My Young VW Bus Padawan,

I believe that part of the trick is to frequent the same store so you become
a familiar face. Greet the people there consistently with a friendly and
courteous attitude. Be tolerant of their Vanagon unfamiliarity . Maybe even
try to learn their names and eventually they might warm up to you. If you
ever worked on the other side of the counter you would know how rude and
abusive the majority of the public can be. Stand out as friendly face.
Pretty soon you will find them going that extra mile for you, searching the
data base for a substitute, suggesting economic alternatives, being generous
when the measure out that twenty feet of 5/8" heater hose. In short,
treating you Friendly.

And above all, don't forget to keep your stick on the ice.

Ken Lewis
http://neksiwel.20m.com/
Vanagon mods, tech info and O2 sensor help