well, we did it (thanks to all who helped and all who advised and all who
explained the G in the vin number...*g*).

we put down a downpayment saturday on an '87 syncro westy.  we should be
paid off by the end of the month, and then it'll be ours in full.

i've been reading the list for about three weeks now, and am completely
impressed with the breadth, scope, and depth of knowledge people here show
about their vanagons.  i can only hope to contribute so well as the
months/years pass.

a couple of questions.  first, what's the deal with alloy wheel strength vs.
steel wheel strength on a syncro?  the vanagon.com site says steel will
deform less during offroad maneuvers.  what kind of (a) deformation are we
talking, and what kind of (b) maneuvers?

second, this van is removed from us by enough of a distance i don't know
that i'll have time to drive it home to us when it's paid off.  can anyone
recommend a reliable auto transport company they've used to ship cars
(ideally a westy) around the country?  i have quotes from $1100 to $1500,
and a couple of outfits won't ship anything above 6'8" in height (and from
recent discussion i hear the westy is 6'10" minimum...).

thanks in advance,

bill kasper
(& ali and alexander)
'87 syncrowesty (wow!;^)