Dear List Members,

I wanted to extend my thanks and appreciation to all those (too many to
list) who were instrumental in guiding me through the problems I've had with
my Vanagon since I bought it last June.

It started with an Arcata, CA mechanic who did my pre-purchase inspection
(or failed to), said it needed a new CAT and muffler, after which they blew
my ECU looking for the (nonexistent) electrical problem that was causing it
to continue to fail smog; when it was really a burnt valve, bad rings and
injectors. Of coarse they offered to fix all these things, at my cost. What
a crock!

It was at this point that I sought after a higher power and found the
Vanagon List. It was with the help of the List Members and my previous
automotive experience, that I was able to discover what was wrong and avoid
needlessly shelling out thousands of dollars to a crooked mechanic.

This Vanagon community has been there for those of us in need of advice from
VW veterans and those with varying opinions. Thank you for being there for
us newbies and putting up with us, even when we think we know it all. Also
wanted to thank those who started and maintain the List, hats off to you
all.

Well, I just finished rebuilding Cyls 3-4 and passed first smog inspection
with flying colors. Inga is back on the road and running strong! Just in
time to drive to Portland area to pick up a TDI engine for mid-summer
conversion.

The adventure continues...

-Steven Dodson
Kneeland, CA
"Inga" the 87 Syncro