>  > <snip> what thoughts The List has about alternatives for the Vanagon.
>
>Considering that no manufacturer has yet to equal the versatility

Sure they do... they just don't sell 'em in the US for some whacko
reason (they'd sell like hotcakes). Hiaces have no engine hump in the
back (heck, neither would the T3 if VW had laid-out the engine
ancillaries properly). Forward-control, full-length flat floor...
even available with no rear wheelarch intrusions (J-Low version), 3
wheelbases to choose from.

European & US vans are crude ugly boxes which handle like c***.

>of our
>Vanagons and Westfalias, I would say that rebuilding the vehicle is a
>viable option,

Absolutely. If you can't find a suitable replacement, maintain,
repair & if you like update your type 2.

>True, but you will never have to replace a CV joint.  A limited-slip diff
>helps a lot with traction on slick surfaces,

Yup... you lose traction to BOTH wheels!

--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin
New Zealand
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut