You didn't mention where you are located...that might help us all help you
hook up with one of us or refer you to a great mechanic...

>From: Jay Roth <bghuna@MCHSI.COM>
>Reply-To: Jay Roth <bghuna@MCHSI.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: soon-to-be
>Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2003 10:24:34 -0500
>
>I'm the proud new owner of a gem: '87 Westy, 2WD, one-owner (literally from
>a "little old lady"), in near-perfect condition, sold to me UNDER Blue Book
>value. (I don't mean to make many drool, but fortune smiles upon me: of
>course, she also didn't want to sell it to just anyone!) She purchased this
>Westy new and has made EVERY repair when it was needed. It's on its third
>engine with 311K miles total and was her primary vehicle for 15 years. It
>has also visited nearly every state (except New England I believe).
>
>Immediately, I subscribed to this list and love reading
>questions/comments/suggestions. My question to all: in order to keep this
>jewel in such good condition, what would you suggest I do?
>
>For example, I have been told:
>
>"steam-clean the engine and check all electrical connections,"
>"crawl underneath and look for leaks now! Become familiar with what your
>undercarriage looks like,"
>"purchase a repair manual,"
>"take the VIN to a dealer and see if recalls have been done" - by the way,
>CAN YOU DO THIS TO THIS AGE VEHICLE??
>"find a mechanic NOT associated with the dealer"
>"find other vanagon owners nearby" - ANY IDEA HOW?
>
>With the vast experience available, where would YOU suggest I start??
>
>Love, Light & Laughter,
>Jay
>new owner of '87 Westy (I'll put up pics next week if interested!!)

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