I don't think they would be my friend anymore. This person must not know you
well enough to see how much you love your van. If they were to still be my
friend they'd never have to worry about driving in my van agian because he
drives everywhere from now on because I'm "not sure if my old heap will make
it". Personally I do what I do to my van because 1. I really like it and 2.
For the feeling of accomplishment, to know that my van is in the condition
it's in is because of me. It's funky, funtional, rare, different and neat!

> So this morning during our daily walk down the beach to the local coffee
> shop my best friend cast aspersions on my beloved "Victoria"! ('82 Westy)
>
> We saw a funky, old red VW bug drive by and he commented on how he'd love
to
> own a car like that. I said, "That would be cool, we could both work on
our
> cars together."
>
> He says, "Oh God, you mean it woud be like your old heap? F*ck that! Your
> van is always needing one thing or another."
>
> I took this as an insult and wasn't able to readily explain the benefits
of
> being closely connected to my "old heap." How does one explain the
intimacy
> of clogged fuel filters, vacuum leaks, propane smells, constantly checking
> engine temperature gauges, etc.?
>
> Why do we love our vans so much even though they require so much work and
go
> so slow?
>
> What would you have said if you were in my shoes?
>
> I'm now gonna pull out my old copy of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle
> Maintenance"...