In a message dated 2/19/01 11:09:07 AM, paradigm@ALLEGRAPRINTING.COM writes:

<< Any ideas out there regarding keeping the brake discs in good shape on a
sitting Vanagon (currently outside). >>

In a message dated 2/19/01 3:48:40 PM, meed@MBARI.ORG writes:

<< No real experience, but if I had this problem I'd try a lightweight
spray-on silicone coating/lubricant (brand names escape me at the
moment... the one I used was sold for lubing food processing eqt but
FLAPS sell similar stuff... basically you want the stuff that comes out
in a thin clear mist and then dries leaving a light, somewhat slippery
film behind.) >>

Are you sure you are not thinking of bacon grease?  I was not going to enter
into the fray on this subject, but what is suggested above is so foolish I
wonder how one could ever muster the temerity to put forth such an idea.

Lee, if the rusting rotors really bother you, use the van more often.  It has
been my experience with motorcycles that the rotors which rust the most
readily also brake the best.  In this case, cast iron is better than
stainless steel.

Now, if you want to try something reasonable, I offer this.  I went to buy
some tools from an old machinist.  As we stood over his tool chest, I was hit
with a strong odor of what I thought was Vick's Vapo-Rub.  Once I was sure
that this old guy wasn't sniffing the stuff for kicks, I asked him about it.
He told me that the smell was coming from the cake of camphor which he kept
in his tool chest.  He claimed that the camphor prevented his tools from
rusting.  I never had the occasion to test his contention, but I know that
these old craftsmen are not suckers for snake oil.  So, you could try draping
a plastic garbage bag over the wheel and chucking in a cake of camphor.  If
it doesn't work, at least it won't kill you.

Rich