Al,

I have a theory on the instrument cluster self destructing.  The first time
I saw that the brake/clutch fluid reservoir is right between the
instruments, I wondered if the brake fluid vapor (the cap is vented) is
causing a chemical change in the plastic.  I don't remember seeing the same
type of deterioration on the Rabbits and such of the same generation, and I
would imagine that the plastic was the same or similar formula.

I do know from past experience with motorcycles that once plastic gets some
(DOT 3, 4 or 5.1) brake fluid on it, either it melts or it gets very
brittle...

Don in Reidsville, NC
1987 Vanagon GL Syncro (Suzie) - Sale Pending!
1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)
Why do they call it a fixed income, when mine is always broke?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Al and Sue Brase" <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Mon 14 March 2005 10:34
Subject: Re: Life after speedometer, why do they break? -PLASTIC ROT

> We're talking about 2 different things here:
> The odometer totally not working- usually because the black drive gear
> is broken and turning on its shaft.
> And, The trip meter not resetting.
> I'd have to agree, having addressed both problems in my earlier
> Vanagons, neither seems to have been caused by resetting on the fly.
> (And , Sam, clutch in or out should make no difference. The speedo is
> driven by the front wheel. The speedo doesn't know if there even IS a
> tranny.) BOTH seem to be  caused by plastic degradation. The trip meter
> on my 82 wouldn't reset because the speedo assembly was moving forward
> when I pushed the button. I think I changed out the whold cluster for a
> less deteriorated one.
> This hole damn plastic rot thing bothers me. Not so much for the
> Vanagon, but rather to keep me from getting any newer car. Newer cars,
> as you may know, approach 99% plastic. :<) If you view you vehicle as a
> lifetime investment, better get an old one!
> I suspect that the WholeThing of Plastic ROT may be affected by climate,
> possibly high summertime temps or possibly ozone or some other factor.
> Do northern cars have less trouble than southern ones?
> JOEL! time for a poll! Possibly chart it by maximum high ambient temps?
> Al Brase