In a message dated 5/25/06 9:33:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
vanagongl@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

> I bought it, running and in surprisingly good condition, albeit with the
> usual rust and tired motor, for the mind-blowing deal of $800 with every
> intention of turning it into an all-original beauty.  I quickly found that I
> was short of time and money, not to mention a gross lack of knowledge on how
> to repair rusted rocker panels.
>
> I grudgingly sold it for the same price I paid to a friend at work who had
> just lost his wife to a heart attack and his son to a far-off college.  (And
> as a selfish secondary aim, I hoped that the act would appease the VW Gods
> and bring me good fortune with my Vanagons...)
>
> He ordered all original interior pieces, curtains, fabric, etc. from
> Germany, put in a dual port 1776 motor (I think?) and freeway flyer
> transmission, disc brakes up front, and new suspension parts all the way
> around.  He did all of the body work himself, perfectly.  As the restoration
> progressed, he would bring it up to work occasionally and let me take it for
> a spin.
>
>
> I saw it about six months ago and it is absolutely stunning.

and you'll prolly see it on samba in a few months for $25k  :<)

chris