At 08:48 PM 5/9/00 -0400, Bulley wrote:
>I have a theory about the molding based on a comprehensive data sample of
>one. Our 1982 Vanagon has NO signs of retreating molding, None. (we've got
>the older brown mold). Here's what I think:

you lucky b****rd!!

>The PO of our van never used any cleaning solvents of any sort, nor did she
>use AmorAl or any such potion in the interior. Water with scant detergent.
>These aftermarket potions may further the drying process.

hmm.. maybe..

>Further, the van has been in an attached/semi-heated/cooled garaged for
>most of its 19 years. No heating/cooling cycle. Thus no expansion and
>contraction of the material, nor much increased drying of the vinyl.

ah ha! that is probably the real reason.  It's amazing how long stuff lasts
if it can be kept away from the "real world".  Just ask any grad student :-)

>With these thoughts in mind, I think I got REALLY lucky, and I better keep
>the thing in the garage, and not use ArmoriAl. Thoughts?

We could trade molding.  That way your van would be more normal and not
feel like such an outcast at VW gatherings.  I have a nice, standard shrunk
molding set that I would be willing to trade you off my '82.  There are
even a few really wrinkled bits to ad the final "lived-in" touches.  I know
that this would make MY van the outcast, but I'm willing to take the
chiding and ostracism for you.

Chris Smith
'82 Westy (TURD)
'74 Thing
Some cars that even run