,
>
> I brought my 84 to a young vanagon mechanic, probably mid 40s. He seems to know his stuff.
>
> This was my first visit. He has a wait list that is over a year long.
>
> His priorities were first, make sure the van will not catch on fire, then make sure it stops well, then make sure it runs well.
>
> After two weeks I got it back.
>
> He spent most of his time undoing what others had done.
>
> The GW AFM was new, and sadly not working. Luckily Denis Haynes and one of his customers donated a AFM to me some time ago. It saved the day. It did need a little adjusting but the old one is working well. The result is the van now runs correctly with O2 sensor connected.
> Old AFM goes in my spares or may be a core some day. It is barely 2 years old and maybe only one year old. It was purchased to fix a running issue but probably arrived not working and no one realized it until now. A different mechanic adjusted it and it worked better but still no O2 until it was changed out.
>
> With regard to not catching on fire.
>
> We removed yards of wire that were part of a charging and aux battery set up. And also extra wires to starter. Simplified the system and added 6 fuses. This is now a simple but functioning system.
> Old et up was destined to short or cause issues. Some wires were even dangling hot.
>
> As for stopping, brake fluid needs to be changed but not immediately.
>
> And He replaced a complicated bunch of elbows and hoses where the rear heater was removed and used a simpler set up.
>
> Also, gave me a list of the next work to be done as time and money allow.
>
> Front suspension bushings, one lower ball joint
> More coolant hoses and pipes.
> And, that is about it. Van is road worthy as is but prevention work will be needed.
>
> So nice to drive it home with O2 sensor working correctly. I expect fuel use to improve.
> Timing was checked and was right on.
> There was a need to adjust throttle cable to allow idle switch to engage every time and a vacuum leak on the cold idle valve was addressed.
>
> Funny thing is this man liked the 1.9 system. He encouraged me to just maintain it as is and not move up to the 2.1 systems.
>
> So, some clean up and maintenance my future for the 84 but I’m hitting the road with confidence.
>
> Also, I am please that much of the work is likely things I can do this winter. Though I’m leaving the suspension work to him.
>
> Hopefully it doesn’t take two years to get in again.
>
> I asked him if he wanted me to promote his business and he laughed and said we try to keep a low profile. Only the that can wait more then a year to get in should really call.
>
> So, at least one young and successful vanagon mechanic near me but demand is out of control.
>
> Eric Caron
> Trying to keep both vans road worthy!
>
>
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