Hello Fellow Vanagonians,

Jim from Sun Diego.  43.

When I was about 5 and living in Santa Monica my pop bought a new 64 bug
right off the shipping yard in Long Beach.  He said he got to choose from
about 500 identical white bugs.  We were a family of 6, so my spot was the
luggage slot in the very back.  Even on long road trips.  Boy do we have a
lot more stories about that car.  Then pop got a 71 bus new, and we went all
over the place camping and goofing off.  Me and my brothers began learning
the basics of mechanics on that car.  MY first car was a trashed 65 bug when
I was 17 - $450.  I fixed it up cool.  On the 5 bolt rims you can flip them
inside out and bolt on and they are nice mags. I painted the rims chrome and
the drums black - it was slick!  Body work and my brother hand-painted it
with marine high gloss red enamel.  Add a header to the 1300 cc and I was
off!  It was demolished many years later on the freeway.  Not my fault.
After married, drove a 70 bus for many years, cruising all over the Western
states.  Then I picked up a perfect '87 GL 9 years ago and she is sweet.  I
am continually impressed by the overall integrity of the car, from the
electrical, interior, switches and functionality.  I just take care of it
and nothing ever goes wrong.  It's still like new!  Just installed a CD
changer and cruise control.  If we are taking road trip, the kids almost
demand we take the Vanagon over the SUV.  All that room!

Happy driver ..................

-----Original Message-----
From: Andy Yarnell [mailto:Andrew.Yarnell@KIMLEY-HORN.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 3:59 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: State of the List... State your ages!!!

I am Andy. I am 31 years-old. My first VW was a 1973 Karmann Ghia. I now
own a 1989 Vanagon Carat and a 1973 VW Bug. I used to own a 1992 VW GTI
8v, but a co-worker rear ended me, and that is when I bought the
Vanagon. My first Vanagon was a 1987 Wolfy, very rough condition, but it
was enough to get me hooked on these German boxes.

I will always own at least one VW, it is just who I am. You can't say
that about very many vehicles in the world today.

I am very happy to be a part of this community.

Now, is anyone selling a set of 15" alloy wheels? I want a set very
badly. I had a set of Carat 2's on my 1987 Wolfy, but had to part with
them to cover some bills. If anyone knows where I can find a used set of
15's please p-mail me. Thanks!

Andy Y.
Lakewood, CO
www.krautwagen.com
Coming soon to krautwagen.com... Vanagon pages!