Font of all wisdom:

You guys always have the solutions to my Vanagon and Cabriolet problems.  I hope you can figure this one out.  I have a 91 Vanagon that has me ready to tell her goodbye, even though I love this car.  I keep getting stranded.

History:
Starter rebuilt 7/02
Alternator replaced 8/03
Battery replaced 9/03

The trouble seemed to start in August, stranded without warning at the beach, battery was totally drained by non functioning alternator.  Replaced alternator.  Everything's fine for about 1 month.  Same deal.  No warning.  Stranded with completely dead battery.  Replaced battery.  Okay until October, then same deal.  Checked battery and alternator, was told they were okay and the trouble might be a frayed / bad connection to the alternator.  Repaired.  One week later, happened again.  Fed up, towed it to a shop.  Shop says its a bad alternator, replaces alternator.  Runs fine for Wednesday night, Thursday, then dies again, just now, same thing.  Nothing.

Is it time for me to buy the H**da Element and wash my hands of this?  Any ideas.  Can you spell frustration?

Thanks for any ideas you might have.

Karen