Well by now a few have sniped at my take on this.

Ask yourselves this question.  How many of you contributing to this great
cause have gone out of their way to help a newbie on the list keep there
$500  car running with a $2000 motor or a $20 donation?  Vans that were
rusting into the ground, had head leaks, etc?  Wouldn't they be worth or our
financial support?  They do not have the money for GPS or internet links in
their vans, or fancy wheels or High powered engines.............just people
trying to get by and keep their car on the road.........NOT joyride around
the US.  Believe it or not, I have helped people on Sunday afternoon the
dealer referred to me to get their vanagons back on the highway.  Did I make
money?  Yes, but also i had given untold bits of advice via pmails and
postings over the past several years.

When I decided to upgrade my stereo to MP3 did i ask for handouts?  No, I
sold my old radio and didn't go out to eat with the family for 2 weeks.  I
made it just fine.

When my van broke down in Rock Hill 2 weeks ago did i instantly fire up my
mobile internet link and ask for money for my new alternator?  NO.  I walked
to advance and bought one and installed it with my own tools that i always
bring on road trips. I didn't need to have it towed to a mechanic.

Now granted, it would be cool to joyride around the US.  But don't ask for
handouts.  Sell some of your toys.  That's what those of us in the real
world have to do when times get tough................draw money out of
savings, etc.  With all that has been done to this vehicle, I seriously
doubt its owner is broke.

Adam P
Charleston,SC     Coburn, WV
81  Westy "The Brick "
70 Single Cab "Whitey"
74 Beetle "Ol Yeller"
73 Transporter (STILL at paint shop)
1988 Vanagon Wolfsburg
1976 Transporter (New CA bus)
1974 412 "Goldmember"
Used Vanagon Parts for sale (mostly aircooled)