>>I live just north of Seattle WA and I work in the IT department for a
large speciality coffee company.
Your company has kept my company wired for many years now :-)

>> At this time I do not have a Vanagon but I am very interested in
obtaining one by at least the end of this summer.
Keep your eyes on the Seattle Times classified web site. That is where I got
my van. The best source for Vans from a dealership is Carter VW in Ballard.
They usually have nice vans but charge top $$ for them.

>>Does anyone in the NW have any suggestions on a reputable dealer and
mechanic for a Vanagon?
I take my van to Louis Foreign Auto north of the U-district in Seattle. I
use them mostly because they are close. Bow-wow supposedly has a good shop
up north but too far for me to drive.

>> has anyone had any problems with a conversion to a Subaru or other VW
engine in a Vanagon?
Have not tried it yet. Actually, I have kind of gotten used to the lack of
power. It's very peaceful going over Snoqualmie pass at 35mph. You can see
more wildlife that way :-)

>>I hope to use the vehicle as a daily drive up and down I-5 and use the van
as a extended weekend camper.
A word of advice. Don't use your van as a daily driver if you have a long
commute. Better to get a junker commuter car (Toyota Tercel) for $500 then
to put extra ware and tear on what is becoming a collectors vehicle.
Besides, the Tercel will get better gas mileage and you won't be temped to
take naps in the camper at work :-)

Scott Semyan
'85 Westie