Mellissa,
an alternate plan would be to keep the Van and sell the husband to cover your
costs, well almost cover your costs. Another plan is to train the husband to do
the repair work for you as your Valentine present. Another alternate plan would
be to drive the van to one of our List Mechanic and have them do the job. If it
were my van, I'd choose this option because although husbands are useful to have
around they are untrainable.
-Larry (don't tell my wife I actually said this)

Melissa Hohauser-Thatcher wrote:

> I am totally bummed out -
> I currently own a '90 Vanagon and recently found out that the head gasket is
> cracked.  I really need some advice - Can I do this job myself or do I have
> to spend the money on labor?  I love my van - any ideas, or mechanics in
> Detroit area that would consider a payment plan???
> I am desperate - my husband wants to sell and cut our losses...