Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (July 1998, week 3)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Thu, 16 Jul 1998 01:59:11 EDT
Reply-To:     Modl6971@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Modl <Modl6971@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: VW=On-going maintenance concern,
              was: Anyone not having problems?
Comments: To: GMBulley@aol.com, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 98-07-15 08:54:21 EDT, GMBulley@AOL.COM writes:

<< David--

Yes, there ARE a lot of problems discussed here, as people typically join this list (as you) to learn, and share knowledge from others who have more experience. Two things affect the content on the list. First, few people post or would spend lots of time reading:

"Well, another uneventful day...I got in my Van today, and it started fine on the first try, as usual. Further, my trip was puncuated my efficient braking power, smooth acceleration, reliable A/C, and a comfortable ride. The radio sounded especially good this morning. More tomorrow. Any comments?" We tend to get more excited about, and need more help with things like:

"Well, the engine fire was put out in a matter of seconds by the automatic Halon fire supression system I designed and build last week from spare parts I had around the house. At the last instant, we made it around the hairpin turn, but one of the brake calipers exploded from the heat of slowing down our van, in which I was hauling 14 motors to sell at the Bug and Bus Blowout in Boise, any one going?... Surprisingly, only the Fritzmangler valve burned in the fire. Anyone know how much for a new one...should I use one from a junk yard??" So that's what we look for knowledge/share knowledge on.

Second, (a broad, sweeping, and dangerous generality here), Vanagon owners, ESPECIALLY Westfalia owners, appear to be tinkerers by nature. Beyond the ability to Camp and travel in their vans, they are attracted to the myriad of mal-designed, meniacal mechanisms attached to the machine. There is far more room for tinkering on a Vanagon, than on a Camry.

That isn't to say these vehicles aren't reliable, they *CAN BE*. My family has owned VW Vans since 1962, with no real reliability problems to speak of...HOWEVER, These vehicle ARE an on-going maintenance concern. If you don't choose to tinker (I am a recovering do-it-yourselfer, and strongly encourage others to get on the wagon) you should find a good mechanic, and reward him/her profusely with letters of praise to the Better Business Bureau, generous tips, and expensive gifts at Christmas/Chanuka/Quansa etc. After all this person frees you up to may money in your field of expertice, no greasey fingers!

Good luck, get a van,

gmbulley cary, nc >> I like your response Cary, good writing. Michael Modl, 87 syncro.


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.