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Date:         Fri, 10 Sep 1999 14:18:52 -0400
Reply-To:     Ezra Hall <ehall@BTV.IBM.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ezra Hall <ehall@BTV.IBM.COM>
Subject:      New to us, 1988 Westfalia
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

-- Folks, Yesterday we purchased a 1988 Westfalia, Grey interior, Automatic, new heads, 89K miles, with no rust for $8950 (we live in Vermont). There are some minor scratches in the paint, and it needs some mechanical and cosmetic work, but it looks really nice. We couldn't get the used car dealer to lower the price or do any additional work (they re-charged the A/C system, turned the rotors and drums, and replaced an exhaust pipe). It appears to be a sellers market so we decided to purchase locally vs. travel to purchase another vehicle. The dealer claims to have had offers from out of state for their full asking price, AS IS............... I did a fairly comprehensive inspection prior to making the decision to purchase, but since then have found a problem with the final drive (differential bearings ?) as there is axial play (and slight wobble) on the inner cv-joint housings that connect directly to the shafts from the differential, and there is seepage at the seals. Well, we are the owners now, and here is the list of stuff todo so far:

- Left Rear inner CV Joint - Upper left Ball Joint - Differential bearings? (there is axial play, leakage at the seals, and the left side wobbles slightly) TBD - Had to re-adjust the front bearings, the used car dealer didn't tighten correctly when they turned the rotors - Rear Shocks, possibly front as well, TBD - Fridge repairs (removed flakes of corrosion from combustion chamber,still need to replace the fan thermostat,fan,install interior fan,and CLEAN!) - Spare battery (high leakage, doesn't hold a charge well) - Rear Hatch struts - Tune up items (cap, rotor, plugs, perhaps plug wires..) - Water pump/level sensor assembly for water tank (missing) - Driver's seat arm-rest (missing) - Front Table (missing) - Fix stone chips in windshield - Dent in front, small stone chip with surface rust (this is the only rust) - Slight misfire and hesitation. Will replace cap, rotor, plugs, check AFM, intake leaks, etc.. TBD - Speakers (rotten surround, too small) - Interior Sliding Door Panel (broken near rear, section missing - Sliding door doesn't always latch, TBD - Luggage rack and pop-top seals - Decals (not anytime soon...) - pop-top looks dulled, how can it be cleaned up? Is the paint thin? - E-Brake doesn't work well

In the near future (spring time frame) exhaust work will be required as there is rust and several weld repairs. If nothing major is wrong with the Transmission, I think we will be happy with the vehicle, and won't feel too bad about the transaction. We are excited right now, but I have to re-install the fridge so we can drive it(couldn't wait to fix things and dove right in last night..)

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!

Ezra + Danielle Hall, and dog Kayla Colchester, Vt


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