Hi Dave,

Welcome to the Vanagon territory.

A couple of thoughts hereafter:


Now,= this thing has no A/C, but does have dual heaters.  I disconnected the
rear heater when I did the other cooling system repairs, as the "T"s in the
lines were also rusted.  However, I cannot for the life of me figure out how
to turn off the front heater.  No matter what I do, there's still heat coming
out of somewhere, be it the floor, the defroster, where ever.  I have no
owners manual with this thing, and I can't seem to decypher the alien
pictograms on the control panel.  Some help on this one would be nice...it's
too hot for heat.

See http://www.vanagain.com/heaterv1.htm


Issu= e 3:  This thing handles like a pig.  I am used to track-worthy Rabbits,
and highly modified A2 Jettas that go around turns hard enough to throw
things around the cabin with deadly force.  I know better than to expect this
thing to do the same, but there's got to be a way to make it better.  Does
anyone make swaybars for these things?  I'd rather not lower it, but I'm sure
that's an option as well.  Bilsteins are an absolute must, and will be coming
soon.  ;-)

Bilsteins: half the people say yes, half the people say no....
Then you can get lowering springs (OEM Boge) from http://www.busdepot.com
And make sure the stabilizer links are not broken (a common occurence)



OK, = now, I need some things for this Van.  For starters, I need a jack and a
toolset.  Anyone know where I can get those second hand?

You want original?  Look into http://www.ebay.com. That's were I obtained my second hand jack (Bilstein). They do pop up from time to time.  For the toolset, you can get a nice little one from http://www.motorworks.com/vw/.

Jack and tool set are still available from the dealer, but expensive, as you know. They ARE listed in ETKA (Group 0)


Also= , this thing
needs some different wheels.  The stock 14" steel wheels are not cutting it
for me.  I am a huge fan of steel wheels, especially on a vehicle like this,
and my intentions for it's use.  I'd like to do some 15" steel wheels, and in
fact, I have a set from a '99 Passat.  They are the correct bolt pattern,
however, the hubs on the van are too large for the wheels.  I thought about
grinding them out a bit(there's not too much of a difference), but they'd be
a pain to balance.  So, does anyone have some wheels out there they'd like to
come off of for a reasonable price?  

I understand that your Passat wheels are not strong enough for our trucks, that's the word on the street.  You can get 'official' 15" steel wheels for the Vanagon from http://www.tiico.com.

Yours,

Éric