ok...I was just backing up tonight (to get Harold = packed for a great wetwesties
outing) and I thought to myself.....geeze there has = got to be a trick to
this...thanx for the information tony...will try it = next time.....susanb

Tony Peet wrote:

> Howdy There VanAGoneers!
>
> Well, you learn something new everyday.
>
> I've had my '91 Syncro Vanagon for almost a year = now, and I've spent a not
> insignificant amount of time trying to figure = out how to back up 'well'
> (defined as safely, without hitting that tree on = the right rear, and at a
> respectable pace;-))  I've adjusted the = mirrors and gotten out of the van
> countless times to try to 'learn' a good way to = accurately gauge "how much
> room I've got left before I hit the = wall/car/parking space limiter/fence/kid
> etc."..and nothing has REALLY been a = dependable measure....until NOW:
>
> I've found that with not too much leaning I can = see the LOWER BACK EDGE OF
> EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT REAR TIRE in the bottom = part of the right or left
> mirror.  When I just focus on THAT BACK = EDGE, and use IT as a reference
> point to the nearest object, I get an extremely = accurate read as to where
> the rear bumper is etc and can really nail the = distance with precision.
>
> Using any other reference point  along the = sides of the van just has not
> worked for me ......the distances get really = distorted.
>
> And yes, if you must ask, this HAS changed my = life.
>
> I would be curious to know if anyone else uses = this or any other trick too
> or what your experience is if you give it a = try.
>
> Happy Trails.....
>
> Tony
> '91 Syncro Westy ('teepee')
> Pacific Grove, CA
> = ________________________________________________________________________<= /FONT>
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