Date:         Tue, 6 Dec 1994 18:12:59 -0800 (PST)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         H Steven Dolan <dworkin@netcom.com>
Subject:      Re: Help me! I've just purchased a pit to throw money into!


On Tue, 6 Dec 1994, Alice C. Gibb wrote:

> Actually, there is little wrong with the engine, per se (except some
> misguided previous owner removed the cooling flaps from the engine and to
> replace them is $350), 

If you want this done, have a shop do it.  You got to pull and strip the 
engine to get to the flaps.  A major pain.  IMHO, this is a repair not 
worth doing, but if you want to or must, definitely shop work.

> but the fuel lines need replacing ($375) 

Easy to do yourself. All the bits are right out in the open.  Lay the 
replacement parts on top of the old parts and unscrew clamps one at a 
time.  Use only new clamps, and rubber. See below for fuel manifold.

> and the brake rotors need replacing (I'm not sure how much this is 
> going to run us).

Also do this yourself.  New rotors (for a '78) were ~50.00 at my FLAPS.  
Yours shouldn't be much more.  Installation is easy, all you need that 
you don't have immediately at hand is the right socket for the calipers, 
and a 1/2" drive bar (both under $25.00 at Sears).  While you are at it, 
do the pads and springs.  Your new rotors will thank you.

> Plus we need a lot of other long term stuff done (front shocks, etc.)

Bad shocks (~$25.00) wear out good tires (~70.00) real fast.
 
> He mentioned a few things that are just expensive because VW parts are such
> a rip-off.  Does anyone think I would have much luck getting the following
> things from a junkyard?
> 
> Driver's side window regulator

Yes, but a knuckle busting bear to get out or in.  Do-able, but ouch!

> Sliding door locking mechanism

If you are very, very lucky.  These break way too often. and are among 
the first things stripped of a bus as it comes thru the gate.

> replacment muffler (can we replace the muffer ourselves or is this a pro job?)

Don't bother, buy new.  You *can* do it, but remember all's fair in love 
and mufflers.  Use the WD-40, use the wrenches, use the hacksaw, use the 
angle grinder, after all it's only 6 nuts, right?   ;-)=

> EGR box

Only VW can sell you one (by law).  I cut the ends off my old one when it 
rusted out and re-fastened the ends to the carb and muffler with a sheet of 
copper flashing sandwiched to seal each end.  No one has noticed yet.

> windsheild (we have two small cracks in ours)

Junkyard for sure! I used to put them in myself (easy, but messy and 
nervous) until I found a local shop that would do it for 25.00.  If not 
found at a junkyard, buy an aftermarket one.  Not only are they cheaper, 
they leak less, IMHO.

> engine cooling flaps

See above.

> 
> I would appreciate advice from the wise ones on the net as to which if any
> of these parts will be practical to get from junkyard dealers.
> 

Well, until Joel posts, here's my uninformed opinion. On the cooling 
flaps, exhaust, and fuel manifold, what I did was look for a dead engine 
with all three systems in place, bought the engine, and stripped what I 
needed.  Consider doing the same.  My dead engine cost only $150. YMMV

					H Steven Dolan
					dworkin@netcom.com