hi matt,

i was thinking the same thing. but i wanted a westy too badly. even worse, i
was in europe and wanted it ready when i would move over, so i bought one
unseen from ebay. i had never worked on a car myself.
i am very happy with it - maybe i was lucky. i had minor issues in the 6000
miles i drove so far, a coolant leak etc, but with the help of the list i
was guided through it. i did some simple things, like exchanging the shocks,
and fuel lines. that was all relatively easy to learn. the great thing is i
started to understand some of the typical problematic areas in the van and
feel much more confident now when going on roadtrips than with other newer
cars i had before that i had no clue of how they worked. not that i think i
can repair anything that happens now, but at least understand what i ask the
mechanic to do if i cannot handle it myself and hopefully not be ripped off
as badly as i was in the last years with other cars and my
no-idea-it-doesnt-drive-anymore face.
so, my personal advice, if you are interested in doing even a littlebit
yourself - go for it. its a great fun car.

florian

On 11/9/05, Matthew Fredericks <fredericksmatt@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> This brings up (or answers) a question of mine. I'm thinking of buying an
> 84 Vanagon. It seems to be well-maintained, but it would be my first
> Vanagon. I've been wanting a VW bus for some time, but after consulting
> some friends, I wonder if I'm actually 'handy' enough to handle a Vanagon.
> Truth be told, I've never really worked on my own car (I'm usually without
> one!). I know Vanagons are easier to work on than many computer-chipped
> cars, but if standard expectations for owning a Vanagon involve many hours
> with the hood up (or many dollars to foreign auto mechanics), uh-- I might
> be biting off more than I can chew.
>
> Any opinions? I'd appreciate any feedback.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Matt
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2005 5:44 AM
> Subject: Vanagon Musings
>
>
> > Seems there is always something to do on your vehicle if you own a
> > Vanagon. Mine has needed some attention for sometime and I finally broke
> > down and started in on the list of projects.
> >
> > 1)Windshield leaks - both bottom corners - and badly sand pitted
> > _Action_ - Installed a new windshield with new rubber seal 9Bus Depot)
> > without trim groove. CA look.
> >
> > 2) Leaking Power Steering Rack
> > _Action:_ replaced PS rack with rebuilt Mavel unit. New rubber and
> > bushings. Installed new PS system filter. (Ken at Vanagain.com<http://Vanagain.com>
> )
> >
> > 3) Blown Seams in Muffler, Dead O2 sensor
> > _Action:_ new Muffler and Tail Pipe (Ken at Vanagain.com<http://Vanagain.com>),
> New Bosch O2
> > sensor ( Small Car Parts, B'ham, AL)
> >
> > 4) Spark knock under load
> > _Action:_ Tune up - New plugs, rotor finger, distributor cap, air filter
> > (Small Car Parts, B'ham, AL) re-set timing.
> >
> > 5) Squealing Disc brakes, binding rear brake
> > _Action:_ Machine rear drums and front rotors, lube front wheel
> > bearings. Install new rear brake cylinders, install new front pads and
> > rear shoes. Install new front spindle locking nuts.( parts from Ken at
> > Vanagain.com <http://Vanagain.com>)
> >
> > 6) CV Bearings
> > _Action: _Inject CV grease into boots under boot edge using hollow
> > needle greasing tool. Massaged grease into bearings.
> >
> > 7) Manual Tranny Service;
> > _Action:_ Bi-annual tranny fluid change - Redline MT-90
> >
> > 8) Oil Change
> > _Action:_ Change Oil - Mobil One 15W50, Mahle filter
> >
> > 9) Coolant Change
> > _Action:_ Flush system and fill with 4 gallons (est) of 50/50 Texaco
> > biodegradable orange, two bottles of Red Line Water Wetter.
> >
> > 10) Dead AC system
> > Action: Flush AC system, install new filter, new compressor, new seals,
> > test and service the system. (Parts from Ken at Vanagain.com<http://Vanagain.com>
> )
> >
> > That is the current list just accomplished.
> >
> > Other projects in the next few weeks:
> >
> > Install headlight relay upgrade
> > Install Hella lighting upgrade 80/100 watt lights.
> > Tire balance and front end alignment
> > Por 15 the battery box
> > Touch up a couple of rusty spots where rocks chipped through the paint.
> >
> > I'm sure I will add addittional projects in time., but right now I am
> > getting the old girl ready for winter.
> >
> > John Rodgers
> > 88 GL Driver
> >
>