Hi All,

    I just wanted to say Hi! I'm new to the list, but not Vanagons. I
purchased my 1987 Vanagon Syncro GL  new, it now has almost 200,000
miles on the clock. I'm still running the original motor (never
rebuilt, not even a head gasket), although the transmission was
rebuilt at 100,000 miles. And other than some quirky electrical
problems, the van has run very reliably since new.
    I travel the back roads of Oregon but mostly Nevada extensively.
In all season, and all weather conditions. I've driven approximately
70,000 miles off pavement, traveling the remotest of areas in Nevada
to compleat my large format, photographic coffee table book "Nevada".
    I've been stuck only few times, but I've always been able to get
it free by myself, with the help from a shovel, come-along, and a
Hi-lift jack (good thing as I rarely ever see anyone out there, and
cell phones don't work). The skid bars under my van have been
replaced twice, due to harsh off pavement usage. The only body damage
(very minor) was due to trees or rocks, not traffic. As you can tell
I use my Syncro to its fullest potential, and it is truly a wonderful
vehicle.

Best,

Deon Reynolds
1987 Syncro GL
1985 Golf GL
1963 Land Rover IIa 88
Warren, Oregon
http://www.deonreynolds.com

p.s. My Land Rover is for sale. It might go ten feet farther up some
canyon, but it kills you getting there!