Volks,

I have to chime in on this thread.

I have a tad over $30,000 invested in this "mostly" reconditioned /
restored Westy Syncro.

I have traveled over 35,000 miles in 10 months, so far.

If you subtract my "Stupid Rebuild Engine" choice problems out of the
equation,

I have replaced;

- 1 Distributor O-Ring
- 1 Water Pump
- 3 sets of fan belts
- 2 u-joints that were still original

I have gone anywhere I wanted,
Camped anywhere I desired,
Stayed as long as I could calm the restless urges.

50 miles down the remote sandy beaches of Padre Island, Tx
27 miles up Pryor Mtn 4x4 trials to camp with wild horse herds
Remote foothills of Death Valley
Followed the Rio Grande along the Tex/Mex Border
Camped on the curb in Major cities
Driven 2500 miles from Baja to DC for a party
Lunched at areas with 4 waterfall views in the distance
Driven right up to glaciers
Explored back country Alaska
Traveled remote trails thru the Yukon
Wandered down dozens of Vancouver Island 4x4 Forest Service roads

And when I got there I had,

Cold beer
Hot food
A bug, wind, rain and snow free warm environment
Sat Radio and Sat TV for whatever

Have been approached my tons of curious people, wondering what the heck
this amazing, go anywhere thing is.

And have had the remarkable opportunity to meet hundreds of other VW Van
Entusinats and gained many new friends.

What other vehicle can I buy for $30,000 that will allow me to have
these kinds of "once in a life time", experiences with this kind of
comfort and capability?

Peace,

Larry Chase
Email: RoadGuy@RoadHaus.com
Web: WWW.RoadHaus.com
Cell:  408.202.1217
What: North American Road Trip
How: RoadHaus - 1990 White VW Westfalia Syncro
Today: Arizona

- - -

Message: 5
   Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2003 09:31:31 -0800
   From: "David Marshall" <VANAGON@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Subject: RE: Eric's opinion about our ridiculous money pits

Clipped >>>