Thanks for forwarding the notion that staying w/ stock Vanagon parts has
it's pluses.  I agree.  The long distance and backcountry driving I am
attracted to leaves me more prone, perhaps, to wanting to keep it simple,
stupid.  Makes it easier to lug around spare parts.  Less expensive, too, in
the long run.  Yes, and lest we forget, there are oodles of competent VW
mechanics to be found at most VW dealerships.  The downside, however, is
paying for all those expensive VW parts from the dealership to do your
needed repairs.  Funny but true story:  I know a guy who is a terrific VW
air-cooled mechanic.  Eats em for breakfast.  One day I asked him why he
doesn't drive a nice restored older VW as his personal vehicle (he drives a
Ford water-cooled) and he told me he would except he can't afford the price
of the parts.  Oh well, live and learn!

Keeping the faith,

Dave Gunning &
Sammy da Dog