Date: Mon, 20 Oct 1997 21:47:59 -0700
Reply-To: Denys Mueller <Denys@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Sender: Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From: Denys Mueller <Denys@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Organization: Denys Mueller - Project Mgmt Professional
Subject: First Trip with 3rd Westy
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hi all,
Thought I'd share!!
Yes, it's my third Westy and after $5,000 + purchase price my kids and I
made our first trip this weekend to El Capitan State Beach (15 miles
north of Santa Barbara, CA). We had a great time; lots of sun :) but no
surf. :( They remembered our '89 Westy and the fun trips we had then -
the Del Mar IMSA races, Sequoia in below freezing temps and the Grand
Canyon for July 4th.
Next weekend (10/24-26) is Laguna Seca for the Visa Sportscar
Championships. Anyone going? If so, stop by Camp Site #176 in the Grand
Prix camping area.
This time though my motivation is different - I'm going to make that
trip I've wanted to take for 20 years - San Diego to Cabo San Lucas to
Mazatlan via ferry and return to the states via the mainland - hence my
investment! Our plan is to travel next June after some added investment
- primarily additional spares and replacement of the water pump.
The only problem that arose during the last weekend's trip was gas
fumes. I had the gas tank and all its assorted hoses and seals replaced,
but still when the tank is full it leaks slightly, thus the fumes.
According to my mechanic the seals will take time to swell and therefore
seal up. Right now my strategy is to not camp with any more than 3/4
tank of gas. Any suggestions on a fix would be appreciated. I've had the
tank out twice trying to fix the problem.
If you're interested what I spent my money on, my Westy has:
Maintenance Items: new GEX rebuilt, rebuilt trans, new clutch, clutch
slave cylinder, battery, alternator, starter, rebuilt front end
including steering rack, shocks, front rims, tires (Michelin XCH4), rear
brakes, gas tank, engine mounts, fuel filter, all hoses and tune up
Appearance/Convenience Items: A&E 9'8" awning, 3 bike rack/carrier,
Thule roof rack, roof vent & screen, folding cup holders, AM/FM/CD &
antenna, water tank cover w/key, floor mats, glove box lock, right door
tray, safety equipment, modify tow bar to have 2" receiver, heater fan
switch, left mud flap, interior handles and knobs and pedal pads and
porta potty
Spare Parts: Air Flow Meter, Fuel Pump & relay, ignition items, belts,
bulk hose, expansion tank cap - still need to purchase ECU + other items
Did I forget anything? Maybe the radiator and water pump! :)
Thanks to all of those who helped! The members of this list are great!
Well, that's it. Time to move beyond fixing and start enjoying the labor
of my money and preparation. We are hoping to join a CCC outing, but
probably not until Spring since we are booked up with trips to Death
Valley, Sequoia, Morro Bay and the Grand Canyon for Christmas.
Maybe during our travels we will cross paths! Hope you all are having as
much fun as we are!?! :)
Denys
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Denys Mueller
Murrieta, CA
1986 VW Westy - BCHMOTL
PO '80 & '89 Westys'
"I've always wanted to be something when I grew up...
Guess I should have been more specific"
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