I have to agree with Adam.  We are not talking about helping a homeless
person here.  Do what you want.  I will use the money to keep my own van
running and to try to keep the tank full ($31.50 per fill up!) of midgrade.
TEMiller

----- Original Message -----
From: "Vanagon Man" <vgonman@MSN.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2004 6:22 AM
Subject: Thoughts on the roadhouse.

> 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)
>