Check with Ken @ Vanagain, I'm going the same route and he set me up with a
complete parts list and can tell you what tools to buy.
Less than $200 bucks to do it right.
Bob

---- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Baker" <DBAKER5@KC.RR.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 10:03 PM
Subject: Re: Head Gasket Job Costs?

> I checked with 3 local shops here in Kansas City that have experience on
> vanagons.  Two wanted to replace the heads completely (without checking
> their condition) for around US $2000.  One wanted $1300 US just to replace
> the gaskets.  I figured I could buy a lot of gaskets and tools for $1300,
so
> beginning Tuesday of next week, I'll be doing it myself.  Wish me luck.
> I've never done anything more serious than replace a fuse.
>
> Dave in KC
> 85 Westy
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Karl Dawe <kdawe@MUN.CA>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 6:15 PM
> Subject: Head Gasket Job Costs?
>
>
> I've got my van in for a head gasket job - I'm not confident enough to do
it
> myself, though I thought about it.  The mechanic called me today and told
me
> that it would cost about $1500 Canadian to do the gaskets.  Sounded a
little
> steep to me, so I thought I'd check it out.  ($1500 Canadian, BTW, works
out
> to be approximately $1000 USD)
>
> Mechanic says he can do them with the engine in the van.  Costs on the
> gaskets are $195 ($130USD) per side from his supplier, but he will use
> gaskets that I provide, though he recomends german gaskets.  Even when you
> take out the $400 ($260USD) for the gaskets, $1100 ($730USD) seems a bit
> steep for the labour charge to me.