Stephen,

I've never travelled that part of the States either so I can't offer you any
advice routewise.

A tip though: when flying out, bring a full set of backpacker's camping gear
(without the tent and mattress). From experience, it's very frustrating to pick
up a camper van a long way from home and not being able to really camp on the
way back.

So bring sleeping bags, towels, a kettle and some pots&pans, Swiss Army knife,
knives and forks, dish washing liquid, drying cloth, matches, some cups,
flashlight, duct tape, WD40 (fellow listie Tom Hanlon taught me Southern
Engineering: if it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape, if it don't move and
it should: use WD40), and elementary tools for the interior: screw drivers,
plyers, fuses, 12V testing light to fix any simple electrical gremlins.

Have a great trip and let us know how it went!

Robin
'90 VW Vanagon Westfalia Atlantic TD
The Netherlands

Stephen Steele wrote:

> Listees,
> Well, after several months of looking at different Westfalias I have chosen
> to buy an 84 Westy in AZ. Internet photos show it to be clean and well
> maintained with 110 K on it ,with possibly new heads at 90K and a well
> appointed interior.
> I, again, offer my many thanks to fellow listee Karl Wolz for taking his
> time and trouble to give the van a look over, basically confirming the above
> impressions.  Per the soon-to-be PO the engine was showing low oil pressure
> at idle. But seems to have been solved by an oil additive and lower ambient
> temps in AZ.
> On Halloween my son and I will fly to Phoenix to inspect and finalize the
> deal. We plan to make a fairly hasty retreat Eastward for 2000 miles.
> Any advise on the best route home ...my auto travels West have only included
> I-70 to the Rockies and points North, so I am not acquainted with the
> Southern states/routes (there, all cardinal compass points have been
> mentioned). My son has been to Oz and back , a couple of times and nearly
> all points in between, but always flying.
> My interests are varied and, besides VW's, include beer making, bicycling,
> kayaking, camping; my son enjoys the same with a passion for art ( he says
> we have to stop in Sedonia before heading East).  Any other stops along
> suggested routes will be gratefully considered.
> We are looking forward to our first road trip in our first Westy.  Our
> fingers are crossed for a great trip!
>
> --
> Stephen Steele
> '91 Caravelle...Hans
> '81 Vanagon   (long gone)
> '98 GTi, VR6... first son (Eagle scout) and upcoming trip companion
> '92 Jetta...second son (Eagle scout)
> '68 Karmann Ghia...second son
> _____________   soon to be driving 15 year old son #3(Life scout and going)
> _____________   soon to be driving 15 year old son #4(Life scout and going)
>
> Chillicothe, OH

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