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Date:         Sun, 15 Jun 1997 20:37:38 -0700
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Ari Ollikainen <ari@interserve.com>
Subject:      A has-been no longer!

I've stood on the sidelines and watched, while the California Camping Crazies have been gamboling all over the place with their campers. Well...NO MORE!

Having been camperless since '93 when I sold both our '85 GL Weekender and "Flora" the '85 Westfalia to buy my wife a '91('90 in Calif.) Vanagon Carat, I'm happy to announce that I'm returning to Westfalia ownership with a '91model year (manufacture dates 10/90 at VW, 11/90 at Westfalia, first sold in 91) non-syncro, white Westfalia with everything including automatic tranmission as soon as the deal is concluded. The AC works wonderfully, the camper systems are in good operating condition, cosmetically the van is flawless inside and out (including the front facia due to being covered with a <choke> bra! Said bras - there are two that come with it - will be available to trade to listmembers.) A Catalina 2500 awning is attached and appears almost new...unfortunately the front plastic pole "clip" srewed to the body behind the right front wheel is broken! Anyone know if these are available as replacement parts from CampingWorld?

The heads have been done "recently" as has the water pump and brakes...no apparent fluid leaks and the interior of the engine compartment is CLEAN. All the belts were recently replaced.

It even comes with all 5 alloys...one of which (the spare) has a well used Michelin MXL (or variant, from the tread design)...unfortunately the PO (actually his brother the previous PO) shod the van with some 205/70 14s which are underrated, passenger car tires with too soft sidewalls! These will be changed out immediately on possession for some capable rubber. I guess I'll search the archives for the latest in the on-going tire discussion... or just go out and get the correct Michelins.

Front table and post apparently are available from previous-PO.

I thought they all came with the second battery by '90/91, but appranently that's not true...another trip to the archives to fix this oversight. Personally, I don't see how anyone can do without an auxiliary CAMPING battery. I like to be able to count on the vehicle battery for engine starting, regardless of the length of stay or use of coach accessories and lights.

It has a hitch with ball on tongue which is bolted to the tow loops as well as to a frame member directly behind the center of the bumper...is this how the typical towloop hitch is attached, or this arrangement at bit stronger?

It'll be interesting to see how I'll solve the need for additional seating...whether installing the seat rails for a center single swiveling captain's seat (since I have one of these from Flora) or a center bench from a mid 80s Weekender, or finding and installing the hardware for a Carat/Multivan backward facing theatre seat is the answer. Suggestions/discussion please!

BTW: I have two brown center bench seats (one that has been expeosed to the elements, and one that has been garaged since new in '88)...I'll entertain any reasonable offers. Wife says they have to go...or go to the dump.

>>>Westy oriented .sig under construction.<<<


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