So, I find myself in a bit of a pickle.  I'm currently looking at what
appears to be two veery well maintained vanagons, one '84 and the other an
'87.  By going for the '84, I would be saving myself about $2000.  The only
thing staying my hand, however, is an impression I've been given of the
earlier models.

From what I have been told, these vans (the '81-'85, I believe...those w/ a
1.9L?) are consistently plagued by problems with the lines running coolant
or water from the radiator in the front to the engine in back.  These lines,
if I understand it correctly, are prone to cracks and leaks.  On the other
hand, a friend assures me this problem is easily solved by simply protecting
these lines...i.e., insulating them in foam or sheathing them in metal,
etc.  If anybody has any information concerning this problem specifically,
or any other advantage of the later models over the earlier for that matter
(or, conversely, shortcomings of the earlier over the later), please feel
free to pmail me at ianrcooley@gmail.com .  This car has to make it as many
as 30,000 miles, so such issues are of grave concern to me and any help is
greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much!

--
Scientists warn that traveling through space-time by means of a cosmic
wormhole may be extremely dangerous.