This was going to be a letter of farewell, but I found out today it is also a
letter of warning?
My '90 has been sitting in my driveway since February needing a head job and
a couple of other inconsequential repairs that basically made it a lawn
ornament.  I recently decided that I could not attempt the head job alone and
couldn't afford it so I called PARTS PLACE, INC in Auburn Hills, MI to see
what they might be able to do for me.  They hauled it and I followed 24 hours
later to find out what they could give me.  I know this place from a friend
with a Vdub shop on the other side of the state.  $200 and some tears later I
departed.
Today I received a phone call from the man who I dealt with - JACK FINN - who
owns the PARTS PLACE, INC and he gave me the third degree -
When someone buys something and the condition of that thing is different than
originally thought - it's still a deal right?  He goes on with this line of
question for about three minutes and then tells me that my van was fine - the
engine problems were "inconsequential" and they've fixed it up and had it for
sale at PARTS PLACE, INC for $3500.  He asked If I wanted to buy it back from
him for that price.
Well, there's the story - take from it what you will.  I will continue to
search for the van that is mine - in the meantime I'll keep the name
vwvangrrl@aol.com if anyone wants to write.
I hope this story makes you think before you sell - or to whom you sell - or
to whom you trust your van for mechanical info.  And maybe you could find
someone else to deal with if you're already dealing with PARTS PLACE, INC in
Auburn Hills, MI.
I sure feel screwed - although I always thought that rollergirl (the van) and
screwing would come together in a much different way!
Thanks for all of the help and interesting info.
melissa