Hello folks,
 After years of wanting one, I finally bought my first Westy (and first VW) 
a few weeks ago - a dream come true! It is a 1983 Vanagon Westfalia Pop-Top, 
green, named "the Westy" (no, not very original). Here's a link to photos: 
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=1309pjkb.2hwt7yvv&x=0&y=-a5h9op So far I 
have camped at a state park in Northern California (the night I bought it, 
awesome!) and the following weekend surprising friends who flew in for a 
trip to Yosemite - a great surprise and a great trip! 
 I have been lurking on the list a couple of weeks now, not understanding 
much, but learning some and enjoying the community. It is much more active 
than I expected! Anyway, I thought folks might be willing to share tips 
about some things I might want to fix. I would only do the work on very easy 
items - all else will go to Fred's Garage in Redwood City, CA. I have seen 
reference to an archive, but am not sure what archive people are referring 
to - please direct me there! I have also found a lot of great links. Here's 
what I know or have noticed since buying: 

   - Northern California vehicle, no rust. 
   - Original air-cooled engine. 70 mph on the highway, 30-35 up steeper 
   hills (think Yosemite) 
   - Broken odometer @ just over 110K, estimated mileage 118K. Do you 
   recommend getting it fixed? I'd kind of like to watch the mileage rack up 
   :-) I read in a post that the cost would be ~$300? 
   - No middle seat, holes in floor. Suggestions for blocking the holes? 
   Is that recommended? 
   - All the plastic wall and ceiling lining is removed or falling off. 
   Is this a problem? Do most other folks rip it out as well? 
   - Poptop seal needs to be glued back on. Suggestions on what to use? 
   - Where to put my drinks?!?!?!!? Have already found lots of info on 
   this one... 
   - I am still trying to sort out how to use the stove, sink and fridge. 
   I'll figure it out, and ask any specific questions later. Have already 
   learned a lot about the fridge from some posts - thanks! 
   - Can't open sliding door from the outside - no biggie really, makes 
   it more secure from thieves! 
   - No A/C, starts getting hot in temps 85 and above. Is it worth 
   considering A/C installation? Approx cost? 
   - Tires will need to be replaced next year - have already seen some 
   good tips on the list, thanks! 
   - Does anybody know where can find out which colors were available in 
   1983? I found a link that had other years listed, but not 1983. I'd like to 
   find out exactly what the name of my color is, although I am guessing it was 
   just called "green".

Here's what I already had fixed, before heading to Yosemite:

   - Rear hatch struts replaced 
   - Oil change; oil tank leak fixed 
   - Gas tank leak fixed 
   - New front brake pads

Thanks everybody. My favorite moment so far was the day after I bought it, 
my excitement still at the very high end of the spectrum, and I was driving 
back home leisurely through wine country... the driver of an orange Vanagon 
Westy waved to me... it felt like a welcome to the club. So, I'm looking 
forward to waving to some of you folks soon!
 Cheers all,
Stacy