As a new listmember and first-time owner of a VW, I have to say I'm
completely impressed with the wealth of information and quality of
discussion. What a great resource. You folks are alright.

Just bought an 83 Westy, water cooled, a couple months ago. It has 25K on a
new motor. Automatic transmission. Tires have about 6K miles and are
Goodyear Decathalon195/75/14 (good? bad? neither?).

We're taking off on a multi-month roadtrip this winter throughout the US.
Cold and warm climates.

The only complaints/oddities/questions I have so far:

1)  After pulling into a parking space and turning off the ignition, I
sometimes hear the clicking of the turn signals even when they're not on.
Seems to be affected by door being open or closed. Poltergeist?

2)  Do I want to use synthetic oil?

3)  What resources, tools do you always take with you on long trips?
(Recommendation from friend with VW bus:  straw hat for shade, water bottle
for long walks, checkbook.)

4)  I've got a 1986 300 ZX, 130K, with a 6 cyl. that I don't drive much. Any
sense in keeping it for a motor replacement or all the sizes all wrong?

5)  At the suggestion of someone on the list, I just bought one of those
Optima gel RV batteries. Any things to avoid in its installation?

Eric Henry
83 Westy Unnamed