How old is the fuel? My first concern will be fuel condition especially
with the mechanical fuel injection. Internal, unseen corrosion can become
a nightmare. In particular, the fuel distributor control plunger can get
stuck usually making for the injectors to stay open and fill the cylinders
with fuel. The engine can seem to work fine, and suddenly during
acceleration the hang up occurs.

Next, was the car driven at all? Did gear oil ever get splashed on the
tranny bearings or tops of some gears? Wheel bearings, shocks, brake
cylinders. Even after an external check up, some of these tings will need
future attention.  Of course all belts, hoses, and tires will need
inspection or replacement. Especially 8 year old tires.

You will want to check the engine for excess internal moisture. The 20
minute starts have possibly done wonders for loading the crankcase with
moisture and acid. Smell carefully for a bad heater core. Does the AC
still work?

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jeff Lincoln
Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2007 10:46 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: NVC - 86' Cabriolet

Patty (my SO) has found a Cabriolet for sale that she likes. Problem is
it's
about a 12 hour drive from us. The car is in real good condition but has
been garaged for 8 years. It was started and ran once a month for about 20
minutes during that tims. So I guess I'm looking for advice on what to be
concerned about on a car that sat that long. I mean is a fluid change and
a
tune up going to do it? Aside from checking brakes and tires. Thans to
Larry's site I found a couple of highly recommended shos near the seller.
I
am hoping they will be willing to drive the car to one of them for
servicing. We would like to drive it home.

Anyhow, advice and suggestions are very welcome. On anything from the
situation to the car - I'm not real familiar with the Cabriolet.

--
Thanks,

Jeff
90' Carat (It's Blue, It's Beautiful. Now sporting a very unstylish brown
interior taken from the parts bus)
86' (We call this one Parts)
85' GL (Sidelined and feeling neglected)