I did restore one where the engine area was all melted, the tire got on
fire, the cabinets got burnt, the curtains, plastics, the paint inside
outside.  I used it now for eight years, every year for three weeks
averaging six thousand miles.  This year we went up to the Arctic Ocean to
Inuvik with it.  Eight thousand miles.  I did not change the bearings inside
the motor.  I had to buy another motor with all the electronics and other
cabinets and curtains and all the blackened scorched things to replace.  The
rear bumper still shows a little blue at one spot as a reminder.
I do not recommend the job. It is far too much work.  I filled up two trash
drums with all the burnt junk that I had to throw away.
The fire started by a wire that was not in conduit and rubbed to make sparks
when some gas leak was present.
It was the retrofit oil temp gauge wire.  I still use it, only the wire is
routed in a better way.
Zoltan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Osborn" <OsbornSmyth@GATEWAY.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2000 9:01 AM
Subject: Westy on fire at Half Moon Bay....

>     About this time last year, I  saw the  horror of a smoldering Vanagon
> Westy, near the beach around 7:45  P.M.  The fire engine was there, but
the
> fire had already scorched the interior,  and melted parts of the pop top.
> Not very enjoyable for the owner.  I was wondering if this person might be
a
> list subscriber.  Maybe this story is already in the archives,  I'll look
> there...
>
>     Has anyone ever restored a van with serious fire damage?..
>
>
> Rob  90 GL