Hello List,  
      I took my Syncro to a mechanic today in preparation for my 6 week trip
to Alaska.  I haven't been to a mechanic in quite a while and found this guy
by accident, but he seems like a great guy. He drives a Vanagon and so does
his wife (matching Wolfsburgs).  I told him about the list but he claimed
"computer illiteracy."  
      I looked around the shop and was impressed with the place, noticing
things like the parts he was using (the same ones you guys recommend to me)
and the condition of the shop (well used and VW intensive).  I liked the fact
that he let me look around his shop and showed me things on my van that he
was concerned about and let me watch while he performed tests on it.  I hate
those shops where they keep you roped off away from your vehicle unable to
see what they are doing to it!
      Anyway, so far so good, I think I have found a mechanic (finally) that
I can trust with my beloved vans!
      If anyone else in the area wants to try this shop, they are in
Glendora, CA and their number is (626) 963-0916.

-Loretta
87 Syncro GL (Alaska Bound)
90 GL