Duncan Cameron aka: Joe Pilot
47 years old
List since 98
First Westy: a 1963 dual barn door that I traded a new Martin D-28 (guitar)
for in 1973. I was 15 1/2 and teaching guitar in a music store in CA- my
student was a surfer moving to HI who wanted a new guitar (I got it at cost)
and I traded for the van before I had a licence. The van was mint; with the
vinyl seat protectors still on the upholstery, he had purchased it from the
original old couple who brought it from Germany! Way cool. Rare. Wish I
still had THAT!

The size and usefulness of the Vanagons is unequaled.  I have utilized them
over the years as surf camps in Mexico and CA,  pilot ready rooms in Alaska,
and for DUI avoidance while playing music across the US... I will never be
with out one for long.
I have had 11 VW Vans since, including a 23 window sunroof De Luxe and an
1980 Westy aircooled POS that I spent a large fortune on -never getting
right!!! (The wasserboxer IS an improvement.)
I had an 85 Westy for 16 years that was an absolute joy, finally now I have
a beautiful 90 Syncro Westy.
These trucks have heart, it may be a steep learning curve for the neophite,
paticularly because of the lack of mechanics who know them...but once you
get one right they are dependable as many and tougher than most. Thanks to
the list we have a chance at keeping them hummin'
BTW: Happy Birthday Ken and Bob... resources extrordinare!
Signed-  DC

(Admitted Vanagon Geek)