> ----- Original Message -----
>
> > i think it would be a cool thread to see the average ages of people on
the
> > list...and why you like vw vans, or why you bought your van..and if you
> used it
> > for your your family, or just yourself..
> >
> > chris
> >
>
 OK, my turn

 I�m 48 years old, have had a ton of different sedans and stationvagons of
 many different brands, mostly Volvo and Saab since they are cheap and
common
 in Sweden and I think it�s a good idea to drive a domestic car because of
 the big amount of cheap spare parts.
 The stationvagon bit is because of my other big interest, Belgian shepherd
 dogs .
 I�d been searching for some nice van a couple of years, not too serious but
 still, testing some Toyotas and Mazdas who are quite common here and was
 almost ready to buy a Chevy Astro when my wife at the time had a chance to
 buy a  -88 Vanagon really cheap at work.
 It had ben used as a transportcar for convicts at a minor security jail
when
 they were out working in the wood, so it�s interior wasn�t all perfect !
 There were cuts in the seats, lots of sawchain oil in the back and graffiti
 on the walls but it was well taken care of in maintenance and drove like a
 dream so we bought it right away !
 BTW, it�s what VW europe call a Transporter, the simplest model with
 cardboard walls and ceiling but it had the digifant engine and fivespeed
 tranny.
 Anyway, the interior has been modified at least a dozen times since I
bought
 it, I like the idea of using the Vanagon as a camper but my ideas are
 somewhat bigger than my carpenting skills !
 The latest rebuild was caused by a rised floor that was the result of an
 engine break down with a Volvo I4 ( see, domestic again :-) ) to replace
the
 nice but expensive WBX - I�m better with a ratchet than saw and hammer.
 Due to a clutch problem - and a divorce - it has been parked outside for a
 couple of years now but we have been through too much to part so even if I
 enjoy the Volvo 745 automatic and the Suzuki Samurai that are in use right
 now the Vanagon is about to be in traffic again after this summer - if I
get
 the Samurai welded and sold !

 Calle
 -88 Volgon
 Mullhyttan, Sweden