I have always held to the tenets of Persig's persuasive arguments.
The intrinsic value of an engine (whether in a motorcycle or a VW) is in its
utility and form; and when applied to its intended use comes artistry and
beauty.
The quandary for me is what is the true duality of the vanagon world?
In the end the answer, for me, must be to address the twin horns of...
To modify or keep it original?
Happy Christmas.
Stephen
Chillicothe OH
...Oh, boy, Oh boy... I got Tom Waits' "Orphans" from Santa!

on 12/25/06 12:06 PM, Mark Drillock at mdrillock@COX.NET wrote:

> I think your final point is spot on as is the book. Long time Vanagon
> owners cross swords at most every other conceivable trait. Only time
> will tell if younger folks will carry on the resistance.
>
> Mark
>
> Geza Polony wrote:
>
>> This is by far the longest thread I've seen on this site, and it's about
>> people, not cars. Perhaps that in itself gives an indication of the common
>> denominator here.
>> .......................
>>
>> A book I'm reminded of is "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." There
>> is something about these vans that encourages you to explore them and bond
>> with them by doing mechanical work. This goes against the grain of modern
>> consumerist culture, which produces impenetrable object meant to be
>> discarded. Maybe a distrust of this culture is another trait Vanagon owners
>> share.
>>
>>
>> Geza
>>