Ron, Please change my status! I'm no longer a wannabe but now the proud owner of an 89 Westy! <<SNIP>>>I bought it "sight-unseen" over the internet from the PO in Texas. I had it shipped to Iowa and it arrived this morning. <<<SNIP>>> I'm taking a little cruise with it on Wednesday, having it detailed on Thursday, might actually go camping this weekend! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Jim- Congrats on the new machine! We just got our Westfalia about six weeks back and have already logged 3,500 miles, almost all of that was camping or going/coming from camping. Been out 4 out of 6 weekends. Fall colors and great temperatures out; you'll have a ball. A word of caution: It's exciting to have a new vehicle, but as you have seen from your lurking, a few maintenance oversights by the previous owner can spell big trouble to a Westfalia. It is a complicated mechanism, with plenty of areas where a simple fault can lead to great expense, and grief. Spend the weekend inspecting/replacing some things before a big outing. Check brake pads and shoes, crawl around under the van and look at everything closely, especially the steering gear and suspension. Check shift linkages, CV boots, muffler hangers, radiator hoses, tire pressure, propane fittings (use sudsy water). Look for the start of rust. Beyond all else, CHANGE THE FUEL LINES. It takes an hour or so, and costs less than $35 (even if you buy some new clamps and a filter. How many woeful (former) owners have we seen come to the list, with smoke still in their hair, with the sad tale of how their "new" Vanagon went up in flames. Buy insurance, buy a fire extinguisher, learn to use it, but change your fuel lines before you use this van. Happy motoring, G. Matthew Bulley Principal Bulley-Hewlett & Associates Communications for Organizational Development Cary, North Carolina www.bulley-hewlett.com (888) 468-4880 toll free
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