i called my local vw dealer..and they just laughed at me basically.   they
said the vehicle is too old to qualify for any recall work..

NEVER, NEVER, take the dealers word as the end of any issue-call VWOA. I did this on Lee Volkswagen in Springfield, Virginia several times back in the '70's. Used to p*ss off the GM at the dealer, which made me feel even better! And I always got my problem fixed.    Jeff