Lauren,

You might want to get to know Ken Wilford (kenwilfy@aol.com) who sells parts
on this list.  He is in Jersey, but I don't know where.  Might be reasonably
close.

The rear heater core can be bypassed easily.  Just remove it and use a piece
of 1/2" water pipe to connect the 2 hoses together.  There should be a
restrictor in one of the hoses.  Tell the mechanic not to lose it.  A tip
for removing the heater core with out removing the rear seat is to use a
hack saw blade and cut the lower front center section of the plastic cover
off.  You won't miss it and the cover can then be removed with out taking
the seat out.  You can see this piece if you remove the outer kick board
from under the seat.  Look at the core.  The plastic cover just under the
air outlet hole is what you cut out.  This should save you a bunch of labor.

Order a new heater core from Ken or from The Bus Depot
(www.busdepot.com)(sales@busdepot.com).  I think I paid $70.00 for one.  Be
sure to buy a new valve and the O-ring, so you won't have to go back in
there for another 15 years.

You may also want to access the archives about phosphate free antifreeze.

Walt Spak
Pittsburgh,  Pa.
wnsopc3@3rdm.net

----- Original Message -----
From: - Lauren Pelzer <VeeDubVan@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2000 7:34 PM
Subject: '85 Vanagon - Rear Heater Core Problem: Follow Up

> Thanks to everyone who offered input to my question about the way in which
> the mechanic that has my Vanagon had chosen to go about getting to the
rear
> heater core.   Some of you asked for a follow-up.  Here it is.
>
> The van still is not done.  The mechanic called this evening, and quoted
me a
> price of $625.00!  This was $230+ for the part itself, $245 labor, and the
> balance for 2 hoses.  He'll try to have it done tomorrow morning.  (I was
> told this was a one-hour job!!)
>
> Well, I don't have the money for that right now, so I asked if there was a
> way he could just bypass the heater core.  He said he'll "try" to do that
> (YIKES).  I'm guessing I'm still gonna owe the $245 for labor, but that's
> more manageable right now.
>
> Are there any list members in the Philadelphia area?  Specifically central
> Bucks County?  If so, can you recommend a knowledgeable Vanagon mechanic?
>
> Thanks to all,
> Lauren