Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 19:34:17 EDT
Reply-To: Kim@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Kim Brennan <Kim@AOL.COM>
Subject: '86 Syncro Trip Summary
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Well, I got back to my home port (Virginia suburbs of DC) after driving across
the country. Just short of 4000 miles. This trip started in Manhattan Beach,
California (walking distance from the Pacific) and proceeded to cross the US
of A, mostly on I-10, through Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson, Tombstone, Bisbee),
New Mexico (La Cruzes (?)), Texas (El Paso, Ft. Stockton, San Antonio,
Houston), Louisiana (Baton Rouge, New Orleans), Mississippi, Alabama, Florida.
Once in Florida I detoured down I-75 to Tampa, visiting my father for a day
and a half (and getting a good sushi meal on Friday), then started the trip
north.
Originally, I had planned to take I-75 to Atlanta and Tennessee, but was
feeling somewhat tired and eager to begin repair work on those items that I
had identified as needing attention, so around Gainesville, I cut over to US
301 and did my zig across Florida towards the northeast. I then used I-10 one
last time to get onto I-95 and head north.
I caught a bunch of Thunderstorms in South Carolina (and the syncro performed
like a tank in the wet.) I also wonder if the previous own had used something
on the windshield as the rain just vanished off it leaving me with incredibly
fine visibility during some very heavy rain.
Stayed overnight in North Carolina before rolling in front of my house at
around 3:30pm on Sunday, 9 days in all.
First order of business was fix the "leak" from the AC unit. Basically, the
condensor was pooling water onto the the top of the rear deck, soaking the
carpet. Simple enough fix. This was due to the drain hose having been loose on
the passenger side causing the housing to collect the water instead of putting
it outside.
Second order, was to get a new muffler. The exhaust system had been pretty
rusty when I bought the Syncro in CA, but on the last day of the trip, the
muffler burst its seams. The local Midas shop looked at the muffler and
pointed out to me that some of the other exhaust pipes were cracked or missing
bolts. So this will be a bit more involved than I had envisionaged.
Third, I'm getting that oil leak fixed (and the engine/trans cleaned
afterwards).
Fourth, the starter will be replaced.
Gee, after 4000 miles, maybe I should get a tune up too :)
So I dropped it at the dealer for the work (don't worry, I >CAN< afford this).
The shop manager who had taken my work order was taking a break a few minutes
later (I was waiting for my ride to come by) and was looking over the Vanagon.
I asked if he was just inspecting it, or admiring it. He admitted he was
admiring it. Noting that the paint and body were in fantastic shape (as well
as all the exterior plastic and chrome bumpers.) I pointed out that the
interior was just as pretty (original seats, but looking new, due to the
original owner keeping them covered in sheepskins for almost the entire 12
year history of the bus.)
As I've pointed out to my room mates, any dirt on the inside, I tracked in.
So, the first two owners kept it in good shape and started a rehab (repainting
the exterior and rechroming the bumpers), and I'll finish the job by getting
the mechanicals in prime condition. Sorta neat to look at a 12 year old
vehicle and see that it looks factory fresh. :)
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