I'm not saying the guy is a mechanic. Sounds like shoddy work. But my
experience with trying to bolt up used headers to another engine is a real PIA.
Although maybe bolting up even new headers is a PIA because of the pancake
engine. I guess on, say an in-line 4--it's one flat surface to another. On the
pancake you have, let's say, the flat exhaust port on one side then the  pipe
connecting around to the other flat port on th eother side. It leaves a lot  of
room for not an exact snug fit.

I mean of course thousands have been done. But the point is it's not such  an
easy straight forward job. Add to that broken studs and the whole thing is a
mess.

I guess the point is you really need a vanagon-specific mechanic and for
that you probably need to pay and drive a bit.

Having said that, a crooked stud is the sign of a butcher. But if the
exhaust is sealed you're should be at least good til the next exahust. Mine was
crossthreaded by the installing "mechanic" of the previous owner. I hate to look
at it, but it has kept the exhaust seal for about 6 years.

As for the rest of the stuff the prybar etc. find another mechanic for the
future. I didn't get if other listees specifically recommended this mechanic to
 you or just said something like "a local mechanic can do it." Either way,
don't  take their advice in the future. Probably shouldn't take mine either. But
you  need someone who is vanangon specific or you'll be disappointed every
time.

Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA

In a message dated 8/19/2005 4:10:59 PM Pacific Standard Time,
eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

Pipes  were good used ones.