I am in process of restoring my '84.  Right now at stage where I have
installed rebuilt engine plus just about everything you hang on the engine
was also replaced and I have had all brake components and bearings replaced.
I still have to do front heater and associated coolant hoses, blower motor,
as well as interior and exterior restoration.  I have put in about $8K and
probably have another $8K to go.

I suppose I could go out to new car dealers and drop $30K plus for a new
minivan, but I wouldn't be half as much fun to drive.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
----- Original Message -----
From: "JAMES FOWLER, III" <jimfowler@PRODIGY.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2004 1:16 PM
Subject: umbrella question about reliability

> if the vanagon i have (1984) is rebuilt carefully and
> thoroughly, is there any need to worry about
> reliability?  what i'd like to do is overhaul the
> engine and take it out on the road for various and
> sundry reasons.  i'm not looking for an "around town"
> vehicle, and i wanna make sure that i'm not about to
> start throwing money into a bottomless pit.
>
> thanks.
>
> -jim