In a message dated 9/20/01 2:43:24 PM, vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM writes:

<< >   I'm looking for the metal muffler straps for an 88 model. Two

>   of them.

If these are the same as the stock '86-91 Vanagon muffler straps, I have

them for $14.95 each >>

Marty,

Save the $14.95 times two for a hamburger and beer.  Go to an industrial
supply house, plumbing supply house or even Home Depot and get two 9/16" X 8"
dia. SS hose clamps.  Should be no more than $5 for the pair.  Thread them
through the muffler saddles, then cinch them down.

The first time I needed a new muffler strap, I fabricated one out of 1/8" X
1" SS.  It was a work of art and still like new when I junked the '84 Sunroof
on which it was mounted, so I saved it.  Whenever my Syncro finally needed a
muffler strap, I thought I was in like Flynn with my SS strap hanging around
the garage somewhere.  Unfortunately, the '84 muffler is much smaller than
the '86 so it wouldn't fit.  I had read on the list about using large hose
clamps for muffler straps and, although I am always dubious about such cheap
and easy remedies, I threw one on.  I figured it would last for the few days
until I could fab another proper strap.  That was 2 or 3 years ago; it has
been so long I forget.  The day I went to make another strap, the hose clamp
was holding so well, I went out and hit some flyballs to my kid instead.  In
fact, it worked so well I knew just what to do when the second strap rusted
away.

One thing, make sure you get a quality hose clamp; this is not the time nor
place for any of that Pacific Rim drek.
Rich