Date:         Mon, 26 Oct 1998 12:09:47 -0500
Reply-To:     Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Subject:      Re: Your Opinion: Vanagon or Late Model Bus Westy?
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I've been wrestling with the same dilema ever since my '72 westy started
to
rust.  I eventually bought my '85 with the thought of putting the '72 in
the
barn and doing a complete resto.  IMHO there really is nothing like the
old,
aircooled buses (pre-vanagon).  The sound, the character, the
cool-factor are
just unmatched, even by our much beloved vanagons.
Reality, however, has crept in a tad.  Unfortunately, I now
need to get places with at least some certainty of arriving +/- 1 day
rather
than +/- 1 week.  I also haven't been able to find the time to do the
complete resto what with all the cutting body panels out and welding,
just a
real mess.  But everytime I see the ole' boy sitting idle, rusting away
in
the corner I swear, one of these days....If you have the time and the
desire
(not to mention the money) and the sound of those aircooled motors makes
you
weak in the knees so that your willing to put up with some discomfort
(no
heat, gasoline & exhaust smells in the passenger compartment which seem
to be
a part of all aircooled VW's) I'd say go for it-there is nothing like
'em and
never will be again I imagine.  Me, I guess I'm not as idealistic and
romantic as I used to be or that '72 wouldn't be rusting away in the
corner
:-(
good luck
Mark

Marty Wallace wrote:

> Volks-
>
> I bought a 1984 Westy this year, and I think that it is a wonderful
> vehicle.  I LOVE the (reasonably) powerful engine, the A/C, and the real
> heating system, but I can't help but yearn just a bit for a simpler (and
> cheaper!) air-cooled bus.  I'm never in a hurry (especially when
> traveling), so I don't really care about the underpowered nature of a
> late model bus, but the lack of A/C and decent heating might get to me
> after awhile.
>
> Anyway, I'm finding myself actually considering selling my (just now
> getting into nice condition) 84 Westy and buying a restored (or
> restorable) 1970s era camper bus...
>
> What do you think?  Would you trade the comfort and relative speediness
> of your Vanagon for the simplicity of a late model bus?  Anyone feel like
> you would NEVER go back after owning a Vanagon?  How about anyone with a
> bus who wouldn't own a Vanagon?
>
> I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts on this.
>
> Thanks,
> Marty Wallace, 1984 Westfalia "Heisenberg"
> (but, just maybe...a really fine example of a 1978 Westy someday...)
> Chico, California
>
> _________________________________________________________
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--
Mark Gajewski                    |  mgajewski@manvillerubber.com
Manville Rubber Products, Inc.   |  Phone: 908-526-9111
1009 Kennedy Blvd.               |    Fax: 908-526-7123
Manville, NJ  08835